When I hear the word Hydrox I think of Hydroxycut. Hydroxycut was one of those crazy weight loss pills from the ‘90s. But Hydrox is a cookie. Maybe it’s because of that name that Hydrox played second fiddle to Oreos for years. But what is Hydrox? Are Hydrox cookies still made? Did Oreo copy Hydrox? When was Hydrox made? Let’s dive into Hydrox vs Oreo!
What is Hydrox?
Hydrox is a chocolate sandwich cookie with a cream filling. If that sounds familiar to you, it’s because Oreos are essentially the same exact thing. In 1882 a guy named Jacob Loose started what would become Sunshine Biscuits. Sunshine Biscuits debuted their most popular cookie, Hydrox, in 1908. That’s right, Hydrox was made in 1908, over 100 years ago. The name was supposed to sound fresh and clean, like the hydrogen and oxygen in water. But it sounded more like hydrogen peroxide. And, indeed, that chemically sounding name was a turnoff for many people.
Hydrox vs Oreo
So did Oreo copy Hydrox? You bet they did! Even though Hydrox always seemed to be the Pepsi to Oreo’s co*ke, the Sega to their Nintendo, the WWF to their WCW, Hydrox actually debuted first. Hydrox was released in 1908 and Nabisco released Oreos on April 2, 1912. Nabisco described their cookie as “two beautifully embossed chocolate-flavored wafers with a rich cream filling,” which could also describe Hydrox just as well.
When it comes down to the minute differences, the design on the Hydrox wafer is a more intricate flower. Oreos are slightly sweeter. And the Hydrox chocolate biscuits are a little harder, standing up to a milk dunk a little better. But the biggest difference between Oreos and Hydrox was that Oreos had a better name and Nabisco marketed the heck out of them. One of the only reasons that Hydrox stuck around as long as they did is because they were kosher and Oreos were not. But in 1998, Oreo got the lard out of their cream and became kosher as well.
Are Hydrox cookies still made?
Good news for everybody reading this and wanting to try some weirdo Oreos: You can still buy Hydrox! That wasn’t the case for a few years, though. Keebler took over Sunshine Biscuits in the late ‘90s and gave Hydrox a rebrand. But then Kellogg bought the Keebler brand in 2001 and Hydrox were no more by 2003. Hydrox were briefly released in 2008, but it seemed like that may have been their last gasp.
However, in 2015, Ellia Kassoff’s company Leaf Brands brought Hydrox back from the dead. Basically, since Kellogg had announced publicly that they had no plans to ever revive Hydox, Kassoff was able to take over the copyright and revive the original cream-filled, chocolate biscuit sandwich cookie. I always buy one pack of Hydrox along with my Oreos. Then I take them all apart and combine the two different cookies as a symbol of unity.
FAQs
Oreo eventually surpassed Hydrox in popularity, which resulted in the Hydrox cookies being perceived by many as an Oreo off-brand, despite the opposite being the case. Compared to Oreos, Hydrox cookies have a less sweet filling and a crunchier cookie shell that is less soggy when dipped in milk.
Are Hydrox cookies discontinued? ›
Yet Oreo's dominance is unparalleled, accounting for roughly 10% of all cookies purchased in the US. Nabisco, the maker of Oreo (and a subsidiary of Mondelez Inc.), commands nearly 40% of the cookie market. Hydrox, meanwhile, was discontinued in 2003.
Why did Oreo become more popular than Hydrox? ›
But the biggest difference between Oreos and Hydrox was that Oreos had a better name and Nabisco marketed the heck out of them. One of the only reasons that Hydrox stuck around as long as they did is because they were kosher and Oreos were not.
Is Oreo a copycat of Hydrox? ›
It was advertised as "two beautifully embossed chocolate flavored wafers with a rich cream filling," and sold for 30 cents a pound. “Not only was Oreo this copycat of Hydrox, it was also built on the back of the company that Jacob had founded himself,” says Parks. Loose-Wiles tried to innovate in other ways.
How much did Hydrox sue Oreo for? ›
Kassoff has expressed concern about Mondelēz's before. Upset with the Chicago-based company's efforts to diminish his brand's presence in the competitive cookie aisle, he filed an official complaint with the Federal Trade Commission in 2018 seeking $800 million in damages.
How much is Hydrox vs Oreos? ›
The pricing will be roughly where Hydrox™ was for years: less expensive than Oreos but more expensive than store brands. If a 14-ounce package of Oreos retails for about $4; Hydrox™ will be $3 and store brand sandwich cremes often cost about $2, he says.
Who bought Hydrox cookies? ›
It debuted in 1908 and was manufactured by Sunshine® Biscuits. Sunshine Biscuits was purchased by Keebler® in 1996, and in 1999, Keebler® replaced Hydrox® with a similar but reformulated product named Droxies®.
What were Oreos originally called? ›
The name Oreo was trademarked on March 14, 1912. It was launched as an imitation of the original Hydrox cookie manufactured by Sunshine company, which was introduced in 1908. The original design on the face of the Oreo featured a wreath around the edge of the cookie and the name "OREO" in the center.
Is there a rare Oreo? ›
Pokemon Mew Oreo Cookie - Ultra Rare.
What is the best selling cookie of all time? ›
Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.
A long time ago, two brothers disliked each other. In 1890, a rivalry between two brothers created one of the most addictive cookies in history. Jacob and Joseph Loose ran two competing bakeries in Kansas City, Missouri. Jacob invented the Hydrox cookie.
What is the #1 cookie? ›
It might just be this one. Ever the crowd-pleaser, the chocolate chip cookie is renowned for its balance of richness and sweetness. The traditional recipe for these cookies includes butter, eggs, chocolate chips, and brown sugar, but it can be tweaked to fit a variety of tastes and occasions.
Do they still sell Hydrox cookies? ›
LEAF Brands is proud to bring back Hydrox, the Original Sandwich Cookie! Yep, it predated Oreo and was always free of animal fats. LEAF rolled the recipe back to when real sugar, non-hydrogenated oils and high-quality cocoa were used. After years of waiting, you can now enjoy Hydrox cookies once again.
What does Hydrox taste like? ›
The biscuits are substantial and dense, with excellent cocoa flavor, not too sweet. The filling is creamy with a hint of real vanilla, and seems more generous than I expected. I may have eaten Hydrox once or twice 50 years ago as a kid, not often enough to have a memory. Premium price to be sure, but worth every penny.
Which tastes better, Oreo or Hydrox? ›
Oreo cookies may be crumblier, but they also have a slightly sweeter flavor. The cream in between cookies differs as well, with Hydrox opting for a smoother, less sweet option. Oreo icing is thicker in consistency and adds some extra sweetness.
Is Sunshine Biscuits still in business? ›
Sunshine food and snack products are now owned by Kellogg's, but the Sunshine brand is present on some of the company's most beloved crackers. Cheez-It snack crackers, Krispy saltines, and wheat wafers still bear the yellow Sunshine logo.
