Introduction: A Brief History of the Oreo
Oreo cookies have been delighting (and occasionally confusing) snackers for over a century. Born in 1912 as an imitator of the Hydrox cookie, the Oreo soon outshined its rival to become “milk’s favorite cookie.” The classic design – two chocolate wafers hugging a sweet vanilla creme – is instantly recognizable and beloved worldwide (mashed.com, thoughtco.com). Over the years, Oreo’s owner Nabisco (now part of Mondelez International) has churned out a wild array of flavors and forms, from the simple Double Stuf (introduced in 1974 with twice the filling) to region-specific curiosities. Initially just a biscuit for purists, Oreo embraced innovation in the 21st century, pumping out limited editions and international exclusives at a head-spinning pace. Today, there’s an Oreo for nearly every taste – and we’re here for all of them.
In this comprehensive (and slightly unhinged) roundup, we’ll rank every known Oreo flavor ever released worldwide, from the dubious duds to the creme de la creme. Buckle up and pour a tall glass of milk – we start at the bottom of the cookie jar with the most questionable creations and work our way up to the greatest Oreo of all time. (Note: Extra-thick “Stuf” varieties and size variations aren’t treated as separate flavors here – we’re focusing on flavor differences, not how much creme you can cram in one cookie.)
The Definitive Oreo Flavor Ranking (Worst to Best)
From gag-worthy gimmicks to glorious goodies, here’s the ultimate Oreo flavor countdown based on fan reactions, reviews, and a heaping spoonful of humor.
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Swedish Fish Oreo (Limited Edition 2016)
Swedish Fish Oreo packaging, a bright warning label in retrospect. This Frankenstein mashup of Oreo and the famous gummy candy was a universally reviled misfire. Released as a test-run exclusive at Kroger stores, the cookie featured a bright red “Swedish Fish”-flavored creme that nobody asked for. Social media’s response was a resounding “NO! WHY?!”, and taste-testers were horrified by the cherry cough-syrup aftertaste (businessinsider.com). One reviewer went so far as to call it an “unholy melding” and possibly the most offensive Oreo flavor yet (businessinsider.com). In short: just because you can stuff a Swedish Fish into an Oreo, doesn’t mean you should. (Limited run, vanished quickly — and good riddance.)
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Hot Chicken Wing Oreo (China, 2018) – When Oreo’s parent company announced this “big and bold” flavor in China alongside Wasabi Oreos, many Western fans thought it was a prank (people.com). It’s real – and it’s basically a buffalo wing-flavored creme (orange in color) between chocolate cookies. The result? A confusing clash of sweet, cocoa, and spicy chicken seasoning that left taste buds traumatized. Brave souls who tried it reported a greasy, lingering aftertaste of artificial chicken that “haunted” them (pinterest.com). This cookie is the edible equivalent of a truth-or-dare challenge – mostly dare. (International exclusive – and honestly, you’re not missing out.)
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Wasabi Oreo (China, 2018) – Released in tandem with the Hot Chicken Wing flavor, this was Oreo’s attempt to prove that “cookies don’t have to be sweet.” The Wasabi Oreo features a shocking green creme that delivers a mild horseradish-like punch...mixed with chocolate. Bizarre? Absolutely. Some tasters found the sweet-nosed wasabi burn “bizarrely addictive” (chefstandards.com), but most couldn’t get past the novelty. The wasabi’s sharp, sinus-tingling heat just doesn’t marry well with cocoa – the flavors clash like mortal enemies. If you love wasabi peas and Oreos separately, do yourself a favor and keep it that way. (Another China-only experiment likely best left in the lab.)
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Fruit Punch Oreo (Limited Edition 2014) – Picture the Kool-Aid Man busting through a wall yelling “Oh Yeah!” – into your cookie. That’s basically what happened here (delish.com). This summer release had golden Oreo wafers with lurid pink fruit-punch-flavored creme. The smell was like a candy aisle in overdrive, and the taste was as if you dunked an Oreo in a kid’s fruit drink mix. Most of us were left scratching our heads (and our tongues) at this combo (delish.com). It’s sickly sweet, tropical, and completely at odds with the cookie. A few folks with extreme sweet tooths didn’t mind it, but for many, one bite was enough to say “fruit punch belongs in a glass, not an Oreo.” (Limited edition; long gone and not particularly missed.)
Sour Patch Kids Oreo (Limited Edition 2024) – In one of the strangest candy-cookie collaborations, Oreo teamed up with Sour Patch Kids to create a cookie that is sweet, then sour…then gone from shelves in a flash. This recent release featured a red and blue swirled creme infused with Sour Patch Kids flavor between chocolate wafers. If your taste buds aren’t confused yet, they will be. Imagine a tart, berry-citrus tang fighting with chocolate – it’s as jarring as it sounds. Reactions ranged from “surprisingly not as terrible as I expected” to “why would they do this to an Oreo?” The creme is tangy and fruity (some say it evokes the candy well), but the overall experience lands firmly in the “one and done” category. (At least there were no actual gummy bits inside!) (Limited edition – a curiosity for brave palates, but unlikely to become a classic.)
