5 Interesting Facts About Oreos You Probably Didn't Know
Image source: Oreo / Mondelēz International (official site) – oreo.com/products/chocolate-sandwich-cookies
Oreo has been a part of everyday life for over a century, but behind this simple black-and-white cookie lies a surprisingly interesting story. Here are five facts you probably didn't know.
1. Oreo was created as an imitation of another cookie
When the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) launched Oreo in 1912, the goal was to surpass the competing cookie Hydrox, which hit the market in 1908 and had a nearly identical concept – two chocolate cookies with creamy filling. Ironically, Oreo has since far surpassed Hydrox in popularity, leading many to mistakenly believe that Hydrox is a copy of Oreo, rather than the other way around.
2. "Twist. Lick. Dunk." – the brand's official ritual
Separating the cookie, licking the cream, and dunking it in milk is not just a fan habit – it’s the official slogan and ritual that Oreo has promoted for decades. The combination of textures (crispy cookie + creamy filling) is specifically designed to encourage this way of consumption.
Image source: Oreo / Mondelēz International (official site) – oreo.com/products/chocolate-sandwich-cookies
3. The best-selling cookie in the world since 2014
According to manufacturer Mondelēz, Oreo has been the best-selling cookie brand in the world since 2014, sold in over 100 countries, and it is estimated that over 450 billion pieces have been sold from 1912 to today – enough to circle the Earth several times if stacked one on top of the other.
4. Ownership has changed multiple times
Although Oreo was created under Nabisco, the brand has gone through several owners throughout history – including R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Philip Morris – before becoming part of Mondelēz International in 2012, the company that currently manages the brand.
5. Global flavour diversity is greater than you think
In addition to the classic version, Oreo is available worldwide in dozens, if not hundreds, of variants – from matcha flavour in Asia to limited collaborations with other brands like Reese's. This diversity explains why flavours like those in our selection are so intriguing to customers who have never seen them in a regular European store before.
Image source: Oreo / Mondelēz International (official site) – oreo.com/products/peanut-buttery-creme
Where to buy Oreo in Europe
Look for original and special Oreo variants in the Oreo collection at OhMyCandyBox – the selection and availability of flavours often change, so it's worth checking the page before placing an order.
Image source: OhMyCandyBox – ohmycandybox.hr/collections/oreo
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Oreo the first cookie of its kind?
No, the competing Hydrox cookie was released four years earlier, in 1908.
Who owns the Oreo brand today?
Mondelēz International, since 2012.
How many Oreo cookies have been sold since 1912?
According to manufacturer estimates, over 450 billion pieces.
