You’re glancing through the snack aisle, and oh, the nostalgia hits hard when you see your childhood charmer Oreo cookies sitting on one of the shelves, looking back at you. You reach out for the nearest bundle but snap!
You’re all vegan now, your are wondering, are Oreos vegan too? This question strikes you and puts you in deep thought.
Even if you are wondering for the types of mushrooms available in the market for your vegan diet, then read to know more.
As such, read on to find out all about Oreos, what are they, whether they are completely vegan, what ingredients they contain, and much more through the guide, so that next time you think of buying your precious biscuit, you’re all sorted to make an informed decision!
Oreo Cookies? What are they?
The iconic sandwich cookie is a much-relished item loved by children and adults alike. Consisting of two circular chocolate biscuits, they have a vanilla-based center. These delectable cookies were first introduced in the year 1912 and since that time skyrocketed in popularity. The cookies are made and manufactured by Nabisco which has a presence in more than a hundred countries across the globe.
Around the 1990s, Oreos brought a major change in its recipe by removing lard (pig fat) from the cream base. They first replaced it with hydrogenated vegetable oil and later non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. They also removed whey protein from their ingredients. Hence, they moved away from the use of animal-based components in their cookies.
We also have described well to make you understand the difference between vegan and vegetarian diet. And still if you are wondering are Oreo cookies vegan? Well, let’s know about that in the very next section!
Are Oreos Vegan-friendly?
Well, since the time Oreos came into being, they have expanded considerably, introducing various flavors and fillings. While these decadent cookies do not contain any visible animal-based ingredients, not all varieties are vegan (see their packaging when you buy one).
This is because these cookies are made in facilities that produce other milk-based products, and therefore, have a risk of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination means that oreos get produced on the same equipment that handles other dairy-based products.
Although, some factories feature “may contain” labels, it is up to one’s discretion, whether they choose to consume the product that contains this warning. Apart from this, Oreo cookies contain plain sugar, which often gets refined with the aid of animal bone char, which is then used as a decolorizing agent that helps sugar gain its pure, white color.
Also, though its ingredient, palm oil is vegan intrinsically, its production has been extremely harmful to the environment and has caused destruction to many animal habitats. As such, many vegans do not purchase items that contain palm oil.
So, technically, Oreo cookies can or cannot be vegan, depending upon the fact that how a person perceives it, whether they are concerned about cross-contamination or the use of sugar and palm oil in it, or are completely okay as the product does not contain any animal-based ingredients.
Oreo Ingredients
Ever wondered how are oreos vegan cookies made, or how ones that contain elements in them that make them non-vegan, possess that luscious taste ingrained in them?
Well, it is all due to the ingredients that make them who they are! So, let’s find out what goes into making your very favorite and toothsome Oreo cookies:-
Unbleached Enriched Flour
A ground-up wheat powder, the unbleached enriched flour is a plant-based product that is used in Oreo cookies. They contain added vitamins and minerals that make them a bit healthier than all-purpose flour. The flour contains niacin, wheat flour, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin b1), riboflavin (vitamin b2), folic acid amongst others.
Sugar
Well, the addictive Oreo cream filling uses refined white sugar, which is deemed as not being vegan as it is refined through animal bone char, making it a debatable ingredient of the cookie.
Vegetable Oil
This is another important ingredient that is used for preparing the Oreo filling. The cookies get made using either palm or canola oil, which is blended with sugar to form a thick creamy filling. Although canola is vegan-friendly oil, the same cannot be said about palm oil due to its destructive production that leads to deforestation.
Since the cookie label says that it can contain either of the two, it is, therefore, on the blacklist of many vegans.
Cocoa
It is a hundred percent vegan ingredient that is made from roasted, ground cacao and is used in the cookie. They have certain health benefits and are known to lift the mood and provide a mild energy boost.
Baking Soda
A natural combination of organic molecules, baking soda is a vegan ingredient that gets used as a leavening agent to keep the cookies thin and crunchy.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
It is the main sweetener that is used in any chocolate cookie. Although it is deemed an unhealthy ingredient, it is completely vegan as it is derived from plants.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate or liquid chocolate extract is used in Oreo cookies to give them a deep, rich chocolatey flavor.
Salt
Salt is another ingredient that is used in cookies. These well, of course, are plant-derived that is vegan.
Soy Lecithin
A natural preservative, Soy Lecithin is soy-based and is used in a variety of vegan products and is included while making Oreo cookies too. These are healthier than any of the chemical preservatives available in the market.
Artificial Flavor
The company does not specify the kind of artificial flavor that it uses in the cookie. However, since the flavor is artificial, it is bound to be vegan in nature.
So now, are oreos healthy?
Well, although Oreo cookies possess high amount of sugar, having them in moderation can help you satisfy your sweet cravings.