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Root Beer Float Oreo (Limited Edition 2014) – This cookie was meant to mimic a classic summer float, with half vanilla creme and half root-beer-flavored creme sandwiched in Golden Oreo wafers. Sounds fun, right? Unfortunately, the execution was more “flat soda” than creamy float. The root beer creme had a potent artificial sassafras flavor that overwhelmed the cookie. One insider noted it tasted “like the fizzy drink’s syrupy essence got weirdly concentrated”. Oreo has released several dubious soda-inspired varieties over the years (including a vaguely lime-ish Cherry Cola Oreo with popping candy), but the Root Beer Float is often cited as one of the worst (businessinsider.com). Unless you really adore root beer barrel candies in your desserts, this was likely a pour-out rather than a pour-it-again. (Limited edition; fizzled out quickly.)
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Limeade Oreo (Limited Edition 2014) – Another entry from Oreo’s 2014 summer flavor spree, the Limeade Oreo paired a neon green lime-flavored creme with two Golden cookies. If that sounds odd...well, it was. The creme tasted like lime sherbet crossed with floor cleaner (just a hint of chemical aftertaste) – not exactly a dream with a butter vanilla cookie. Snack reviewers back in the day ranked this low, noting the lime flavor was too sharp and fake, creating a combo that “does not work at all with the cookie”(pinterest.com.) It was more palatable if you like citrus candies, but overall this zesty experiment left many sour on fruit-flavored Oreos for a while. (Limited edition; quickly discontinued.)
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Hot & Spicy Cinnamon Oreo (Limited Edition 2018) – Released around Valentine’s Day, this Oreo was supposed to channel the heat of Red Hots candy hearts. It featured a cinnamon-flavored red creme inside the classic chocolate wafers. Reactions were heated in all the wrong ways. Fans of cinnamon candy found it passable – the creme does deliver that Big Red gum / Red Hot cinnamon punch – but many others felt that the spicy-hot cinnamon clashed with the chocolate cookie as if they were on two different dates. “Mint and chocolate? Sure. Cinnamon fireball and chocolate? Not so much.” It didn’t help that the creme was an unsettling shade of red. This Oreo had a polarizing reception: either you kinda liked the quirky spice, or you absolutely hated it. In any case, it was a brief fling, and Oreo went back to more traditional cinnamon (like snickerdoodle) later. (Limited edition; a one-time fling in the Oreo dating game.)
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Cotton Candy Oreo (Limited Edition 2015) – Cue the carnival music: this limited run brought a two-tone pastel pink and blue “cotton candy” flavored filling to Golden Oreos. Kids were understandably thrilled – it’s like a fair treat in cookie form – but adults were less enamored. The creme was extremely sweet and sugary, just like real cotton candy, with a hint of artificial vanilla-blue-raspberry vibe (chefstandards.com). Sandwiched inside the vanilla cookies, it became a cloying sugar bomb for many. On the plus side, the aroma was spot-on cotton candy, and it certainly looked festive. Taste-wise, you really have to love cotton candy to enjoy these because subtle they were not. One could argue these belong higher for executing the flavor they promised, but since cotton candy itself is divisive, we’re ranking it among the weaker offerings. (My inner five-year-old was delighted; my adult self got a cavity just thinking about it.) (Limited edition; fun while it lasted, but not a flavor with lasting appeal.)
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Candy Corn Oreo (Limited Edition 2012 & 2013) – One of Oreo’s earliest forays into wild flavors, this Halloween-themed cookie featured half-yellow, half-orange creme meant to taste like candy corn. The cookies were Golden Oreos, and the overall flavor was basically extra-sweet vanilla with a hint of honey – more pleasant than actual candy corn, to some relief (chefstandards.com). In fact, depending on who you ask, these were either surprisingly decent or utterly unnecessary. Candy corn lovers found them delightful (one of those “tastes like candy corn, which I already enjoy” situations), while candy corn haters…well, you can guess. “Loved by some, loathed by others” is the verdict (chefstandards.com). The creme leaned more on the frosting-like vanilla side than the waxy corn syrup side of candy corn, which was a smart move. Still, it’s incredibly sweet with no nuance – you won’t want more than a couple at a time. A solid “meh” in the grand scheme. (Seasonal release; occasionally returns for Halloween to divide households anew.)
