mmm... rice milk and organic oreos...
The answer: in some countries and in the past, Oreos have contained whey, a dairy by-product. However, nowadays they are free of whey and yes, technically vegan. Because of this, many people think that means there is no problem. Maybe not for lactose intolerant people, but for anyone who wants to eat food that is good for their body, including vegans, the consensus on Oreos is just bad. Aside from lots of fat and refined sugar, which some vegans consider to be against their diet because of the bone-involving refining process.
Also, from recent personal experience, there is often the consequence of a large painful stomachache after eating a quarter-package of Oreos in one sitting. Vegan does not always equal healthy or satisfying! This is my new mantra, alongside “portion control” and maybe “think before you eat”. Oh, road trip diets will be the death of me.
For a list of other vegan snacks, visit this site. Although PETA is sometimes not the friendliest organization, they do know what they are talking about when it comes to animal products. Alternatives to Oreos include Newman’s Own Organics “Newman-O’s”, part of a line of snacks similar to Oreos, including wheat-free, dairy-free, peanut butter, chocolate, mint and even ginger flavors! There are also countless vegan cookie companies springing up like tulips lately, my favorites of which are the Alternative Baking Co. and Uncle Eddies Vegan Cookies. As a disclaimer I must warn you that even non-vegans will probably become obsessed. Just remember that although they are tasty, they will still be there tomorrow!
Comments
Thanks for the article on this subject. The refined sugar thing is super annoying but I try to stay away from it as much as possible.
Late July also makes organic sandwich cookies that are like Oreos but vegan and much less unhealthy. I'm not sure if all their products are vegan, but the Organic Vanilla Bean with Green Tea sandwich cookies are.
Refined sugar does not mean that it's been bone-char processed. In fact, fewer and fewer companies are using the bone-chars these days.
Also, Oreos have palm oil as a main ingredient. A lot of palm oil is coming from Southeast Asia and is grown in areas that were once rain forests. The deforestation to create palm oil plantations is not only bad for the planet, it is linked to the rapid decline of the orangutan! So there is a link to eating oreos and animal suffering. I implore any vegan or socially conscious person to opt for one of the many alternatives.
Wow, Christina, I had no idea! I ate lots of palm fruit when I was in Thailand but didn't know that it was part of deforestation. Good to know, thanks!
Thanks for doing your oreo homework so we vegans don't have to!
i just called Kraft(who manufacturers oreo's) and asked them if the sugar is Animal derived, she said no it is not, it is filtered through charcoal which is natural based and not animal derived...SO HAPPY!
Eating a quarter package of most foods would probably be an unwise decision. Oreos are by no means a healthful food, but in moderation (for a treat) I do not think eating an Oreo is going to shave years off your life.
Glad to know they are technically vegan and interesting article. I am trying to be vegan for at least a month and I'm blogging about it.... http://madelinetiani.wordpress.com
Wow, I had no idea their were so many things to consider when buying food for Vegans. I eat fish only, no other meat or animal products. I normally don't eat Oreo's but was wanting to buy them for Halloween treats. Holly Molly!
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