Oreos might be oat milk’s favorite cookie, but are they plant-based?
When we think of the world’s best-selling cookies, our minds automatically go to the humble Oreo. This iconic cookie features a thick layer of cream sandwiched between two crispy chocolate cookies—pretty classic, right? But you might be surprised to learn that there’s no real cream involved. And better yet, no dairy, eggs, or other animal ingredients either! Yup, even the Double Stuf Oreos pass the vibe check. But are they officially vegan? Let’s break it down.
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Oreos: The Ultimate Accidentally Vegan Treat
Free from animal ingredients, Oreos fall into the category of “accidentally vegan.” If this is a new term for you, accidentally vegan products were not specifically made to be vegan but don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. Think Sour Patch Kids, Ritz Crackers, Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, and of course, Oreos.
By this definition, Oreos’ expansive lineup of sandwich cookies in flavors like Golden, Mint, Lemon, Java Chip, and Peanut Butter all fit the accidentally vegan bill. With the exclusion of Oreo Cakesters, which contain both milk and eggs, the brand’s Gluten-Free, Thins, and Double Stuf cookie varieties fall into the accidentally vegan category as well.
While most Oreo products are accidentally vegan, are they vegan, vegan? Well, it depends on whom you ask, and the answer may surprise you. The controversy lies in the sugar processing techniques, and it gets a little granular, pun heavily intended.
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Are Oreos Accidentally Vegan or Actually Vegan? You Decide!
Although the ingredients in Oreos themselves are plant-based, some vegans may consider them not vegan due to the potential use of bone char in the sugar-refining process. Unfortunately, animal bones are often used to filter and lighten the sugar in conventional food products. Because of this complex issue, individuals within the vegan community may still choose to eat Oreos while others do not.
Ultimately, it boils down to personal choice. And if the sugar-refining process is a hard stop for you, we totally respect that. There are plenty of inclusive brands that specifically offer vegan sandwich cookies. Back to Nature, Simple Mills, Lenny & Larry’s, and Catalina Crunch are some of our faves!
At VegOut, we are all about inclusion and accessibility. And accidentally vegan foods, including Oreo cookies, are a full send for us. Perfect vegans don’t exist, but there are millions of people practicing veganism to the best of their ability. Until we find ourselves in a fully vegan world free from all animal cruelty, we stand for accidentally vegan products like Oreos.
So if you’re planning to pick up a pack of these sandwich cookies at your local gas station or grocery store and dunk them into an ice-cold cup of non-dairy milk or a creamy dollop of peanut butter, which is oh-so Parent Trap of you, then we are here for it. Have your Oreos and eat them, too!