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Peeps Oreo (Limited Edition 2017) – Bright pink Peeps Oreo – warning: may cause technicolor tongue. The idea: take the marshmallowy sweetness of Peeps (those neon sugar-coated Easter chicks) and cram it into an Oreo. The result: a Golden Oreo with alarming hot pink marshmallow creme that tasted like pure spun sugar and vanilla. Kids went nuts for it; adults experienced a mix of nostalgia and terror. The flavor was actually not bad if you like marshmallow – very sweet but marshmallowy indeed. The side effects, however, became internet legend. This Oreo was so neon, it turned tongues and saliva bright pink – even after brushing! (teenvogue.com) (Yes, and even, uh, other things. Folks on social media reported some colorful bathroom surprises, thanks to the food dye (teenvogue.com, teenvogue.com.)) As a cookie, it was a fun novelty – “Easter in cookie form,” as one review put it (chefstandards.com). But unless you enjoy looking like you drank a gallon of pink highlighter fluid, one or two of these were plenty. (Spring limited edition; memorable for its Day-Glo impression if not enduring flavor greatness.)
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Cherry Cola Oreo (Limited Edition 2018) – As part of Oreo’s #MyOreoCreation contest, we got this inventive flavor: a cola-flavored creme (with cherry and a hint of cola spice) dotted with red popping candy, sandwiched in chocolate cookies. Biting into it was truly a novel experience – the creme fizzed and crackled in your mouth like a fizzy soda thanks to the Pop Rocks-like candy (chefstandards.com). The taste was very cherry-cola: sweet, tangy, and almost like a flat soda syrup. It even smelled like a 1950s soda fountain (chefstandards.com). Fun? Definitely. Delicious? Ehhh, debateable. Many people said it was enjoyable to try (one cookie) for the gimmick, but not something you’d crave regularly. The popping sensation overshadowed the fact that, at heart, this was a chocolate cookie with a candy flavor – a combination you don’t exactly dream about. Points for creativity, though! (Limited edition contest winner; a novelty that lives on in our fizzy memories.)
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Firework Oreo (Limited Edition 2017) – If Cherry Cola Oreos were too weird, how about essentially a regular Oreo with popping candy mixed into the creme? That’s exactly what the Firework Oreo was: classic chocolate Oreo cookies with the standard vanilla creme, but studded with blue and red “exploding” candy bits. Pop Rocks + Oreo – and honestly, it was kind of a blast (pun intended). The flavor was basically the same as a normal Oreo (maybe slightly less creme to accommodate the candy bits), so no complaints there (chefstandards.com). The novelty comes from the tiny fireworks going off as you chew – it felt like a Fourth of July party in your mouth (chefstandards.com). Kids and the young-at-heart loved it; some party-poopers called it gimmicky. As a flavor, we can’t rank it too high because nothing new happened taste-wise. But as a fun limited cookie, it did exactly what it set out to do. Dunking these in milk was…interesting (snap, crackle, pop!). (Limited edition; essentially an Oreo with a built-in celebration.)
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Mystery Oreo (2017 Fruity Pebbles) – In 2017, Oreo launched a contest with a mystery flavor in a plain package, daring fans to guess the flavor for a prize. The mystery creme turned out to be Fruity Pebbles cereal flavor (delish.com), which savvy Oreo-eaters quickly suspected. Why? Because Oreo had actually done a very similar limited flavor before – Fruity Crisp Oreo in 2016 – that tasted just like Fruity Pebbles. So this “mystery” was more of a déjà vu. How was the cookie? Honestly, pretty tasty if you like fruity cereal. The creme was strongly Fruity Pebble-esque (that citrusy berry cereal flavor) which paired oddly well enough with the chocolate cookie – like when your cocoa cereal accidentally mixes with your fruity cereal in the same bowl. Some thought it tasted like Froot Loops milk, others said Trix yogurt, but overall it wasn’t half bad (delish.com). It was fairly sweet and a little artificial, but in a nostalgic Saturday-cartoon kind of way. We rank it here in the middle because while it was fun and decent, it’s not an everyday Oreo – it’s more of a “oh, that’s interesting” flavor. (Limited edition; mystery solved – it was basically a cereal Oreo in disguise.)
Love Oreo (Limited Edition 2019) – Another Valentine’s special, the Love Oreo came with cute messages on the chocolate wafers (“Dunk in Love” and such) and a “sweet and tangy” pink creme (en.wikipedia.org). What exactly is “sweet and tangy” flavor? Good question. Tasting it was like a mild berry or citrus cream cheese frosting vibe – not quite identifiable as any specific fruit. Some thought it was like a light raspberry flavor. It was a bit tart compared to a normal Oreo creme, which was actually a nice change, but also a little strange against chocolate. The overall effect was more subtle than, say, the in-your-face Fruit Punch Oreo, so it wasn’t abhorrent – just a bit underwhelming. It’s as if Oreo tried to create the flavor of “pink.” Not bad, not great, just ambiguously fruity-sweet. We appreciate the lovey-dovey concept and pretty color, but it didn’t leave us swooning. (Limited edition; a sweetheart that we only went on one date with.)
