Few snacks have achieved the level of cultural significance as Oreo cookies. For generations, people have debated the best way to enjoy them—whether by twisting them apart to savor the filling separately or dunking them into a cold glass of milk. Regardless of preference, the chocolate sandwich cookie has captured the hearts and taste buds of millions worldwide. Since its invention in 1912, Oreos have grown into an iconic brand, inspiring recipes, dessert innovations, and even festival treats. Today, the Oreo remains the best-selling cookie in the United States, a testament to its enduring popularity.
The birth of the Oreo
The story of the Oreo begins with the formation of the National Biscuit Company, commonly known as Nabisco, in 1898. This merger of several baking companies paved the way for innovative snack creations. In 1902, Nabisco introduced Barnum’s Animal Crackers, which became an instant hit due to their clever packaging—small boxes designed to resemble circus cages, complete with a string for hanging on Christmas trees.
By 1912, Nabisco had set its sights on creating a new sandwich cookie. However, the concept was not entirely original. Four years earlier, Sunshine Biscuits had already introduced a similar treat called Hydrox—a chocolate sandwich cookie with a creme filling. While Nabisco never officially acknowledged Hydrox as its inspiration, the resemblance between the two cookies was undeniable. Nevertheless, the Oreo quickly outshone its predecessor in popularity.
Nabisco wasted no time securing its place in history, filing for a trademark on March 14, 1912. The request was approved on August 12, 1913, marking the official beginning of Oreo’s journey to becoming the world’s favorite cookie.
The mystery behind the name
One of the enduring mysteries of the Oreo is how it got its name. When the cookie first launched in 1912, it was labeled the “Oreo Biscuit.” Over the years, the name underwent several changes—becoming the “Oreo Sandwich” in 1921, then the “Oreo Creme Sandwich” in 1937, before settling on “Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie” in 1974. Despite these official name changes, consumers have always referred to it simply as “Oreo.”
But where did the word “Oreo” originate? Even Nabisco isn’t entirely sure. Some theories suggest that the name was inspired by the French word for gold, “or,” referencing the golden color of the cookie’s original packaging. Others believe it comes from “oros,” the Greek word for mountain, possibly inspired by an early test version of the cookie that was never released. Another theory suggests that the name was created by taking the “re” from “cream” and sandwiching it between the two “o’s” from “chocolate,” forming “o-re-o.” A simpler explanation is that Oreo was chosen because it was short, fun, and easy to say.
Regardless of its origin, the name has become synonymous with deliciousness. By December 2023, more than 500 billion Oreo cookies had been sold worldwide, solidifying its place as the top-selling cookie of all time.
Evolution of the Oreo
While the classic Oreo has remained largely unchanged, Nabisco has continuously introduced new variations to keep consumers engaged. The first major modification came in 1975 with the launch of Double Stuf Oreos, featuring double the amount of creme filling. Since then, a variety of flavors and seasonal editions have been released, including:
- 1987: Fudge-Covered Oreos
- 1991: Halloween Oreos with orange-colored filling
- 1995: Christmas Oreos with red and green creme
Despite these creative spin-offs, the fundamental design of the Oreo wafer has remained consistent. The current embossed pattern, which first appeared in 1952, has stood the test of time. Likewise, the signature creme filling has changed very little since it was first developed by Sam Porcello, Nabisco’s lead food scientist, affectionately known as “Mr. Oreo.”
The Oreo’s success can be attributed to its perfect balance of flavor and texture. With a combination of crispy chocolate wafers and a smooth, sweet filling, the cookie continues to bring joy to people of all ages. Nabisco has wisely chosen not to stray too far from the original formula, ensuring that the Oreo remains a beloved treat for generations to come. Whether twisted, dunked, or eaten whole, one thing is certain—Oreo cookies are here to stay.
