Oreo: A World of Asian Flavors to Savor
Did you know that Oreo has been around for over a century, and in that time, the brand has released more than 50 different flavors? Oreo is a world-famous sandwich cookie brand that consists of two pieces of cocoa biscuits or wafer cookies pressed against a sweet filling. The cookies have been released in a variety of flavors and sold in over 100 countries. Because it’s the best-selling cookie in the world, there’s a big chance that you have had an Oreo at least once. But have you tasted its unique Asian flavors?
Whether you prefer to twist or dunk your Oreos, here’s your chance to learn all about these tasty American treats and their adaptation to Asian markets. We’ll explore their origins, popular flavors, cultural impact, and reliable sellers.
From American Classic to Global Icon
Oreo was first produced in 1912 by Nabisco (formerly the National Biscuit Company) in Manhattan’s Chelsea district. The original Oreo did not pioneer the cookie-sandwich design. That accolade goes to Hydrox, a cookie introduced by Sunshine Biscuits in 1908. Sam Porcello was Nabisco’s main food scientist at the time, and he created the original recipe for the vanilla crème filing, which has remained largely unchanged since then.
One aspect that has changed significantly over the years is the brand’s name. It started off as “Oreo Biscuit,” but Nabisco renamed it “Oreo Sandwich” in 1921. There was another name change in 1974, and it became known as the “Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie,” a name that’s still in use today.
The idea to twist and lick Oreos or dunk them in milk was promoted by the company through advertising campaigns that first appeared on trolley cars in 1923. Oreo’s foray into global markets began in 1928 with exports to Latin and Central America. In the decades that followed, Nabisco launched several new Oreo variations, including Double Stuf Oreo in 1974, Halloween Oreo in 1991, and Oreo Mini in 1992. By the turn of 2024, Nabisco had sold over 500 billion Oreo cookies worldwide.
Oreo's Asian Adventure
Early on in their quest for dominance of the global cookie industry, Nabisco realized that every market was unique. Upon first launching in countries like China and India in the late 1990s, they suffered low sales. After rigorous research, Oreo decided to embrace localization and bring more diversity to their range of products. You can see this strategy in play when you look back at how Oreo adapted and innovated to fit into diverse Asian markets, starting with products like LightSweet Oreo, which had less sugar.
They initially focused on China, where the people were not too fond of sweet cookies. China also lacked the nostalgia factor, as adults didn’t grow up with Oreo cookies. Soon, the company started launching exclusive and limited-edition flavors. The exotic flavors they produced had less sugar, more fruity ingredients, and more chocolate. This strategy, along with ads targeted at children, caused Oreo sales in China to skyrocket. By 2006, Oreo had become China’s best-selling cookie.
The brand used similar research-backed strategies to conquer other Asian markets, including those in India, Indonesia, and Japan. Their efforts were backed by the Oreo production facilities in China, Bahrain, Indonesia, and India. Those four plants are still responsible for making and distributing the cookies in Asia.
Asian-Inspired Oreo Flavors
Oreo has released dozens of unique flavors in Asian countries, particularly Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, and China. Here are the most popular ones and their delicious ingredients.
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Green Tea: The Green Tea Oreo brand is exclusively released in China and Japan. This Asian flavor taps into the tea culture in both countries. It also serves their love for bittersweet treats. Made from premium matcha and very little sugar, the filling is much smoother than that of the typical Oreo.
Disclaimer
×Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Crispy Tiramisu: This limited-edition flavor is available only in South Korea, Japan, and Thailand. It’s part of the Oreo Thins series, first launched in 2015. The cookies offer fewer crumbs and a crispy texture.
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Sakura: In spring, Nabisco often releases a pink, cherry blossom-flavored cookie sandwich exclusively in Japan. In the past, they have treated us to Sakura Matcha Oreo and Sakura Chiffon Cake Oreo.
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Lemon Ice: This is another flavor exclusive to Japan. It has a sweet, refreshing, and citrusy taste.
