The short answer is yes, Oreos really are vegan. But before you dash over to your nearest supermarket and raid the vegan biscuit and chocolate section, you’ll want to read this post.
Photo credit: Oreo
What are Oreos?
Oreo is an American brand of sandwich-style biscuits that have been around since 1912. They're made up of two circular chocolate biscuits stuffed with a vanilla flavoured cream filling – and they're delicious. There are many variations and flavour combinations of Oreos, but like many things in life, the simple original is definitely the best. It's not only us who thinks so either, Oreos are available in over 100 countries, so that's a lot of happy customers.
Are Oreos suitable for anyone on a plant-based diet?
Following our 11 of the Best Vegan Biscuits article, which divulged into our top picks of the best biscuits for both munching and dunking, we had some responses on our Instagram post from people who were shocked that Oreos are vegan because of the cross-contamination argument. So, are Oreos really vegan? The short answer is yes as they don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. The long answer is a little more complex than that.
The longer answer
As the Oreo FAQ page states, while Oreos are indeed veggie-friendly, they are not strictly vegan as ‘Oreo have milk as cross-contact and therefore they are not suitable for vegans’. So if you’re vegan strictly for health reasons or you’re allergic to milk, then it's probably best that you avoid our chocolatey friend, and find some other vegan chocolate or biscuits to satisfy that afternoon slump (our article recommends vegan biscuits like Party Rings, Lotus Biscuits and – the classic – Chocolate Chip Hobnobs).
As Oreos are made where there could be traces of milk found due to the equipment used and the area they are made in, some stricter vegans may not want to venture into that domain. But if you’re more concerned about the actual ingredients used in the making of Oreos, then you’re good to go.
FAQs
The longer answer
Are Oreos actually vegan? ›
Many vegans refer to Oreos as “accidentally vegan,” meaning they don't contain animal products — but they weren't created to be a specifically vegan treat. Oreos do not contain milk, eggs, or any other animal-derived products, so they are technically vegan in that sense. Plant-based cookies and cream lovers rejoice!
When did Oreos stop being vegan? ›
So in January 2006, under pressure from the public, Oreo replaced the trans fat in the biscuits with non-hydrogenated oils. Still, the recipe included whey protein, which is derived from dairy, until 2013 in the UK and 2014 in the US. When that ingredient was removed, the cookies finally became animal-free.
How are Oreos vegan if they have sugar? ›
Since the food label only indicates “sugar,” Oreos likely contain a mix of vegan beet sugar and non-vegan refined cane sugar. While most vegans still consider this acceptable, stricter vegans will want to abstain.
Are churro-flavored Oreos vegan? ›
It's a bit ironic that milk's favorite cookie is accidentally vegan, but we're not complaining. Many of the Oreo varieties are also plant-based including the new Churro Oreos, Mint Oreos, and Double Stuffed. With so many flavor options, we'll never tire of this classic cookie.
Are Lady Gaga Oreos vegan? ›
The iconic chocolate and vanilla sandwich cookie is filled with “creme” (not dairy cream), making them a go-to dessert for any vegan with a sweet tooth at a convenience store.
Are cheetos vegan? ›
Currently, there are no Cheetos® flavors that are classified as vegan.
What candy is vegan? ›
Fortunately, loads of candies are vegan, so we can indulge our cravings (mostly) guilt-free. Most dark chocolate is vegan, as are popular sweet treats such as Smarties (known as Rockets in Canada), Oreos, Airheads, Jujubes, and Swedish Fish (some Swedish Fish contain beeswax, so be sure to check the label).
Are Skittles vegan? ›
Most types of Skittles are considered vegan, but not all. While Skittles Classic Fruits, Skittles Sour, Skittles Tropical and Wild Berry Skittles are all currently suitable for vegans, some special editions such as the Once in a Blue Moon Skittles are not, as the blue skittles contain animal product derivatives.
Is Sour Patch Kids vegan? ›
By standard definitions, regular Sour Patch Kids candies are vegan because they don't contain animal products. However, the sugar in all of the Sour Patch Kids candies was likely, at least in part, processed with animal bone char. That may be reason enough for some vigilant vegans to abstain.
The bottom line. Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.
What foods are accidentally vegan? ›
Accidentally Vegan Products (USA)
- Pasta (dry): Almost all dried pasta is made without egg and is therefore 100% vegan.
- Most fresh bread is vegan and Ciabatta, by its very nature, is always vegan as it is made with olive oil.
- Peanut Butter and other nut butters.
- Ketchup.
- Mustard: Dijon, wholegrain, yellow.
Because honey is made by living bees, it is technically not vegan, so most vegans exclude it from their diet. You can try plant-based alternatives like agave, maple syrup, and date syrup.
Are Nabisco Oreos vegan? ›
As long as there is no milk on the ingredients list itself, it is considered by most to be vegan. Oreos are therefore, for the most part, perfectly vegan-friendly by most people's definition.
Are fudge Oreos vegan? ›
Any fudge-covered Oreo is not vegan, as the chocolate coating contains dairy. Oreo Cakesters are also not vegan. But then there are the 85-plus Oreo flavors to consider.
Are Halloween Oreos vegan? ›
The iconic Oreo with a creamy orange frosting. It took 3 tries to get the cookie PERFECT, but the healthier Oreos were born. They're vegan friendly and also safe on a modified low FODMAP diet!
Are Oreos vegan in Peta? ›
Fortunately, loads of candies are vegan, so we can indulge our cravings (mostly) guilt-free. Most dark chocolate is vegan, as are popular sweet treats such as Smarties (known as Rockets in Canada), Oreos, Airheads, Jujubes, and Swedish Fish (some Swedish Fish contain beeswax, so be sure to check the label).
Is there bone char in Oreos? ›
What About the Refined Sugar in Oreos? While refined sugars do not have any animal products, and are therefore technically "vegan," some refined sugar is processed with the use of animal bone char. The animal bone char is used as a filter to remove any impurities, color, and minerals from the sugar.
Are Doritos vegan? ›
Since 1966, Doritos has satisfied customers' snack cravings with their flavored tortilla chips. But unfortunately for vegans, only one variety is vegan-friendly: Spicy Sweet Chili. The other Doritos flavors contain various dairy products and animal-derived flavors, none of which are vegan.
