Oreo usually makes the news around here for complicated new Oreo flavors and promotions. This time around, it’s for the simplest thing in the world. Back in May, Oreo was quietly surveying a concept that has existed overseas for a few years now: Zero Sugar Oreos. While we don’t have a confirmed release date just yet, the fact that this concept has hit the “surveying the public” stage is very promising. Gluten free was just the beginning; when all’s said and done, there will be an Oreo for everyone.
Is this really the first Zero Sugar Oreo?
Yes and no. “Zero sugar” is one of those phrases that’s just another way to say something we’ve already been saying for a long time. (You ever notice how no new sodas say diet anymore?) These would be the first Oreos released in the United States with the zero sugar label, but Nabisco has released sugar-free Oreos before. Per this review, there was a sugar-free Oreo variant on shelves as early as 2012! I’d love to compare the recipe of that early innovation to the version being tested now. Sweetener science has come a long way, y’all.
How long have the foreign Zero Sugar Oreos been around?
Per MSN, Zero Sugar Oreos first launched in China back in 2021. Instead of good old-fashioned sugar, they used the low-calorie sweetener Maltitol. If you can get your hands on these foreign treats, you’ll want to take careful note of the recommended serving size since, to put it bluntly, Maltitol is a laxative. You know all those terrifying reviews of zero sugar gummy bears? That’s Maltitol for you! That said, there’s no guarantee a U.S. release of Zero Sugar Oreos would use the same recipe. I imagine Oreo is taking their time testing a new recipe to avoid any unsavory headlines.
When can I pick these new Oreos up?
Hold your horses, cookie cowboys. Per a statement sent from Oreo to my friend and fellow Oreo orator Markie_Devo after the news broke back in May, “Zero Sugar will not be available for dunking in milk in 2024 but stay tuned for more details as we continue to mix up something special to bring to fans in years to come.” I’ve been reading corporate statements for a long time, so I can translate that pretty easily: We’re working on it, but you’re gonna need to be patient. That last part is of particular note; could this release really be years away? I know taste testers can be hard to please, especially when it comes to a zero sugar variant of something they already know very well, but I really hope this release is coming sooner than 2026…