Vegan Oreo Varieties
Many of the Oreo chocolate cookies do not contain animal-based ingredients, and if you’re not much bothered about the origin of Oreo cookies’ flavor or the processing of sugar, then delve deeper into the luscious world of these delectable cookies right away!
These are oreos of vegan-friendly nature that can be consumed by vegans:-
- Golden Oreos
- Golden Double Stuf
- Birthday Cake
- The Original
- Double Stuf
- Mega Stuf
- Boo (Halloween orange)
- Brookie-O
- Caramel Coconut
- Chocolate
- Chocolate Hazelnut
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Cinnamon Bun
- Dark Chocolate
- Gingerbread
- Java Chip
- Joy (Winter)
- Lemon
- Minis Original
- Minis Golden
- Mint
- Peanut Butter
- Pumpkin Spice
- Thins Original
- Thins Dark Chocolate
- Thins Extra Stuf
- Thins Golden
- Thins Lemon
- Thins Mint
- Toffee Crunch
- Ultimate Chocolate
Now in all this, you must remember the possibility of milk cross-contamination and high levels of processed sugar. Therefore, personal discretion is recommended, while buying the items.
Also Read: Are Oysters Vegan? Do They Feel Pain? What You Need To Know
Non Vegan Oreo Varieties
Well, there is a range of Oreo cookies that are unfortunately not vegan-friendly. It widely includes the ones that are fudge-dipped or fudge-covered since these decadent cookies contain non-fat milk that is not suitable for vegan consumption.
These include:-
- Fudge-covered Mint Creme Sandwich Cookies
- Fudge-covered Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
- Snickerdoodle- (since they contain confectioner’s glaze, which is not ideal for vegans)
- Dark Chocolate Fudge Covered Sandwich Cookies, Dark Chocolate Flavored Creme
- Fudge Covered and White Fudge Covered Oreo Sandwich Cookies, Holiday Edition
- Thins Bites White Fudge Dipped Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
- Thins Bites Fudge Dipped Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
- Oreo Crunchy Bites Dipped
- Oreo Cadbury Coated
- Oreo Ice creams and Oreo Doughnuts
- Oreo Cakesters
- Toffee Crunch Oreos
Ways to Make Home-based Vegan Oreos
Well, with all the dilemma and confusion encircling the making of oreos, you can try and make your very own Oreo cookies right at your home.
So, without much ado, let’s go down the rabbit hole!
For making home-based, sustainable Oreos vegan cookies, you’d be needing the following ingredients:-
For the Cookies
- Organic all-purpose flour 1 cup (unbleached)
- Dutch Process Cocoa 1/4 cup
- Sea Salt Pinch
- Baking Soda 1/8 tsp
- Organic Confectioner’s sugar 1/2 cup
- Vegan butter 10 tbsp
- Vanilla Extract 1 tsp
For Cream Filling
- Organic Confectioner’s sugar 1 1/2 cup
- Vegan butter 4 tbsp
The Process
Follow these simple steps to get going:-
Step 1
Begin by preparing the chocolate dough. Combine cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, salt, and the mentioned sugar in a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Thoroughly mix the ingredients and put them in a blender. Blend slowly. Add vegan butter and keep on blending on low to medium speed. It might take around 5-7 minutes to blend completely.
Step 3
At this point, all the ingredients will come together. Add vanilla extract and blend again for about 10 seconds.
Step 4
Turn out the dough into parchment paper or a piece of plastic wrap, and again cover it with another plastic wrap.
Step 5
Now, cut the dough with a cookie cutter and place them at a distance from each other on the wrap or the parchment paper, whatever you have used, and place them on a non-stick sheet pan.
Step 6
Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree F oven for about 10-12 minutes and transfer them to a cooling rack. Start with preparing the filling.
Step 7
In another mixing bowl, mix the confectioner’s sugar and vegan butter and blend them on low until a smooth consistency comes and the dough comes together like thick dough.
Step 8
These two ingredients will come together in about 3-5 minutes.
Step 9
Roll the dough as done earlier. And cut them with the cookie cutter. Dip them in confectioner’s sugar. It will ensure that they do not stick together.
Step 10
Sandwich the filling with the already-cooled cookies. And you’re done.
You’re luscious homemade cookie is ready to serve!
When you make your own cookie, you can try and emulate the taste of other Oreo options. There are vanilla Oreos vegan options that you are a must-try!
Note: The cookies stay at room temperature for about one week. You can store these biscuits in an air-tight container or keep them frozen and enjoy them for up to two months.
Vegan Alternatives to Oreo Cookies
Well, there are oreos vegan cookie alternatives available in the markets that are as good as the oreos if not better than them.
These are as follows:-
- Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies
This is a vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free (Genetically Modified Organism) cookie. Although they do not advertise as being vegan, they do not have any reference pertaining to the risk of cross-contamination and do not contain any animal-based ingredients.
