Has Nabisco Done Anything in the Last Ten to Twenty Years to Make the Oreo More Addictive?

It's more likely that your tastes have changed than that Nabisco has tampered with a winning recipe.

There are numerous foods that I would have avoided as a kid but now enjoy, such as vinaigrette dressing, stuffing, deviled eggs, iced tea, zucchini squash, and probably even more. However, not much has changed in the foods themselves; it's your taste buds that have evolved over time.

One common concern is that Oreo cookies have become more addictive. But could it be the cookies themselves, or simply a change in how you perceive them? Here are some potential explanations for why you might think your favorite cookies are more appealing now.

Retention of Milk and Dryness

One factor that might affect the texture of the cookies is the retention of milk. If the cookies absorb more milk, they might seem drier to you. Boxed cookies are often very dry, which is why I rarely consume them. However, it's possible that the packaging is not sealed as well now, or the cookies can last longer in your home after opening. Alternatively, the manufacturer might have made the cookies drier by cooking them longer, using less liquid, or cutting back on fats. These changes could lead to a perception of increased addictiveness due to their longer shelf life, better taste, and cost savings.

The Removal of Lard for Kosher Compliance

A notable recipe change that Nabisco made was the shift from lard to vegetable shortening. This change was made to make the Oreo cookies Kosher for the first time. However, this change is unlikely to have significantly impacted the overall taste or addictiveness of the cookies.

Getting the lard out: The koshering of the Oreo cookie

When Nabisco decided to use vegetable shortening instead of lard, it brought the cookie into compliance with kosher dietary laws. This change was positive for those observing kosher dietary laws, but it’s unlikely to have influenced the overall appeal or addictiveness of the cookie for the general population.

Commercial Success and Cost Considerations

Given the high profitability of the Oreo brand, Nabisco probably wouldn't change the recipe for such a valuable product unless there was a compelling reason. Changing the recipe annually for no apparent reason would be counterproductive. Typically, the company’s main concerns are maintaining quality, taste, and shelf life while keeping costs down. If changes were made to the recipe, they would likely be aimed at reducing expenses rather than enhancing addictiveness.

I would be quite surprised if they experimented with the recipe to make the cookies more addictive, especially since Oreo is such a cash cow for Nabisco. However, it's possible that they might explore ways to improve flavor profiles or packaging, but any significant changes would need to align with these core objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the perception that Oreo cookies have become more addictive is most likely due to your evolving tastes rather than any major changes to the product. Whether it's the change in how you perceive their texture, the shift from lard to vegetable shortening, or the evolving nature of addictive flavors in the food industry, your experience with Oreo reflects a combination of personal taste development and product advancements.