Small Home Gazette, Winter 2024

History Brief: Twist, Lick, Dunk

Have your cold glass of milk ready for March 6—National Oreo Cookie Day.

The National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) produced the “Oreo Biscuit” in 1912, trademarking the name “Oreo” that same year. Made from two chocolate cookies glued together with vanilla frosting, Oreos followed its predecessor, the Hydrox cookie (introduced in 1908). Oreos soon overtook Hydrox in popularity due to its sweeter taste and creamier filling.

While the origin of the name “Oreo” is unknown, some say it comes from the French word for gold (original package had gold lettering), while others say it comes from the Greek word for nice or attractive. The first name was Oreo Biscuits; changed to Oreo Sandwich in 1921; and later to Oreo Creme Sandwich in 1948. Oreos have achieved a status similar to Kleenex or Xerox—a brand name that has come to represent all similar products.

Ever wonder how long to dunk the beloved Oreo in milk? Researchers discovered the optimal time to submerge the cookie is three seconds. In another study, 50 percent of Oreo eaters pull apart their cookies, and women are more likely to do the twist than men. Whether it is twisted and licked or simply dunked, the Oreo is celebrating 112 years.