- Back To Nature, Classic Cream Cookies
A plant-based item, these are vegan-friendly cookies that are also non-GMO. They too are devoid of high fructose corn syrup and have no hydrogenated oils. These cookies have a crisp, chocolate wafer that is filled with a vanilla frosting.
- Catalina Crunch Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
This is a delicious Keto sandwich cookie that is completely vegan. Low on the carb, it includes plant protein, does not contain any artificial ingredients, and can be enjoyed in four different flavors. They are also low in sugar quotient and contain high levels of fiber.
- Newman’s Own Organic Cookie O Chocolate Vanilla Creme
Made with organic flour and organic sugar, this is yet another option for vegans. With a creamy, crunchy punch; this is an oreos vegan cookie that is likely to woo you over with its toothsome taste and flavor.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market, Cookie Sandwich Cremes Chocolate
Leaving you with a dance-down-the-aisles feeling, these luscious cookies are free from hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup that are available in several other products. They do not contain bleached or bromated flour, and neither have synthetic nitrates or nitrites, making them a healthy vegan option.
As such, these are Oreos vegan-friendly substitutes that can be consumed in place of Oreos without a second thought. So, do not wait any further! Even if you are looking for some vegan meat substitute for your diet, you can look at this.
Grab onto some of these alternatives and plunge into the appetizing world of delectable cookies!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are oreos vegan?
Answer: No, not all Oreo varieties are vegan. One must see the packaging before buying the cookies.
2. Are oreos dairy free?
Answer: Yes, Oreos are a dairy-free indulgence. Despite a rich-creamy filling at the center, these cookies do not contain dairy essentials.
3. Are oreos vegetarian?
Answer: While all oreos may not be vegan, they are definitely perfect for consumption by the vegetarian community. Since there are chances of milk cross-contamination, most of the Oreo packaging lists itself as Vegetarian rather than vegan.
4. Is the sugar in oreos vegan?
Answer: No. Since the cookie’s label only indicates “sugar”, Oreos are likely to contain a concoction of vegan beet sugar and non-vegan refined cane sugar. While many vegans are fine with this mix, strict vegans abstain from such products.
5. What is Confectioner’s Glaze as used in Snickerdoodle Oreo Cookies?
Answer: Also known as Pharmaceutical glaze, Confectioner’s glaze is used by innumerable companies to add a shiny and smooth finish to products. These are made using shellac, which is prepared by bug secretions from the lac bug.
6. What about Gluten-free Oreos? Is it available in the market?
Answer: The regular Oreos are not gluten-free as they contain unbleached enriched flour. However, the company has launched a gluten-free version that has garnered popularity amongst people and is available in the market.
7. What is Oreo filling made up of?
Answer: Oreo filling is not actually made of cream. Rather it contains ingredients such as sugar, palm or canola oil, soy lecithin, high fructose corn syrup, and vanilla flavor.
8. Are oreos dairy-free? Do they contain eggs?
Answer: Oreos cookies are devoid of any animal-based products. However, the facility in which they are manufactured clearly states that since they handle milk products, the risk of cross-contamination cannot be ruled out. Therefore, Oreo cookies may contain traces of milk in them.
9. Which Oreo flavor is the healthiest?
Answer: Contrary to popular belief, Gluten-free Double Stuff Oreos are healthier than regular cookies since they contain lesser amounts of sugar and sodium and have fewer calories.
10. Is there any sugar-free Oreo cookie?
Answer: Yes, there is a no-sugar Oreo cookie available in the market named Oreo Sugar-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies.
11. Are mint oreos vegan?
Answer: Yes, mint oreos are devoid of animal products, which make them vegan-friendly.
12. Are birthday cake oreos vegan?
Answer: Birthday cake Oreos are made from plant-based ingredients and do not have any animal products in it. Hence, they are vegan-friendly.
13. Are double stuffed oreos vegan?
Answer: Yes, double-stuffed Oreos are vegan in nature since they do not contain milk or any other animal-based ingredients.
14. Are Golden Oreos vegan?
Answer: Golden Oreos are not made with animal product, thus they are fine for vegan consumption.
Final thoughts (Takeaway)
Oreos have long been in the lives of people, making them relish a unique and appetizing taste. Indulging in these crunchy and creamy delights leaves people with no option but to taste and adore the dreamy cookies.
Over the years, the confusion about it being a vegan or non-vegan product has sparked several debates among the vegan community. As such, choosing to consume this item is purely one’s choice and comes down to what the person considers veganism as an individual. Whether being vegan mean following a diet that is devoid of animal products? Then technically, yes, Oreos are vegan.
On the other hand, if veganism is perceived on a larger spectrum where not just animal products but also the environmental impacts of the ingredients being used are taken into account, then Oreo may not seem that vegan-friendly. In other words, the determining factor is YOU. It’s all your choice and discretion as to what you expect veganism to be and whether to include Oreo on your vegan list or not!