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Cookie Dough Oreo (Limited Edition 2014) – The name alone had people very excited – who doesn’t want an Oreo that tastes like chocolate chip cookie dough? Sadly, this was a classic case of expectation vs. reality. The Cookie Dough Oreo used chocolate wafers (smart) and a tan-colored creme with tiny chocolatey chips. The problem: the creme mostly tasted like brown sugar and artificial butter, which some likened more to caramel or maple than true cookie dough (theimpulsivebuy.com). The little choco bits didn’t add much. Overall it was okay, but fell short of the decadent cookie dough experience we craved. Many people found it underwhelming, saying if they hadn’t seen the package they’d think it was some caramel or mocha flavor. It wasn’t gross by any means – just disappointing, given the promise. One reviewer summed it up: “Sounds like it should be amazing… but it’s just meh.” This flavor taught us that sometimes the hype is greater than the bite. (Limited edition; fans are still waiting for a true cookie dough revival that lives up to the dream.)
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Chocolate Hazelnut Oreo (2018) – Essentially Oreo’s take on a Nutella flavor. This variety had a chocolate hazelnut-flavored creme inside the classic chocolate cookies. If that sounds redundant (chocolate on chocolate action), surprisingly it stood out enough. The creme definitely had that sweet, nutty Nutella-like taste (sans brand name), giving a dessert-y, almost Ferrero Rocher vibe. However, because the Oreo cookie itself is chocolate, the hazelnut had to fight to be noticed. Many who tried it said “it just tastes like a slightly nuttier regular Oreo.” That’s not a bad thing – regular Oreos are great – but as a distinct flavor, it didn’t wow most people. Fans of Nutella enjoyed these, but some were left wishing Oreo had used a Golden cookie to let the hazelnut shine more. Solid, not spectacular – a case of good but not memorable. (Internationally, Nutella-lovers likely appreciated it; in the US it was a limited flavor that came and went in 2018.)
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Chocolate Marshmallow Oreo (2020) – This was a winter 2020 release, consisting of chocolate Oreo cookies with small marshmallow bits baked into them and a chocolate-marshmallow flavored creme. The idea was to give you a hot cocoa vibe. In practice, it tasted a lot like a regular chocolate Oreo that someone ever-so-slightly tweaked. The marshmallow bits in the cookie didn’t do much (maybe a tiny hint of chewy texture if you really pay attention), and the creme was basically chocolate with a bit of extra sweetness. If you’re a chocolate lover, you enjoyed these well enough – they were plenty chocolaty. But as an “exciting flavor,” it ranks low because it hardly strayed from the norm. Some tasters couldn’t even tell it was a different flavor until told. Still, you can’t really knock chocolate + marshmallow + cookie; it’s tasty, just not distinguishable. Think of it as Oreo wearing a limited-edition winter coat that looks almost like its usual coat. (Limited edition; cozy concept, mild execution.)
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Dark Chocolate Oreo (2019) – Finally, an Oreo for those who always found the original too sweet. The Dark Chocolate Oreo features nearly-black cocoa wafers (the same as usual, actually) with a deep dark chocolate creme that’s less sugary than the standard filling. The creme is actually rich and fudgy, with a bittersweet edge (en.wikipedia.org). For chocoholics, this was a dream – essentially an Oreo that doubles down on the cocoa and lets the bitterness play with the sweet. Some people found it a bit one-note (all chocolate, no contrast of vanilla), and admittedly you lose that signature balance of the original. But others loved dunking these in milk and getting “brownie batter” vibes. We rank it in the middle because it’s a strong, solid flavor but also not as universally appealing – if you hand a Dark Chocolate Oreo to a kid expecting the usual, you might get a scrunched face. It’s more “adult” in taste. A quality addition to the lineup, but not an everyday go-to for everyone. (Originally limited but proved popular; has since become a recurring or permanent flavor in some markets.)
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Pumpkin Spice Oreo (Seasonal) – Ah, the flavor that signals autumn’s arrival. First launched in 2014, Pumpkin Spice Oreos feature Golden cookies with a pumpkin spice-flavored creme (orange-colored, of course). These have become a seasonal staple, often returning in the fall much to the joy of PSL aficionados. The creme delivers on cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger – all the cozy spices (delish.com), with a sweet pumpkin-y undertone (think pumpkin pie filling-ish). Paired with the vanilla cookie, it’s actually nicely balanced and not overwhelming. Fans say dunking these in a pumpkin spice latte is peak basic bliss. Detractors (namely, pumpkin-spice skeptics) roll their eyes at them, but even some cynics admit they’re pretty tasty if you like a spiced cookie. They taste kind of like a pumpkin spice shortbread or like the smell of a fall candle – but in a good way! Oreo has brought these back multiple times, indicating they have a solid fanbase. We place them around the middle because while seasonal and situational, they do what they intend to do very well. (Seasonal release; popular in autumn – you might even find me hoarding a few packs for October cravings (chefstandards.com.))
