Oreo has unveiled its new Zero Sugar Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, a product designed to replicate the classic taste of its iconic cookie without any sugar. The upcoming release, slated for January in the U.S., has already generated significant online discussion and criticism regarding its ingredient list, which relies on artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.

Consumers took to social media platforms, particularly X, formerly Twitter, to voice their concerns. Many expressed dismay at the complex and unfamiliar names of the sweeteners and additives used in the zero-sugar formulation. This reaction highlights a growing consumer apprehension towards artificial ingredients and a preference for more natural components in food products.

The new cookie replaces traditional sugar with a blend of artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). Additionally, it incorporates sugar alcohols like sorbitol and maltitol, along with polydextrose, which is often used as a source of dietary fiber. These alternatives are intended to provide sweetness while eliminating sugar content.

Critics have likened the ingredient list to a “chemistry exam,” with some questioning the long-term health implications of consuming these substances. Concerns were raised about whether these artificial alternatives are genuinely healthier than sugar or if they introduce new, unknown risks. The sentiment suggests a distrust of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce or unfamiliar to the average consumer.

Oreo has marketed the Zero Sugar cookies as a “portion control and sweet tooth companion,” aiming to align with consumers’ health and wellness goals. The packaging features 10 small bags, each containing two cookies, a design intended to aid in managing consumption. The brand asserts that the new product delivers the signature Oreo taste.

Nutritional comparisons between the Zero Sugar and regular Oreos reveal differences in calorie and carbohydrate counts per serving, though the serving sizes also differ. Two Zero Sugar cookies contain 90 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 16 grams of carbohydrates. In contrast, a serving of three regular Oreos has 160 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbohydrates.

This product launch follows Oreo’s recent introduction of a “Thanksgiving Dinner Cookie Tin,” a limited-edition online exclusive featuring twelve fudge-covered cookies in various holiday-themed flavors. This innovative marketing approach contrasts sharply with the current controversy surrounding the ingredients of its new sugar-free offering.

Read Original

Keywords: Oreo Zero Sugar, artificial sweeteners, sucralose, Ace-K, ingredient backlash, sugar alcohols, polydextrose, cookie ingredients