Oreo is about to shake up the snack aisle like never before. In January 2026, Mondelēz International will release Oreo Zero Sugar, a bold new twist on the classic Original and Double Stuf cookies that promises “100% authentic OREO experience” without the sugar. After four years of careful development and global insight, this long-awaited launch aims to satisfy cravings while catering to a growing wave of Americans seeking lower-sugar options. Could this be the cookie revolution fans have been waiting for? Keep reading to discover how Oreo is redefining indulgence for the mindful snacker.
How Oreo Zero Sugar came to life
As more Americans seek balance in their diets, sugar is increasingly in the spotlight. A Statista study shows that 66% of U.S. consumers are actively trying to limit sugar intake in 2024, yet the sandwich cookie category has largely remained absent from the sugar-free market. Oreo is now stepping in to fill that void, introducing Oreo Zero Sugar and adding a new twist to a beloved treat.
“Until now, the sandwich cookie category has been relatively absent from the sugar-free snack segment,” Michelle Deignan, vice president of marketing for the Oreo brand at Mondelēz, said in an email to Food Dive. “This gap presented an incredible opportunity for the Oreo brand to step in and redefine what indulgence can look like.”
Even as sugar-conscious consumers cut back, the desire for indulgent treats hasn’t faded. Many are discouraged by the limited availability of sugar-free options or dissatisfied with the taste of those on the market. Sugar remains “the number one barrier” preventing some from enjoying cookies, Deignan noted.
Deignan emphasized that the Oreo Zero Sugar line offers “a valuable opportunity to truly disrupt the [sandwich cookie] category” and expand choices for those prioritizing lower-sugar options. It also enables the brand “to reach entirely new audiences” who may not have previously considered cookies as a suitable treat for their dietary preferences.
What makes Oreo Zero Sugar taste like the original
According to Deignan, Mondelez “went back to the drawing board” and created Oreo Zero Sugar “from scratch” after carefully listening to consumer feedback.
The development process involved fine-tuning the sweetness. The U.S. version is sweetened with a mix of maltitol, polydextrose, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, and is Aspartame-free. This combination replicates the familiar sweetness and texture of traditional sugar while “minimizing impact on the iconic taste and texture of the Oreo cookie,” Deignan revealed.
Oreo Zero Sugar draws on lessons from previous sugar-free launches in China and Europe. Deignan explained that Mondelēz used insights from these markets to “refine its approach” for the U.S. version, ensuring the cookie meets the expectations of American fans.
Oreo Zero Sugar’s packaging makes snacking on the go easier than ever
With a refreshed design and a convenient stand-up bag, Oreo Zero Sugar makes it easier than ever for fans to enjoy their favorite cookie anytime, anywhere. The new packaging is perfect for modern lifestyles, combining portability with the classic Oreo experience. To stay in the loop and be among the first to try it, visit OREO.com/BeyondTheCookie and sign up for purchase notifications.