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Gingerbread Oreo (Seasonal) – Another seasonal offering, the Gingerbread Oreo typically appears during the holidays. Different years had slight variations, but generally it’s two Golden Oreo wafers with a gingerbread-spiced creme (sometimes with little sugar crystals). The creme tastes like a mild gingerbread frosting – notes of ginger, molasses, cinnamon – and combined with the vanilla-ish cookie, you get a lighter gingerbread flavor overall. They’re festive and pleasant, if not mind-blowing. People who wanted a strong, peppery ginger snap might be underwhelmed, but those who prefer a gentler gingerbread (more like the flavor of a gingerbread house kit icing) found these delightful. Dunking them in eggnog? Oh yes. They’re solid holiday cookies, and some folks rank them among the better limited Oreos because the spice is balanced. That said, gingerbread itself isn’t universally adored, so these are as good as your fondness for gingerbread. We like them, but we’ll save the top spots for the truly year-round winners. (Seasonal release; reliably shows up for the holidays and vanishes with Santa.)
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Apple Pie Oreo (Limited Edition 2017) – Released as a Walmart exclusive in 2017, the Apple Pie Oreo was well-received by many who tried it. It had a graham-flavored cookie (similar to the S’mores Oreo base) and an apple pie flavored creme with notes of apple and cinnamon. Biting in, you got a surprisingly convincing apple pie ala mode vibe – the graham cookie emulated pie crust, and the creme had a fruity, cinnamon-apple taste with a bit of creaminess. It was sweet, of course, but most found it “shockingly good” for a packaged cookie trying to taste like pie. A few critics said it was a tad heavy on the cinnamon and artificial apple side, but overall this flavor avoided the pitfalls of, say, Fruit Punch Oreo, by pairing with a graham cookie that complemented it. Fans who miss this one describe it as one of Oreo’s best fruit-based flavors, with some lamenting that it hasn’t returned. It sits here on our list as a strong limited edition that proved Oreo can do a decent pie impersonation. (Limited edition; one of the better “dessert” flavored Oreos that we’d welcome back anytime.)
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Waffles & Syrup Oreo (Limited Edition 2017) – Another breakfast-inspired experiment that turned out surprisingly well. This flavor, released through certain retailers, used a Golden Oreo with a maple-syrupy creme that even had a touch of butter flavor. Some versions had a dual-layer creme (white and light brown) to simulate that butter-and-syrup combo. The aroma when you opened the package was like a pancake house – sweet maple goodness (chefstandards.com). Taste-wise, they nailed the toasty waffle + maple syrup vibe: it was buttery, rich, and made your brain think of Sunday brunch. The cookie was quite sweet (no surprise), but the use of the vanilla cookie base and a hint of butter flavor kept it from being one-note maple. Many reviewers were impressed, saying their kitchen “smelled like pancakes” when they ate a few (chefstandards.com). A few folks found it too sweet to eat more than a couple, but hey, so are real waffles drowning in syrup. All in all, this was one of those oddball flavors that ended up a fan favorite. (Limited edition; shockingly cozy and delicious – proof that sometimes Oreo wins the breakfast battle.)
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Caramel Apple Oreo (Limited Edition 2014) – Not to be confused with Apple Pie Oreo, the Caramel Apple Oreo was an earlier fall flavor that featured half green apple, half caramel flavored creme in a Golden Oreo. It looked like a cute little caramel apple cross-section. The taste? Decent, but a bit disjointed. The green apple side was tart and candy-like (some compared it to Jolly Rancher apple), and the caramel side was buttery-sweet. When eaten together, you did get a caramel apple flavor, surprisingly! But it also verged on too sweet and artificial, as both components were quite strong. It wasn’t a subtle harmony like Apple Pie Oreo; it was more of a loud duet. If you like caramel apples, you probably found these fun – they were a pretty good mimic of that flavor, which is an achievement. We rank them around here because while interesting, they aren’t something most people wanted year-round. Fun to try, but not as balanced or addictive as some of the better flavors above. (Limited edition; a novel fall treat that came and went quickly.)
