Oreos are sold in over one hundred countries, and they’re definitely one of the best-selling and most popular cookies on the planet. They’re a huge hit with people who are trying to embrace a plant-based diet, but are Oreos 100% vegan, or do they contain animal-derived ingredients?
The Verdict
This is a debate as old as time, but the final verdict may disappoint you. Despite their huge popularity with people that have certain dietary restrictions, including vegans, there is no guarantee that Oreos are 100% plant-based.
According to Oreo’s official website, the beloved cookies are “veggie-friendly” and suitable for vegetarians, but vegans should think twice before eating them. The tricky part is the possibility of cross-contamination from dairy products during the production process, which may leave some cookies with traces of milk.
A Deeper Understanding
Oreo’s delicious crème filling does not use animal products, but the risk of cross-contact with milk doesn’t make them suitable for vegans. Classic Oreo cookies are nut-free, but they’re also best avoided if you’re allergic to gluten because wheat is one of their crucial ingredients.
Long story short, Oreos mostly consist of plant-based ingredients, but the company behind them doesn’t claim they’re vegan. Vegetarians can eat them without a single worry in the world, but vegans should tread lightly due to the possible cross-contact with milk.
