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35 Facts About Oreo

Delly Ables

Written by Delly Ables

Published: 11 Oct 2025

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Seriouseats.com

Ever wondered what makes Oreos so special? These iconic cookies have been a favorite for over a century, and there's more to them than just their delicious taste. From their mysterious origins to their global popularity, Oreos have a rich history filled with fun facts. Did you know that Oreos were first introduced in 1912? Or that they are sold in over 100 countries? Whether you're a fan of the classic cookie or love the many unique flavors, there's always something new to learn about this beloved treat. Get ready to be amazed by 35 fascinating facts about Oreos!

Table of Contents
01The Birth of Oreo
02The Design and Ingredients
03Global Popularity
04Fun Facts and Records
05Marketing and Advertising
06Oreo Variations
07Limited Editions and Seasonal Flavors
08Oreo in Pop Culture
09Health and Nutrition
10Oreo and Milk
11Oreo and Charity
12Oreo and Technology
13The Sweet Truth About Oreos

The Birth of Oreo

Oreo cookies have been a beloved treat for over a century. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic cookie.

  1. Oreo's Debut: Oreo was first introduced on March 6, 1912, by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Nabisco.

  2. Original Name: The original name was "Oreo Biscuit." It was changed to "Oreo Sandwich" in 1921, then to "Oreo Creme Sandwich" in 1948, and finally to "Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie" in 1974.

  3. First Sale: The first sale of Oreo cookies was made to a grocer in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The Design and Ingredients

The design and ingredients of Oreo cookies have their own interesting stories.

  1. Classic Design: The current design, featuring the Nabisco logo and a pattern of four-leaf clovers, was created in 1952 by William A. Turnier.

  2. Secret Recipe: The recipe for the creme filling is a closely guarded secret, known only to a few Nabisco employees.

  3. Vegan-Friendly: Despite its creamy filling, Oreo cookies are actually vegan. The creme filling contains no dairy products.

Global Popularity

Oreo's popularity isn't confined to the United States. It's a global phenomenon.

  1. Global Reach: Oreo cookies are sold in over 100 countries worldwide.

  2. Different Names: In some countries, Oreo cookies are sold under different names. For example, in Spain, they were once called "Oreo Maria."

  3. Local Flavors: Unique flavors are created for different markets. In China, you can find Green Tea Oreos, while in Argentina, Dulce de Leche Oreos are popular.

Fun Facts and Records

Oreo cookies have set records and inspired fun facts over the years.

  1. Best-Selling Cookie: Oreo is the best-selling cookie brand in the United States, generating over $2 billion in annual revenue.

  2. World Record: The largest Oreo ever made weighed 73.4 kg (161 lbs) and had a diameter of 1.2 meters (4 feet).

  3. Twist, Lick, Dunk: The famous "Twist, Lick, Dunk" ritual was introduced in the 1980s and has become a beloved way to enjoy Oreos.

Marketing and Advertising

Oreo's marketing strategies have played a significant role in its success.

  1. First Advertisement: The first Oreo advertisement appeared in the Ladies' Home Journal in 1913.

  2. Social Media Presence: Oreo has a strong social media presence, with millions of followers on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  3. Super Bowl Ad: Oreo's 2013 Super Bowl ad, which featured the tagline "You can still dunk in the dark," went viral and is considered one of the best real-time marketing moments.

Oreo Variations

Over the years, Oreo has introduced numerous variations to keep fans excited.

  1. Double Stuf: Double Stuf Oreos, which contain twice the amount of creme filling, were introduced in 1974.

  2. Mega Stuf: For those who can't get enough creme, Mega Stuf Oreos, with even more filling than Double Stuf, were launched in 2013.

  3. Golden Oreos: Golden Oreos, featuring vanilla-flavored cookies instead of chocolate, were introduced in 2004.

Limited Editions and Seasonal Flavors

Oreo frequently releases limited edition and seasonal flavors to keep things fresh.

  1. Pumpkin Spice: Pumpkin Spice Oreos are a popular fall flavor, first introduced in 2014.

  2. Birthday Cake: To celebrate Oreo's 100th anniversary in 2012, Birthday Cake Oreos were released, featuring sprinkles in the creme filling.

  3. Red Velvet: Red Velvet Oreos, with red cookies and cream cheese-flavored filling, were introduced in 2015.

Oreo in Pop Culture

Oreo cookies have made their mark in pop culture as well.

  1. Movies and TV: Oreos have appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including "Wreck-It Ralph" and "Friends."

  2. Music: The cookie has been mentioned in songs by artists like Wiz Khalifa and R. Kelly.

  3. Art: Oreo cookies have inspired artists to create intricate sculptures and designs using the cookies and creme filling.

Health and Nutrition

While Oreos are a tasty treat, it's important to know about their nutritional content.

  1. Calorie Count: One Oreo cookie contains approximately 53 calories.

  2. Sugar Content: Each cookie has about 4.7 grams of sugar.

  3. Trans Fats: In 2006, Nabisco removed trans fats from Oreo cookies to make them healthier.

Oreo and Milk

Oreo and milk are a classic combination, but there's more to it than just taste.

  1. Perfect Pairing: The combination of Oreo and milk is scientifically proven to enhance the flavor of the cookie.

  2. Dunking Time: According to a study, the optimal dunking time for an Oreo in milk is four seconds.

  3. Milk's Favorite Cookie: The slogan "Milk's Favorite Cookie" was introduced in 1997 and has become synonymous with Oreo.

Oreo and Charity

Oreo has also been involved in various charitable activities.

  1. Oreo Wonder Vault: In 2016, Oreo opened the "Oreo Wonder Vault" in New York City, where fans could try new flavors. Proceeds went to charity.

  2. Oreo Stuf Inside: In 2020, Oreo launched a campaign called "Oreo Stuf Inside," where fans could win prizes and donations were made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Oreo and Technology

Oreo has embraced technology in innovative ways.

  1. Oreo Dunk Challenge: In 2017, Oreo launched the "Oreo Dunk Challenge" app, allowing fans to virtually dunk cookies using their smartphones.

  2. Oreo Music Box: The Oreo Music Box, introduced in 2018, plays music when an Oreo cookie is placed on it, combining technology with fun.

  3. Oreo ID: In 2020, Oreo introduced "Oreo ID," allowing fans to customize their cookies with personalized messages and designs.

The Sweet Truth About Oreos

Oreos have a rich history and a fascinating array of facts that make them more than just a tasty treat. From their mysterious origins to their global popularity, these cookies have captured hearts worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Oreo or love the unique flavors, there’s no denying their impact on snack culture.

Remember, Oreos aren’t just for eating. They’ve inspired recipes, art, and even scientific experiments. Their versatility and enduring appeal make them a staple in many households.

Next time you twist, lick, and dunk, think about the journey this iconic cookie has taken. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon, Oreos have truly stood the test of time. So, grab a glass of milk and enjoy your favorite Oreo, knowing you’re part of a delicious legacy.

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