Oreo may have branded itself "milk's favorite cookie," but before its creation, there was actually another, more popular sandwich cookie on the market. Hydrox cookies debuted in 1908 and were briefly renamed "Droxies" from 1999 to 2003 after ownership passed to Keebler before they were removed from store shelves altogether, according to Leaf Brands. In 2015, Leaf Brands acquired ownership and rebranded the cookies.
Meanwhile, Oreos were released in 1912, four years after Hydrox cookies (via Mondelez International). The cookies have been through several changes throughout the years, but have remained on shelves for over a century, even adding a few new flavorsalong the way. Eventually, Oreo overtook Hydrox cookies in popularity.
Back in 2018, Hydrox actually sued Mondelez, the makers of Oreo, for lost profits due to similarities between the products, reports Food Business News, though it's unclear if this suit ever amounted to anything. Though both cookies appear visually similar and base themselves on the same flavor notes, how similar are they actually?
The more popular brand might be a knockoff
Dreamer Company/Shutterstock
Though it may be a minor difference, the pattern on the chocolate cookies differs between brands, reports Yahoo!. So similar that, at first glance, consumers may not be able to tell them apart without looking a little more closely at the details. Oreo cookies feature a floral design with the brand name stamped in the middle of each cookie, while Hydrox cookies have a swirled pattern with no name.
The major difference comes into play with the subtle taste differences between each brand. The Hydrox brand outer cookies are reportedly a little crunchier but taste more strongly of chocolate — which could help them hold up better when dunked in milk. Oreo cookies may be crumblier, but they also have a slightly sweeter flavor. The cream in between cookies differs as well, with Hydrox opting for a smoother, less sweet option. Oreo icing is thicker in consistency and adds some extra sweetness.
Oreo eventually surpassed Hydrox in popularity, which resulted in the Hydrox cookies being perceived by many as an Oreo off-brand, despite the opposite being the case. Compared to Oreos, Hydrox cookies have a less sweet filling and a crunchier cookie shell that is less soggy when dipped in milk.
Oreo eventually surpassed Hydrox in popularity, which resulted in the Hydrox cookies being perceived by many as an Oreo off-brand, despite the opposite being the case. Compared to Oreos, Hydrox cookies have a less sweet filling and a crunchier cookie shell that is less soggy when dipped in milk.
“There were probably associations that you and I as consumers didn't like about the brand.” Kassoff said it was sales and marketing decisions, not the product, that led to Hydrox's demise. “The misconception about resurrecting brands is, 'Oh, these brands must have died because nobody wanted them anymore,'” he said.
The biscuits are substantial and dense, with excellent cocoa flavor, not too sweet. The filling is creamy with a hint of real vanilla, and seems more generous than I expected. I may have eaten Hydrox once or twice 50 years ago as a kid, not often enough to have a memory. Premium price to be sure, but worth every penny.
— Leaf Brands, L.L.C., the maker of Hydrox cookies, seeks payment of $800 million in damages due to lost sales and reputation from Mondelez International, Inc., the maker of Oreo cookies, in a Federal Trade Commission complaint signed Aug. 17 by Ellia Kassoff, chief executive officer of Newport Beach-based Leaf Brands.
Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