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Red Velvet Oreo (2015 Limited, then 2016–2020) – Now we’re getting into the pretty good stuff. Red Velvet Oreos debuted as a limited flavor but were so popular they stuck around for a while. They consist of reddish cocoa cookies (to mimic red velvet cake) and a cream cheese flavor creme – which is the real star. The creme is noticeably tangy and cream-cheesy, adding a new dimension beyond standard Oreo filling. Together, you get the effect of a red velvet cupcake in Oreo form: mildly chocolatey, with that slight cocoa tang, and a creamy, tangy sweet center (delish.comdelish.com). Many people loved these – some even say this is one of the best Oreos ever for how well it captured a beloved dessert. They’re rich without being over-the-top, and pair fantastically with milk (like cake and milk, yum). A few detractors found them too sweet or the creme cheese flavor too artificial, but those folks seem in the minority. Oreo eventually discontinued the flavor around 2020, causing much whining from fans. We place Red Velvet here as a strong offering that in another universe might crack the top 20, but hey, competition is stiff up there. (Formerly limited then permanent; now sadly discontinued. Many fans are pleading for its return.) -
Birthday Cake Oreo (2012 Limited; now often available) – This flavor celebrates Oreo’s 100th birthday (back in 2012) and has since made reappearances. It’s essentially an Oreo (original chocolate cookies or sometimes the Golden version) with a “birthday cake” flavored creme – complete with rainbow sprinkles mixed in. What is birthday cake flavor? In this context, it’s that classic boxed vanilla cake + frosting taste with a hefty dose of sprinkles and nostalgia. The creme is extra sweet and has a bit of a frosting graininess (possibly from the sprinkles). Kids typically adore these – sprinkles! – and many adults enjoy them too, especially if you like frosting-heavy cake. They smell exactly like a tub of vanilla frosting in the best way (medium.com). Critics claim they can be too sweet (even for an Oreo) and a bit fake-tasting, but let’s be real: sometimes you just want a cookie that tastes like a birthday party. These aren’t an everyday treat for most, but they’re solidly liked. Plus, they practically beg to be dunked in milk (birthday cake and milk, a classic combo). We rank them here as a reliable fan favorite that’s festive, if not sophisticated. (Originally limited, now often in rotation; also spawned spin-offs like Birthday Cake Golden Oreos and fudge-dipped versions.)
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Mint Oreo / Cool Mint Creme (Since 2000s) – A classic flavor that’s been around for years, Mint Oreos take the chocolate Oreo and fill it with a mint-flavored creme (colored light green in many regions). It’s basically like a Thin Mint Girl Scout cookie in Oreo form, and it’s darn good. The mint creme is cooling and sweet – think Andes mints or mint-chip ice cream vibes – and it pairs brilliantly with the chocolate wafers (chocolate and mint have long been BFFs). Fans of mint flavors rank these very high; some even say they prefer them to regular Oreos when they want something refreshing. Critics? Not many, except those who just don’t like mint desserts to begin with. One could argue this isn’t as novel as some wild flavors, but it’s a case of simple and effective. Mint Oreos have been consistently popular, often ranking near the top in public polls of favorite Oreo flavors (sporked.com). They also come in Double Stuf, Thins, etc. We’re giving Mint a relatively high-middle slot to acknowledge its enduring appeal. It’s not super exotic, but it is consistently delicious – the kind of flavor that converts non-Oreo eaters into Oreo fans. (Permanent flavor; widely loved, essentially the Oreo answer to a peppermint patty.)
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Golden Oreo (vanilla cookie with vanilla creme, introduced 2004) – Let’s take a moment for the Golden Oreo, the alter ego of the classic chocolate Oreo. This isn’t a special edition flavor per se – it’s a permanent product line – but it is indeed a different flavor experience: vanilla on vanilla. Golden Oreos replace the cocoa wafers with lightly sweet, buttery golden wafers, while keeping the original white creme. The result is a cookie that’s akin to a vanilla sandwich biscuit. Some people absolutely love them, even more than the original, for their simple buttery sweetness. They’re less intense than the chocolate Oreo, which makes them easy to snack on by the sleeve. Others find them a tad plain (“where’s the chocolate?!”). But Golden Oreos have earned a spot in the pantheon; they’ve spawned their own sub-variants and hold their own in sales. They’re often the base for many limited flavors (because a neutral vanilla cookie can be a great canvas). In rankings, Golden Oreos usually land high – sometimes even top 5 – among fan favorites (parade.comsporked.com)– this cookie really channels a s’more. The graham cookies have a nice honey graham taste, the marshmallow creme is sweet and fluffy (well, as fluffy as Oreo creme can be), and the chocolate creme gives you that Hershey’s square kick. Together, you get a bit of each component in one bite, and it’s a harmonious blend (medium.com). Fans went nuts for S’mores Oreos when they debuted. They were popular enough to return a few years later, and many still cite them as one of the best limited flavors Oreo’s done. They’re not overly gimmicky – it’s a logical flavor that just works. Dunking them in milk can even mimic the melty chocolate and marshmallow effect (yum). If you love s’mores, these hit the spot without the sticky fingers. They’re ranked high because, simply put, they’re delicious and on-theme. Possibly the only complaint is that they’re not around all the time. (Limited releases; widely loved, one of the few flavors that lives up to the hype – truly giving you campfire feels.)
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Carrot Cake Oreo (2019) – When this flavor was announced, some were skeptical – but Nabisco proved the doubters wrong. Carrot Cake Oreos consist of carrot cake-spiced cookies (yes, the cookies themselves have spices and carrot cake flavor) with a cream cheese frosting flavored creme. Biting into one is like a shortcut to carrot cake heaven. Warm cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookie? Check. Tangy cream cheese sweetness in the creme? Check (chefstandards.com). It tastes remarkably like a slice of carrot cake with frosting, and it impressed a lot of people. In fact, these were so well-received that they moved from limited edition to a permanent-ish status. Fans love that the cookie itself isn’t just a plain Oreo – they actually modified it to be carrot-cakey. The balance is spot-on: not too sweet, a little tang, a little spice. Even those who aren’t big on vegetable-themed desserts admitted these cookies are yummy. One staffer at a tasting reportedly had to hide the pack from herself to avoid devouring all (chefstandards.com). That’s high praise! We’re putting Carrot Cake Oreo near the top because it’s creative and downright tasty, a great example of Oreo successfully mimicking a classic dessert. (Originally limited, now often available; a new fan favorite that earns its place among the best.)
