Is Oreo Gluten Free? Everything You Need to Know -

Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular, even for those without celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This has led many people to wonder: Are Oreos gluten free?

Oreos do contain gluten, meaning they are not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, Oreo has released a certified gluten-free version called Gluten Free Oreos.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Oreos and gluten, including:

Table of Contents

What is Gluten and Why Do Some People Need to Avoid It?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, consuming gluten is not an issue. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten causes damage to the small intestine and triggers an autoimmune response. Even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and more in those with gluten-related disorders.

The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly and completely avoiding gluten. This means checking labels and calling manufacturers to ensure products are certified gluten-free. Accidental gluten ingestion can cause illness and damage to the small intestine.

Do Regular Oreos Contain Gluten?

Yes, regular Oreos contain gluten.

Oreos are made using wheat flour, which contains the proteins gliadin and glutenin. When combined with water, these proteins form gluten.

The ingredient list for Original Oreos is:

Unbleached Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate {Vitamin B1}, Riboflavin {Vitamin B2}, Folic Acid)
Sugar
High Oleic Canola Oil and/or Palm Oil and/or Canola Oil
Cocoa (Processed with Alkali)
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Leavening (Baking Soda and/or Calcium Phosphate)
Cornstarch
Salt
Soy Lecithin
Vanillin–an Artificial Flavor
Chocolate

The unbleached enriched wheat flour is the ingredient containing gluten.

Therefore, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid regular Oreos and other regular Oreo flavors. Consuming them would cause intestinal damage and symptoms.

Oreo Gluten Free Version

Fortunately, Oreo has created a certified gluten-free version called Gluten Free Oreos for people who need or want to avoid gluten.

The gluten-free Oreos are made using gluten free grains and do not contain barley, rye, wheat, or oats.

Gluten Free Oreos were introduced in 2015 after a popular fan petition. Oreo reformulated the cookies to keep the same classic Oreo taste while making them safe for gluten-free diets.

The Gluten Free Oreos come in the familiar Original flavor. They have the same chocolate cookie outside and sweet creme filling as regular Original Oreos, without the gluten.

Ingredients in Gluten Free Oreos

Here are the ingredients in certified Gluten Free Original Oreos:

Rice Flour
Sugar
Chocolate Cocoa Processed with Alkali
High Oleic Canola and/or Palm Oil
Cocoa
Molasses
Water
Canola Oil
Salt
Soy Lecithin
Natural Flavor
Xanthan Gum

All ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Rice flour replaces the wheat flour in regular Oreos. Molasses and cocoa give the cookies the classic Oreo taste.

Where to Buy Gluten Free Oreos

Gluten Free Oreos can be found at most major grocery stores in the gluten-free section, such as:

Kroger
Safeway
Target
Walmart
Whole Foods
Publix

They are sold in the same familiar Oreo packaging, labeled clearly as “Gluten Free” in bold letters.

Gluten Free Oreos can also be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Buying online is convenient if you can’t find them easily in stores near you.

A 6.6 oz package of Gluten Free Oreos typically costs around $5-6. Some stores may charge slightly more or less.

Are Gluten Free Oreos Vegan?

No, Gluten Free Oreos are not vegan. While the cookies are gluten-free, they still contain milk and other animal products.

The creme filling has ingredients like whey protein and whey powder, both dairy derivatives.

Therefore, Gluten Free Oreos are:

Gluten free ✔️
Dairy free ❌
Vegan ❌

Those seeking gluten free AND vegan Oreos can try brands like Newman’s Own Gluten Free Vegan Oreo-style Cookies.

Do Gluten Free Oreos Taste the Same As Regular?

Most people find the taste and texture of Gluten Free Oreos very similar to regular Oreos. They have the same chocolate cookie outside and sweet vanilla creme inside.

However, some find the gluten-free version to be slightly crumblier or drier. The rice flour gives it a subtly different texture.

Overall, they are still very close to original Oreos and satisfy any Oreo craving when you need a gluten-free option!

Oreo Gluten Free FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Oreos and gluten:

Are Oreos made in a gluten-free facility?

No, regular Oreos are made on shared equipment that also processes wheat. So there is a risk of cross-contamination. Only the certified Gluten Free Oreos are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

What about other Oreo flavors like Double Stuf or Mini?

Other Oreo flavors like Double Stuf, Thins, Mini, and Oreo Fudge Cremes also contain gluten from wheat flour. Only the specially formulated Gluten Free version is gluten-free.

Are Oreos processed on shared equipment with wheat?

Yes, regular Oreos are made on shared manufacturing and processing equipment that also handles wheat ingredients. Some people highly sensitive may react, but Gluten Free Oreos are the safest bet.

Do Oreos contain barley or rye?

No, regular Oreos do not contain gluten from barley or rye, only from wheat. But they are still unsafe for celiacs due to the wheat flour.

Can trace amounts of gluten in Oreos cause issues?

Yes, even small traces of gluten from cross-contact or shared equipment can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage in those with celiac. So they must strictly avoid regular Oreos.

What happens if a celiac eats regular Oreos by accident?

If someone with celiac disease accidentally eats regular Oreos, they may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It also causes damage to the small intestine. The only option is to avoid any further gluten intake.

In summary, Oreos are not gluten-free unless you choose the certified Gluten Free Oreos. These provide the Oreo taste people know and love in a gluten-free format safe for celiacs and those avoiding gluten. Check labels carefully and contact manufacturers directly if still unsure about ingredients or processing. This ensures gluten stays completely out of your diet.

That covers everything you need to know about Oreos and gluten! Let me know if you would like me to expand or modify the article outline in any way. I can generate a fully comprehensive article or blog post based on this optimized structure.