Oreos are the nation’s favorite cookie and it’s not hard to see why. They’re creamy, crunchy, and most importantly, chocolatey. But are they gluten-free? What are the ingredients in this much-loved favorite? Short answer: regular Oreos contain wheat, but Oreo now makes certified gluten-free versions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients In Oreos
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll find when purchasing the Original Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie (the classic flavor). The ingredients are:
- Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Folic Acid)
- Sugar
- Palm Oil
- Canola Oil
- Cocoa
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Leavening (Baking Soda and/or Calcium Phosphate)
- Salt
- Soy Lecithin
- Chocolate
- Artificial Flavor
Are Oreos Gluten-Free?
After taking a look at the ingredients, you’ll likely already be able to determine the gluten-free status of Oreos. Unfortunately, regular Oreos are not gluten-free. The main ingredient is wheat flour, and the same goes for the other regular flavors. Only Oreos labeled gluten-free are safe.
Wheat, rye and barley contain gluten, and regular oats are often cross-contaminated. But if you’re a fan of Oreos, there’s good news.
Gluten-Free Oreos
In January 2021, Oreo introduced Gluten Free Oreos, and the line has grown since. Oreo now lists four certified gluten-free varieties: Chocolate, Double Stuf, Mint Creme and Golden. One thing to know: they contain gluten-free whole oat flour, so skip them if you avoid oats. A small number of people with celiac disease also react to oats.
The ingredients in gluten-free Oreos are:
- Sugar
- White Rice Flour
- Tapioca Starch
- Palm Oil
- Soybean and/or Canola Oil
- Whole Oat Flour
- Cornstarch
- Cocoa
- Invert Sugar
- Soy Lecithin
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Xanthan Gum
- Chocolate
- Artificial Flavor
Oreo says these cookies are certified gluten-free.
They come in a white package with a clear gluten-free label – so you don’t need to worry about purchasing the wrong Oreos! You can find out more information on these delicious favorites here. They’re readily available in most grocery stores and definitely worth looking out for to satisfy your Oreo craving.
Other Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you want something else, or need an oat-free option, here are a few more. (Our best gluten-free cookies to buy list has plenty more.)
Great Value Gluten-Free Sandwich Cookies
Walmart’s store brand makes gluten-free Chocolate Creme and Vanilla Creme sandwich cookies, usually for less than Oreos. Walmart lists them as gluten-free, without naming a certification. Check the package for oats and the current ingredients. Past ingredient lists have included:
- Sugar
- Rice Flour
- Vegetable Shortening
- Cornstarch
- Tapioca Starch
- Cocoa
- Nonfat Milk
- Potato Starch
- Xanthan Gum
- Molasses
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Salt
- Soy Lecithin
- Ammonium Bicarbonate
- Vanilla Extract
- Natural Flavors
Glutino Chocolate Vanilla Creme Cookies
Glutino’s sandwich cookies are labeled gluten-free and sold at Walmart and many grocery stores. They also make a Super Stuffed version.
Schar Chocolate O’s
One of my go-to brands since my diagnosis is Schar. And of course, they have their very own gluten-free Oreos. Their Chocolate O’s are gluten-free, wheat-free, and vegetarian-friendly. No oats in these, and they’re very close to Oreos in taste. Schar’s product page notes they may contain traces of egg.
The ingredients you’ll find in Chocolate O’s are:
- Milk Cream
- Whole Milk Powder
- Dextrose
- Sugar
- Lactose
- Soya Lecithin
- Natural Flavoring
- Maize Starch
- Sugar
- Palm Fat
- Maize Flour
- Skimmed Cocoa Powder
- Soya flour
- Potato Starch
- Whole Milk Powder
- Salt
- Raising Agents
Chocolate O’s are hard to find in the US. Schar sells them in Europe and Latin America, so you may have to order them online.
Conclusion
I hope this has helped to answer the question: do Oreos have gluten? And opened your eyes to the wonderful Oreo alternatives we have on offer. Just be sure to check the packaging before you buy. Crushed gluten-free Oreos are great in a Cool Whip pie, and you’ll find more treats in our gluten-free chocolate, candy and sweets hub.
Here’s a review that discusses the differences between gluten free and regular Oreos:
Sources: Oreo Gluten Free; Great Value GF Chocolate Creme Cookies; Glutino Super Stuffed; Schar Chocolate O’s.
Club Gluten Free shares practical, well-researched guides to gluten-free ingredients, products, restaurants and recipes. We check manufacturer statements and celiac organization guidance, and update our guides when products change.