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Oreo (2018) – Don’t confuse this with the older Reese’s Oreo (which had one side peanut butter creme, one side chocolate creme in a chocolate cookie). The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Oreo uses graham-flavored cookies with a half chocolate, half peanut butter creme. And it is phenomenal. The graham cracker cookies lend a toasty, pie-crust-like base that perfectly complements the Reese’s cup style filling. It genuinely tastes like a peanut butter pie with a chocolate drizzle, or a graham cracker topped with peanut butter and chocolate spread. This flavor won over many hearts and stomachs – it was so good it became a permanent flavor in Oreo’s lineup. Fans point out the balance of peanut butter and chocolate is just right, and the cookies being graham instead of the usual chocolate or golden was a genius stroke that sets this Oreo apart (harrisonpawprint.org). In some rankings, this flavor is near the very top (even the top for some aficionados). The only reason we don’t place it at #1 here is because, well, something’s gotta give and our top spot is reserved for a true icon. But make no mistake: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Oreo is elite. It’s indulgent, rich, and if you like peanut butter at all, you could find yourself eating an alarming number of these in one sitting. (Permanent flavor; widely considered one of Oreo’s best executions – a peanut butter lover’s dream.)
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Peanut Butter Oreo – A classic that has seen various forms (sometimes called Peanut Butter Creme Oreo). This isn’t the fancy Reese’s co-branded one, but the regular line Oreo with peanut butter flavored creme between the chocolate wafers. Essentially, Oreo meets a peanut butter cup. It’s a simple, brilliant combo: the salty, nutty sweetness of peanut butter creme against bittersweet chocolate cookies. Many people swear by these and even prefer them to actual peanut butter cups because, well, there’s a cookie involved (and cookies make everything better). The peanut butter creme isn’t straight-up peanut butter; it’s a bit sweeter and smoother, but still provides that roasted peanut taste. Dunking a PB Oreo in milk is chef’s kiss. It’s no surprise that in numerous flavor rankings, Peanut Butter Oreos land in the top three (parade.com). They’ve been around for years and remain popular – a testament to how well Oreo nailed this combination. Unless you have a peanut allergy, there’s very little to dislike here. Why not higher on our list? Only because our final entries are just a smidge more iconic. Peanut butter and chocolate is a tale as old as time – but Oreo executes it so well that this flavor has earned an almost legendary reputation. (Permanent flavor; consistently top-tier, beloved by peanut butter fans – truly a must-try Oreo.)
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Oreo Thins (Original flavor, launched 2015) – Before we unveil the top spot, a quick nod to a format rather than a flavor: Oreo Thins. These aren’t a flavor variant (they come in original, mint, etc.), so we won’t rank them number one or anything, but they deserve a shout-out for innovation. Oreo Thins are exactly what they sound like – slimmer cookies, slimmer layer of creme – resulting in a lighter, crispier Oreo experience (en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org). Some folks adore them, saying the improved cookie-to-creme ratio and delicate crunch make them feel almost gourmet. Others say “stop dieting my Oreo!” and prefer the classic heft. Regardless, Oreo Thins have been a hit, expanding to many flavors of their own. They’re perfect for those times you want to convince yourself eating five cookies is fine because they’re thin (we support this logic). In summary: Oreo Thins aren’t a flavor, but they are a successful offshoot that shows Oreo’s ability to reinvent itself. Now, on to our final ranking…
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The Most Oreo Oreo (Cookies ‘n Creme, 2023) – This meta-monstrosity deserves a mention near the top for its sheer audacity. The “Most Oreo Oreo” features two chocolate cookies holding an absolutely obscene amount of creme – packed with ground Oreo cookie bits (en.wikipedia.org). Yes, it’s an Oreo flavored like an Oreo inside an Oreo. Oreo inception. The creme is essentially cookies-n-creme flavor (which is basically the flavor of Oreo to begin with, mind blown), and they weren’t kidding about “Most Stuf” – these are thicker than even the Mega Stuf Oreos. Biting into one is like eating a frosting sandwich with a little cookie. It’s absurd, it’s hilarious, and you know what? It’s delicious in a sugar coma kind of way. Fans went crazy trying to find these limited-release cookies in early 2023 – partially for the novelty, but also because they actually taste great if you love Oreo creme. We won’t put it at number one because it’s more of a novelty remix of the original. But it gets props for basically being Oreo to the power of Oreo. (Just don’t try to eat more than one at once unless you have a serious sweet tooth!) (Limited edition; a self-referential Oreo overload that sold out fast – proof that Oreos can indeed taste like…Oreos.)
