Who doesn’t love Oreos? These crunchy biscuits with a creamy vanilla centre are a household staple for many people across the world – and for good reason, too. There’s no denying that Oreos are amongst the tastiest biscuits on supermarket shelves. If you don’t eat animal products, however, you may be wondering: are Oreos vegan in the UK?
If you’re a biscuit fan, this blog is for you! We know it can be difficult to constantly keep checking labels to determine whether your favourite biscuits are vegan-friendly, which is why we’re here to help. Below, check out everything you need to know about Oreos, whether they’re vegan, and if there are any other plant-based biscuits worth stocking up on.
Are Oreos Vegan in the UK?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might like it to be. Although Oreo itself maintains that its Oreo Original biscuits aren’t vegan, many vegans say it’s absolutely fine to snack on Oreos as part of a vegan diet.
After all, Oreo Original biscuits don’t contain any animal ingredients. Despite their creamy centre, there’s no milk in these tasty treats. They do contain palm oil, which is a controversial ingredient for many reasons, but no animal by-products are used in their manufacture.
So, where’s the issue? Here’s what Oreo says:
"OREO have milk as cross contact and therefore they are not suitable for vegans."
In this case, “cross contact” probably means that Oreos are manufactured in an environment where animal products are handled e.g. a factory that also produces biscuits containing milk or egg.
Whether you are comfortable eating foods that may have been in contact with animal products is up to you. This can be a contentious issue amongst some people, but the choice is yours to make.
Are All Oreos Vegan?
If we take the stance that Oreos are vegan, it’s not just Oreo Original that you’ll be able to enjoy. The following flavours also have ingredients lists that are free from milk and other animal products.
Oreo Double Cream
Like the original, but stuffed with extra cream! What’s not to love? Oreo Double Cream biscuits are extra delicious when dunked in a warming cup of tea.
Oreo Mini
Again, these are like the original, but teeny tiny! Oreo Mini are the perfect snack for little ones, in place of popcorn at the cinema, or when you’re on a road trip.
Oreo Birthday Party
It’s always a party with Oreos! These tasty treats have an ultra-sweet birthday cake flavour and a colourful creamy centre. Yum!
Oreo Brownie
Continuing along the cake theme, Oreo Brownie are perfect for chocolate lovers. Try these with a coffee for a well-deserved sugar hit!
Oreo Golden
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Oreo Golden will hit the spot! These have a golden-brown biscuit and therefore look slightly different to the other flavours.
OREO Thins
Fancy something a bit lighter? Oreo Thins are for you! These truly delicious goodies are available with both a vanilla and chocolate cream centre.
The Palm Oil Debate
In addition to cross-contamination, there’s another issue that complicates the “are Oreos vegan?” question. It’s the issue of palm oil, and whether or not food products containing it can be considered truly vegan.
Many vegans follow the ethos that a product is vegan if it doesn’t contain animal products, such as milk, eggs and honey. However, others argue that ingredients known to contribute to the death of animals indirectly, such as palm oil, should also be boycotted.
As the production of palm oil devastates forests throughout Indonesia and Malaysia, home to the planet’s remaining 80,000 orangutans, this ingredient certainly fits the bill. It’s now possible for brands to use sustainable palm oil, but Oreo is yet to make this pledge.
Delicious Vegan Biscuits Available in the UK
If you’d like to err on the side of caution and only eat sweet treats that are certified vegan, here are five moreish biscuits sold via the VeganKind supermarket.
Cocoa Biscuits by Mr Organic
Free from animal products and palm oil? Tick! You can get your hands on some of Mr Organic’s delectable Cocoa Biscuits here.
Orange Choc Chip Shortbread by the New England Cookie Co
These scrumptious hand-baked cookies loaded with chocolate chips are made using sustainable, RSPO-certified palm oil. You can grab a packet (or two) here!
Chocolate Macaroons by Mrs Crimble’s
If you’re a macaroon fan, these vegan and gluten-free bakes from Mrs Crimble’s are a must-try. What’s more, they only use sustainable palm oil.
Cookie Chocolate Peanut Butter by Rhythm 108
Free from palm oil and stuffed with gooey peanut butter, we can’t think of anything better than these gorgeous soft cookies.
Hazelnut Waffles by Biona Organic
These Dutch-style waffles are the perfect addition to a hot cup of tea. Plus, when they’re made with sustainable palm oil, who can refuse?
Don’t forget to check out A Review of the Top Vegan Biscuits for a Healthy Lifestyle in 2023, our guide to some of the best baked goods available here in the UK! If you prefer to eat what you baked yourself, check out this delicious easy recipe of vegan healthy pecan cookies.
We’d also love to hear your thoughts. Are Oreos vegan in the UK? Does eating products containing palm oil contradict a vegan diet? Let us know!