In a reflection of these calorie-controlled times, sugar-free Oreos are set to hit shelves in the U.S. next year.
Parent company Mondelez has confirmed that Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Double Stuff Zero Sugar will be available to purchase from January in the U.S. as part of a permanent addition to the Oreo range of cookies.
According to a report from Just Food, the new Oreo Zero Sugar cookies will have a suggested retail price of $5.79.
A statement from Oreo, quoted by Just Food, reads: “Oreo Zero Sugar presents a valuable opportunity for an iconic brand to truly disrupt the category, as well as expand the Oreo portfolio by providing more choices for consumers.”
The statement continues: “This innovation also reflects Mondelez International’s broader commitment to choice, offering options that cater to a wider range of lifestyles and dietary preferences.”
Oreo Zero Sugar cookies are already available in China and Europe and the company cited its experience in these markets, as well as a recent trial run in the U.S., that convinced it to launch the product nationwide from next month.
“We took key learnings from other markets, like China and Europe, to refine our approach. From adjusting sweetness profiles to tailoring the product experience by launching a resealable standup pouch for added convenience, we’ve crafted a product that we feel is well suited for U.S. consumers today,” the Oreo statement cited by Just Food said.
The no-sugar Oreos are the culmination of four years of development, with the aim being to create a sugar-free Oreos variant that tastes as close to the original recipe as possible.
The result is a cookie containing maltitol, a type of sugar alcohol found in some fruits and vegetables along with the soluble fiber polydextrose, a sweetener derived from sugar called sucralose and the synthetic sweetener acesulfame potassium.
It’s all part of what Oreo refers to as a renewed focus on “mindful indulgence” among customers. Zero sugar products have proven a key driver for companies like Coca-Cola, whose third quarter results exceeded Wall Street expectations thanks, in part, to the demand for zero sugar drinks.
While sales of Trademark Coca-Cola grew 1 percent, driven by growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa as well as Asia Pacific. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar grew 14 percent, driven by growth across all geographic operating segments. Sales of Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light also grew 2 percent primarily driven by growth in North America and Asia Pacific.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
Newsweek has contacted out to Mondelez for comment.