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Blueberry Ice Cream: It’s available in Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and China. Lovers of mint chocolate will appreciate this masterpiece.
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Orange Ice Cream: This product was launched in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand in 2011. It offers a sweet, citrusy flavor profile that matches the Asian palette.
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Wasabi: This variant brings a hot and savory wasabi filling sandwiched between dark chocolate cookies. The flavor is exclusive to China.
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Hot Chicken Wing: This is another China-exclusive treat. It offers the salty, spicy, and familiar taste of chicken in powder form.
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Orange Mango: This is a Chinese flavor that combines the tastes of the two fruits into its creamy filling.
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Peach Oolong: This limited-edition flavor is popular in Japan during the spring season. You get to enjoy the subtle taste of peach with oolong tea.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
Disclaimer
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Cultural Impact of Oreos in Asia
Although it started off with no existing background or nostalgic history, Oreo has become a cultural icon in Asia. It means different things to various demographics on the continent. This is because Oreos builds cultural relevance through localization and special ad campaigns. Let’s take the perception of Oreo in most of India as an example. Many people see it as a household snack sold by family-owned shops. In Japan, Oreo serves as fuel for people working or studying in cafes.
The impact of social media on global perceptions of Oreo shouldn’t go unmentioned. From its use of K-pop stars and Indian actors as influencers to the viral “Dunk in the Dark” social media campaign in 2013, the brand has made valuable efforts to maintain cultural relevance. Today, Oreo cookies are used in a variety of desserts, including cheesecake, cupcakes, truffles, and ice cream. They grace household kitchens and casual celebrations such as birthdays, get-togethers, and sleepovers.
What Makes Asian Oreos Special
The secret to the popularity of Asian Oreos lies in their unique flavor profiles and ingredients. Cookie sandwiches from the region tend to contain less sugar, more fruity ingredients, and more depth in flavors. The sourness of the chocolate contrasts nicely with the sweet cream filling, creating a flavor blend that’s closer to what people in Asia appreciate in their snacks. Asian-inspired Oreos often make great pairings with other desserts and drinks. Many of their exotic flavors are limited-edition, making them much harder to find than traditional flavors. Some are so rare that they’re only available during specific seasons, like spring or summer.
Asian Oreos vs. Traditional Flavors
The success of Asian Oreos does not mean that they’re better than classic versions, and it certainly doesn’t mean that they’re worse. Both versions are two sides of the same coin. The main difference between the two is that Asian flavors are not as sweet as traditional flavors. Their cookie appearances are also different, as Asian versions often use wafer chocolate sticks instead of the traditional Orea shape. Also, Oreos manufactured for the Asian market tend to be more colorful.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Oreos
The following are innovative culinary uses for Asian Oreos in desserts and snacks that you can try at home:
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Fruity Oreo cheesecake: Use strawberry, orange, or mango-flavored Oreo to make the crust. Crush regular vanilla Oreo cookies and use them as fillings, then top with whipped cream or frosting made with Cinnamon Bun Oreo.
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Oreo ice cream: Crush blueberry ice cream or orange ice cream Oreo flavors and use them as toppings for the dessert.
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Oreo matcha truffle balls: Blend matcha or green tea Oreos in a food processor. Mix them with cream cheese and roll the mixture into small balls.
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Edible Oreo cookie dough: Mix chopped Oreo with milk, baked flour, vanilla, salt, butter, and sugar. You shouldn’t mix egg in this recipe.
Where to Find Asian Oreos
The best place to find Asian Oreos is to order from Bokksu Market. We offer a wide selection of Chinese and Japanese Oreos, ranging from exclusive flavors like matcha and blueberry to limited-edition releases like peach oolong. Check out our Asian Oreo collection to find unique options.
Asian Oreo flavors showcase the power of localization, even for global brands. Thanks to diligent market research, Nabisco dominates the cookie industry by creating products to match the tastes of different countries. Explore as many of their unique offerings as you can.
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