The Fascinating History of Oreos
Our Thai Tea Cookies & Cream, made with Oreos, inspired us to explore their intriguing history. Did you know that 60 billion Oreos are sold every year?
The history of Oreos is a fascinating journey that goes back over a century and reflects the evolution of not only a beloved cookie but also the culture and tastes of consumers around the world. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global phenomenon, the story of Oreos is one of innovation, marketing, and enduring popularity.
Birth of the Oreo: The Oreo cookie was introduced by the National Biscuit Company on March 6, 1912. Originally called the "Oreo Biscuit," the origin of the name remains a subject of debate. Theories range from the French word "or," meaning gold (a nod to the early packaging), to the Greek word "oreo," meaning beautiful, nice, or well-done.
Early Design and Evolution: The original Oreo design featured a wreath around the edge of the cookie and bore the imprint "OREO BISCUIT." This design was altered in 1924 to the familiar embossed design with the word "OREO" and intricate pattern we know today.
Global Expansion and Variations: Over the years, Oreos expanded beyond the United States, gaining popularity internationally. Nabisco introduced various flavor variations and limited-edition releases to cater to diverse tastes, including Mint, Peanut Butter, Golden, and more. The iconic Double Stuff Oreo was introduced in 1975.
Memorable Advertising Campaigns: Oreo’s memorable advertising campaigns have become cultural touchstones. The "Twist, Lick, Dunk" slogan, introduced in the 1990s, encouraged consumers to enjoy Oreos in creative ways. Oreo's Super Bowl blackout tweet in 2013 ("You can still dunk in the dark") demonstrated the brand's ability to engage with pop culture moments.
Oreo's Role in Popular Culture: Oreos have appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and even artwork.
What is the best way to eat an Oreo? Do you twist? Are you team Double Stuff or Team Original?