Oreo is an American brand of sandwich cookies consisting of two chocolate-flavoured cocoa wafers with a sweet crème filling. Since its introduction in 1912, Oreo has become the world’s best-selling cookie brand and is currently sold in more than 100 countries, including Singapore.1 The brand is owned by Mondelez International and is produced under the Nabisco label in many markets.1

For official information, visit Oreo at oreo.com or the Mondelez International Oreo page at mondelezinternational.com.

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Oreo was first manufactured on March 6, 1912, by the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) at its bakery in Chelsea Market, Manhattan, New York.1 The product was originally marketed as the Oreo Biscuit and sold in decorative metal tins.1

The official product name has undergone several changes throughout its history:

• 1912: Oreo Biscuit
• 1921: Oreo Sandwich
• 1937: Oreo Crème Sandwich
• 1974: Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie

Despite these official designations, consumers have consistently referred to the product simply as Oreo.1

The precise etymology of the name “Oreo” remains unconfirmed. Several theories exist regarding its origin:

• It may derive from the French word “or”, meaning gold, referencing the original gold-coloured packaging.
• It could stem from the Greek word “oreo,” meaning mountain or hill.
• It might have been formed by placing the letters “RE” from the word “cream” between two “O”s.

Nabisco has never officially validated any of these explanations.2

A classic Oreo consists of two embossed chocolate wafers enclosing a sweet vanilla-flavoured crème filling. The wafer features an intricate embossed pattern displaying the Oreo logo surrounded by decorative geometric designs, rendering it one of the most recognisable cookie designs globally.1

According to Mondelez, the production and baking process for an Oreo cookie takes approximately two hours. Manufacturing facilities located around the world produce the cookies to supply regional markets.3

Oreo is distributed in more than 100 countries, establishing it as one of the most internationally recognised snack brands. The Philippines is listed among its major markets, alongside the United States, China, India, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Brazil.3

The brand frequently introduces flavours tailored to local preferences, such as green tea, blueberry ice cream, strawberry, and other region-specific varieties.3

Over the decades, the Oreo portfolio has expanded significantly beyond the original cookie. Popular varieties include:

• Original Oreo
• Double Stuf Oreo
• Mega Stuf Oreo
• Golden Oreo
• Mint Oreo
• Chocolate Creme Oreo
• Birthday Cake Oreo
• Red Velvet Oreo
• Peanut Butter Oreo
• Gluten-Free Oreo
• Oreo Thins
• Mini Oreo
• Seasonal and limited-edition flavours

The brand also collaborates with entertainment franchises and celebrities to release special-edition products.1

Oreo is known for advertising campaigns that emphasise fun, sharing, and playful rituals. Notable slogans include:

• Milk’s Favorite Cookie
• Wonderfilled
• Stay Playful
• Only Oreo

The iconic “Twist, Lick, Dunk” ritual serves as one of the brand’s defining marketing themes.3

Oreo positions itself as a brand that encourages family bonding, creativity, sharing, playfulness, and nostalgia.4 Its signature blue packaging and distinct black-and-white cookie design are among the most recognisable visual identities in the snack industry.4

• 1912 – First Oreo produced in New York.
• 1921 – Renamed “Oreo Sandwich.”
• 1937 – Became “Oreo Crème Sandwich.”
• 1974 – Introduction of Double Stuf Oreo.
• 1993 – Sold in 30 countries.
• 2002 – The street where Oreo was first made was ceremonially named Oreo Way.
• 2012 – Celebrated its 100th anniversary.
• Today – Sold in more than 100 countries with numerous flavour variations.3

• Oreo is widely recognised as the world’s best-selling cookie.3
• Billions of Oreo cookies are produced annually.3
• Annual production volume is sufficient to circle the Earth multiple times if the cookies were placed edge to edge.3
• The original manufacturing location in New York is commemorated by the street name Oreo Way.3

Oreo was originally created by the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). Following corporate acquisitions and restructuring, the brand is now owned by Mondelez International, one of the world’s largest snack food companies.1

For more than a century, Oreo has evolved from a single chocolate sandwich cookie into a globally recognised food brand with a diverse portfolio of products and flavours. Its distinctive design, consistent branding, and emphasis on playful experiences have contributed to its status as one of the most successful snack brands worldwide.3

1. Oreo
2. Who Owns Oreo? | Mondelez International Ownership
3. Oreo | Mondelēz International, Inc.
4. Bringing Families Together | OREO