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Original Oreo (Chocolate Sandwich Cookie, introduced 1912) – Here it is: the king of cookies, the classic that started it all. Two nearly black, crisp chocolate wafers with that iconic pattern, held together by sweet white vanilla creme. There’s a reason the original Oreo is the benchmark for all other sandwich cookies and why over 110 years later we’re still in love. It’s simple perfection. The chocolate cookies are deeply cocoa-flavored (not too sweet), and the creme is sweet and vanillary, and when you twist, lick, and dunk – magic happens. Original Oreos are so beloved that they consistently top flavor rankings despite all the wild innovations (parade.com). In a world of Wasabi and Fruity cereal Oreos, the classic remains unsurpassed for many. You can eat them plain, you can dunk them in milk (the creme absorbs milk in the most satisfying way (thrillist.com)), you can crush them into ice cream – versatility is its middle name. Are they healthy? No. Do we care? Also no. Over the years, Nabisco has tried to improve or change the original (Double Stuf, Mega Stuf, etc.), but for purists, the ratio of the original Oreo is goldilocks perfect (businessinsider.com). It’s the cookie that launched a thousand flavors, a cultural icon, and the comfort treat for generations. At the end of the day, as much fun as the crazy flavors are, nothing beats biting into that original Oreo and tasting childhood. Original Oreo, you are the best. Case closed.
🌍 International
China
- White Peach Oolong Tea
- Crystal Grape & Peach
- Raspberry & Blueberry
- Peach & Grape
- Strawberry Crème
- Green Tea (Matcha)
- Blueberry Ice Cream
Japan
- Green Tea (Matcha)
- Lemon Ice
- Sakura Matcha (Cherry Blossom Matcha)
South Korea
- Tiramisu Oreo Thins
- Strawberry Crème
Indonesia
- Coconut Delight
- Strawberry Crème
- Blueberry Ice Cream
Italy
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Double Oreo Chiara Ferragni: A special edition with themed packaging
Double Oreo Chiara Ferragni: A special edition with themed packaging
Singapore
- Strawberry Crème
- Blueberry Ice Cream
Malaysia
- Strawberry Crème
- Blueberry Ice Cream
Thailand
- Orange Ice Cream
Canada
- Strawberry Milkshake
- Cinnamon Bun
- Maple Creme
Mexico
- Oreo Cajeta Coronado
- Oreo Trio Chocolate
United Kingdom
- Cadbury Coated Oreo
Other International Flavors
- Oreo Pokémon: Features Pokémon characters on the cookies; available in Asia.
- Oreo Blackpink: Pink-colored cookies with dark chocolate cream; available in several Asian countries.
Unreleased
- Post Malone Oreo (Unreleased): Rumored to have a swirled salted caramel and shortbread flavor crème between chocolate and golden cookies.
Others
- The "Most Stuf" Oreo: For those who believe moderation is overrated.
- The "Mega Stuf" Oreo: Because "Double Stuf" just wasn't enough.
- The "Thin" Oreo: For the calorie-conscious who still want to indulge.
Conclusion: One Cookie to Rule Them All
In this epic (and slightly sugar-fueled) journey through Oreo’s flavor universe, we’ve crunched through the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre. From international experiments that made us question reality (Hot Chicken Wing Oreo, we’re looking at you) to ingenious dessert-inspired hits (hello, S’mores and Carrot Cake), Oreo has proven itself as a fearless innovator in the cookie aisle.
Yet, as our ranking shows, sometimes the classics reign supreme – nothing quite dethroned the simple joy of the original Oreo and its time-tested combo of chocolate and creme. It’s a testament to how perfect that 1912 recipe truly is that, even after hundreds of flavor forays, it still holds the crown. The wild limited editions come and go, sparking our curiosity (and occasionally our horror), but we always find our way back to that familiar twist, lick, and dunk.
What will Oreo think of next? At the rate they’re going, perhaps Taco Tuesday Oreos or Pickle-flavored Oreos (don’t get any ideas, Mondelez!). One thing’s for sure: we’ll be here for it, ready to give it a try with an open mind and an ample supply of milk on standby. Because whether genius or gimmick, every new Oreo flavor adds to the rich tapestry of cookie lore – and gives us something fun to talk about (and taste-test on a dare).
So here’s to the Oreo: the humble biscuit that grew into a global phenomenon, the canvas for every flavor under the sun, and at its core, still the delicious chocolate sandwich cookie we’ve loved for over a century. After all this research, we’re craving a stack of Oreos stat. Why not grab your favorite flavor (be it classic or crazy) and join us? Together, we’ll raise a toast – or rather, a dunk – to many more years of Oreo adventures. Cheers, and happy dunking!
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