Buzz
Oreo, with its iconic 71% cookie and 29% cream ratio, holds more surprises than you'd expect. Here are a few lesser-known details about this classic treat, in honor of National Oreo Day.
1. HYDROX CAME FIRST.
Though Hydrox may appear to be an Oreo copycat, it actually made its debut in 1908—four years ahead of the Oreo.
2. DOUBLE-STUF MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK.
Turns out they're only about 1.86 times bigger than the standard Oreo. A high school math class from upstate New York uncovered this fact, although an Oreo spokesperson still insists that they truly contain 'double the stuff.'
3. OREO O'S CEREAL WAS ONCE A REALITY.
Launched in 1998 and discontinued by 2007, Oreo O's cereal is still alive and well in South Korea. If you’re feeling nostalgic, join the growing movement on this Facebook group to bring Oreo O’s back.
4. THERE'S A SPECIAL TOOL FOR DIPPING.
For Oreo lovers who can’t resist dunking their cookies in milk, The Dipr is a must-have. This hook-shaped utensil securely holds your Oreo, making dunking a breeze while ensuring your cookie stays intact—plus, it comes with a shallow dish to prevent the age-old struggle of trying to fit your hand into a narrow glass of milk.
5. PIGS DON’T LIKE OREOS.
Thanks to Ben & Jerry’s, we discovered this fun fact. In 1985, the company started giving its milk waste to a local pig farm, only to learn that the pigs turned their snouts up at Mint with Oreo Cookies. Guess even pigs have their preferences.
6. OREOS IN CHINA ARE A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY.
Though Oreos are a favorite in the U.S., they didn’t make much of an impression when they debuted in China in 1996. Facing potential failure, Kraft reached out to local consumers for feedback. This led to a reworked recipe, new flavors and shapes, fresh ads, and an Oreo that bears little resemblance to the American version: a tube-shaped treat with four layers of crispy wafer and vanilla or chocolate cream filling.
In 2006, the wafer variety became the top-selling biscuit in China, prompting Kraft to expand the treat to Asia, Australia, and Canada. Although Oreo sales have dropped in those regions since, the diverse range of Chinese Oreo products raises the question: Why not bring these unique creations back to the U.S.? There's a strong chance they'd find an audience.
7. OREO CREAM CAN BE A MASTERPIECE.
Artist Tisha Cherry transforms Golden Oreos into miniature works of art, using novelty Oreo flavors for color and a toothpick as her tool. Her Instagram features everything from an Oreo-d Frida Kahlo to American Gothic, plus a wealth of other edible artwork.
8. THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME REMAINS A MYSTERY.
Oreo has undergone several name changes over time, initially known as “Oreo Biscuits,” then “Oreo Sandwich,” “Oreo Crème Sandwich,” and “Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie” in the 1970s. The true origin of the name “Oreo” remains unclear, though some speculate it comes from the French word for gold (or), due to the original gold packaging. But the real answer is still anyone's guess.
9. OREOS ARE THE BEST-SELLING COOKIE GLOBALLY.
Since their debut in 1912, more than 450 billion Oreo cookies have been sold worldwide.
10. THEY'RE SOLD IN OVER 100 COUNTRIES.
Global Oreo flavors include Green Tea Ice Cream (Japan), Dulce de Leche (Argentina), Blueberry Ice Cream (Indonesia), Raspberry/Blueberry (China), and Orange/Mango (China).
11. LEMON MERINGUE WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FLAVORS.
Lemon Meringue was discontinued in the 1920s. Since then, Oreo has introduced a vast array of flavors, including Creamsicle, Banana Split Cream, Neapolitan, Triple Double, Candy Corn, Coconut Fudge, Gingerbread, Candy Cane, White Fudge Covered, Cookies n’ Creme, Root Beer Float, Watermelon, Marshmallow Crispy, Caramel Apple, Limeade, Pumpkin Spice, Cookie Dough, Red Velvet, Cotton Candy, S’mores, and many more.
12. OREOS CAN REVEAL YOUR PERSONALITY.
How you eat an Oreo might reveal traits of your personality. In a 2004 survey of 2,000 Oreo fans, Kraft Foods found that dunkers tend to be energetic, adventurous, and social; twisters are sensitive, emotional, artistic, and trendy; while biters are easy-going, self-confident, and optimistic. Additionally, women are more likely to dunk, men more likely to bite, and Republicans tend to dunk, while Democrats are more often twisters.
13. OREOS MEET SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS.
Though not a diet food by any means, Oreos are considered accidentally vegan (although cross-contact with milk during production is possible). The original recipe used pig lard, but Oreos became officially kosher in 1997.
14. OREO KNOWS HOW TO MARK ITS MILESTONES.
To celebrate its 100th birthday, Oreo introduced a limited-edition Birthday Cake cookie, featuring cake-flavored filling and sprinkles, accompanied by an extensive marketing campaign—very much like that friend who insists on celebrating their birthday for an entire month.
15. BIG STUF OREO ONCE EXISTED.
In 1984, Big Stuf Oreos arrived, and they were about 10 times the size of a regular Oreo. Sadly, they were discontinued in 1991, and the world still mourns their loss. But perhaps even more memorable than the cookie itself was the advertising campaign—watch this video and relive the glory of Big Stuf Oreos. Do it for Oreos, and for yourself.
