Oreo Making Major Change to Iconic Cookie Starting in January

The iconic Oreo cookie has been around for over 100 years with an estimated 500 billion being sold around the world since the cookie's inception in 1912.

That number rises each year as 60 billion Oreo cookies are sold each year - with 20 billion being sold in the United States alone. While millions indulge on the iconic cookie every year, many Americans are hoping to cut down on their sugar intake, especially during the holiday season.

Customers Want to Cut Down on Sugar

More than six in 10 Americans are concerned about how much sugar they consume, according to the International Food Information Council.

"The IFIC Food & Health Survey has measured Americans’ concern about the amount and type of sugar they consume three times over the past 20 years. In 2006, 62% were extremely (24%) or somewhat (39%) concerned about the amount of sugar they consumed. Concern rose to 71% in 2015, with 33% extremely and 38% somewhat concerned. In 2025, 63% are concerned—20% extremely and 43% somewhat," the survey said.

Oreo Makes Major Change to Follow Customer Needs

In direct response to their customers' needs, Oreo is making its iconic cookie sugar free for the first time. Michelle Deignan, vice president of marketing for the Oreo brand at Mondelēz, revealed the company work for four years to perfect and develop the Oreo Zero Sugar, which launches in January 2026.

“Until now, the sandwich cookie category has been relatively absent from the sugar-free snack segment,” she told Food Dive. “This gap presented an incredible opportunity for the OREO brand to step in and redefine what indulgence can look like.” 

The brand is hoping “to reach entirely new audiences” that may not have considered eating the product due to its ingredients.

"With Oreo Zero Sugar, you can indulge in the signature Oreo taste now without the sugar!​ Oreo Zero Sugar offers the classic taste of Oreo, while allowing you to keep your health & wellness goals.​ Pre-portioned with 2 cookies per pack, Oreo Zero Sugar is your portion control and sweet tooth companion," Oreo said of its new product.

Related: Winter Storm Warnings Announced for 6 States as 12 Inches of Snow Expected