Are Oreos Vegan? What You Need To Know

Are Oreos Vegan? This question often sparks intense debate. Due to their creamy center, many people assume Oreo cookies contain dairy – but surprisingly, they don’t.

Oreos are made of two chocolate biscuits with a sweet, creamy filling. First created in 1912, Oreos are now sold in more than 100 countries in various flavors. With over 450 billion Oreos produced worldwide, they are often considered the “world’s best-selling cookie,” generating USD $4 billion in sales in 2022.

But do Oreos meet vegan standards? Let’s dive into the details.

A plate of vegan dairy-free chocolate Oreo biscuits — Adobe Stock Oreos are thought to be the most popular cookie in the world

The History of Oreo Cookies

The Oreo cookie was developed by the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) in New York in 1912. The factory’s Ninth Avenue location is now aptly renamed “Oreo Way.” The cookie initially featured a wreath-like design around its edge and the word “Oreo” in bold.

Through the decades, Oreo evolved its name and recipe, removing lard (animal fat) in the 1990s in favor of partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Are Oreos Vegan?

For the most part, Oreos are vegan. The classic Oreo filling contains plant-based ingredients like sugar and soy lecithin. However, the packaging often states they “may contain milk.” This disclaimer refers to the risk of cross-contamination in facilities where milk is also handled. Most vegans consider this acceptable under The Vegan Society’s “as far as possible and practicable” guideline.

Oreos are therefore widely regarded as “accidentally vegan.”

What About Sugar? Is It Vegan?

A packet of dairy-free vegan chocolate Oreo cookies — Adobe Stock Most Oreos are suitable for those on vegan diets

In the US, some sugar is refined using bone char, which comes from farmed animals. This raises concerns for some vegans. However, avoiding bone char-produced sugar is often impractical, and products containing such sugar are usually still deemed acceptable for vegans to eat, including by organizations like PETA.

Vegan-Friendly Oreo Flavors

The following Oreo flavors are generally considered vegan-friendly (always check the packaging for updates):

Classic
Gluten-Free
Golden
Dark Chocolate
Lemon
Mint
Chocolate Hazelnut
Peanut Butter
Carrot Cake
Java Chip

Non-Vegan Oreo Flavors

Packs of Oreo Cakesters, which are not vegan-friendly, at a supermarket — Adobe Stock Oreo Cakesters is an example of a non-vegan Oreo product

Some Oreo varieties may contain animal-derived ingredients, like Fudge-Covered Oreos, Brookie-O, Cakesters, or special seasonal editions. Always check the label before buying.

Do Oreos Contain Palm Oil?

Palm oil is an ingredient listed in most Oreos. While palm oil isn’t technically non-vegan, some people will choose to avoid it due to the huge impact it has on wildlife and the environment.

The ingredient has been linked to deforestation, habitat loss, and species extinction. Orangutans in particular have been impacted by the harvesting of palm oil, and they are currently listed as critically endangered.

Oreo has been criticized by Greenpeace in the past for its use of palm oil. While Oreos are vegan-friendly, vegans may choose to opt for alternatives without palm oil.

Other Vegan Alternatives to Oreos

Looking for similar cookies that are also vegan-friendly? Here are some alternatives:

Back to Nature – Classic Creme Cookies
- Contains palm oil.
Vegan Bakery – Cookies n Cream
- Certified vegan and gluten-free.
365 Whole Foods Market – Chocolate Sandwich Cremes
- Palm oil-free, using canola oil instead.
Gato – Cookies n Cream
- Recyclable packaging and natural ingredients.

How to Eat Oreos

The “twist, lick, and dunk” method is iconic, but Oreos are versatile! Pair them with your favorite plant milk (soy, almond, or oat), or use them creatively in recipes.