Quick Answer
An Oreo cookie without the creme filling has around 53 calories. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific type of Oreo, but most regular Oreos with the filling removed contain 50-55 calories per cookie.
Calculating Oreo Calories
Determining the calorie count of an Oreo cookie requires looking at the nutritional information for Oreos and analyzing the calories that come from the cookie components versus the creme filling.
An original Oreo cookie with the filling intact contains around 53 calories per cookie. Of those calories, 26 come from fat, 20 come from carbohydrates, and the remainder comes from protein.
When you separate the creme filling from the chocolate wafers, the majority of the fat and therefore calories are removed with the filling.
The creme filling accounts for the majority of an Oreo’s fat content and therefore calorie content. The filling contains 8 grams of fat per serving while the chocolate wafers contain only 2 grams of fat per serving.
So when you remove the filling, you are removing the main source of fat and calories from the Oreo cookie. This leaves just the two chocolate wafers, which are relatively low in fat and calories.
Most sources estimate that the cookie wafers alone contain around 53 calories per cookie, which means the filling contains the other 57 calories in a whole Oreo with both components.
So in summary:
– Whole Oreo cookie: ~110 calories
– Creme filling: ~57 calories
– Cookie wafers without filling: ~53 calories
This calorie breakdown will vary slightly for different types of Oreos, but for the original chocolate sandwich Oreos, an Oreo cookie without the creme filling contains right around 53 calories.
Calories in Different Oreo Types
While the original Oreo contains about 53 calories without the filling, the calorie counts may differ for alternative Oreo flavors and varieties.
Here is a run-down of estimated calories for some popular Oreo options without the creme filling:
– Original Oreo: 53 calories
– Double Stuf Oreo: 60 calories
– Thins Oreo: 46 calories
– Golden Oreo: 48 calories
– Mint Oreo: 52 calories
– Birthday Cake Oreo: 55 calories
– Mega Stuf Oreo: 67 calories
The different calorie counts come down to differences in the size and thickness of the cookie wafers. For example, Mega Stuf Oreos have a higher calorie count because the wafers are slightly thicker and bigger than original Oreos.
But in all cases, removing the creme filling cuts the calories in about half compared to the whole cookie with filling intact.
Nutritional Profile of Oreos Without Filling
Looking beyond just calories, here is the basic nutritional profile of an Oreo cookie without the filling:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 53 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Sugar | 1-2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, without the fatty creme filling, the Oreo wafers are low in fat and protein and contain 8 grams of carbohydrate per cookie.
The chocolate wafers contain small amounts of added sugars, but much of the sugar content comes from the filling which is removed when you separate the cookies.
Overall, the wafers are low in nutrients and mostly provide carbohydrate and a bit of fat. The creme is what makes an Oreo more of a balanced treat with fat, carbs, and some protein.
Healthiness of Oreos Without Filling
Looking at the nutritional profile, it may seem like removing the filling makes Oreos slightly healthier by cutting fat and calories. However, Oreos with or without filling have little nutritional value due to being highly processed cookies.
Some aspects to consider:
– Lower fat content without filling but still high carb with little fiber or protein
– Lack of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that come from whole foods
– Artificial colors and preservatives used in chocolate wafers
– High glycemic index can spike blood sugar
Oreos without the filling do remove some fat calories, but the wafers themselves provide little nutritional benefit beyond carbohydrate energy.
Eating Oreos once in awhile in moderation is fine for most people. But overall, it’s still best to get snacks and treats from wholesome real foods that provide more complete nutrition.
Ways to Make Oreo Wafers Healthier
While Oreos aren’t the most nutritious snack, there are some ways to upgrade cookie wafers on their own by adding more wholesome ingredients:
– Use whole grain cookie wafers instead of refined flour cookies.
– Sandwich fruit spreads, nut butters, or Greek yogurt instead of sugary creme.
– Dip wafers in dark chocolate for an antioxidant boost.
– Use cookie wafers for crusts on mini cheesecakes or fruit tarts.
With a little creativity, you can turn an Oreo wafer from an empty calorie treat into more of a balanced snack or dessert. Focus on adding natural protein, healthy fats, and fresh fruits or vegetables.
Are Oreos Vegan Without the Filling?
One common question is whether Oreos without the filling are vegan. The answer is no – Oreo wafers themselves contain ingredients that are not vegan:
– Non-vegan Sugars: Sugar may be processed with bone char.
– Milk Ingredients: Oreo wafers contain milk ingredients like whey powder.
– Potential Cross-Contamination: Dairy and eggs are used on manufacturing lines.
While the creme filling contains ingredients clearly non-vegan like milk and cream, the wafers also contain milk-derived ingredients. So Oreos are not vegan whether the filling is removed or not.
However, there are many vegan Oreo-style cookie options on the market made without milk ingredients. Brands like Newman’s Own, Annie’s, and Back to Nature make creme sandwich cookies with vegan chocolate wafers.
Making Oreo Wafers at Home
It’s possible to recreate Oreo or Oreo-style cookie wafers at home with simple ingredients. Here is one recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart.
- Gently press each ball to flatten into a disc shape.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set.
- Let cookies cool completely on baking sheet.
- Use cookies as wafers for cream sandwiches or on their own.
This easy cookie recipe makes a nice homemade version of Oreo wafers to enjoy. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins to the dough.
Buying Oreo Wafers
Rather than altering whole Oreos, you can actually buy just the chocolate cookie wafers separately without any filling:
- Oreo Cookie Wafers: Packs of cookie wafers from Nabisco, the maker of Oreos.
- Famous Chocolate Wafers: Look for these in the ice cream toppings section.
- Ice Cream Sandwich Wafers: Sold for making DIY ice cream sandwiches.
- Chocolate Waiver Cookies: Check brands like Keebler for their versions.
Buying pre-made chocolate wafer cookies gives you an easy starting point for then customizing your own creme-filled sandwich cookies.
Popular Ways to Use Oreo Wafers
Aside from making your own cookie sandwiches, Oreo wafers can be used in all kinds of delicious recipes and desserts. Some ideas include:
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Sandwich ice cream between wafers for an easy treat.
- Banana Pudding – Layer wafers and bananas in sweet vanilla pudding.
- Crumb Crust – Crush wafers and combine with butter to make a yummy crust.
- Cheesecake Base – Grind wafers into a fine crumb to press into the bottom of cheesecake pans.
- Chocolate Bark – Melt chocolate and mix in crushed wafers for texture.
- Trifles – Layer wafers with whipped cream and fruit to create beautiful trifle desserts.
- Milkshakes – Blend oreo wafers into classic chocolate milkshakes for extra richness.
Let your creativity guide you when it comes to using Oreo wafers in recipes – the possibilities are endless!
Storing Oreo Wafers
To help oreo wafers stay fresh once opened, here are some storage tips:
– Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
– Keep cookies in a cool, dry place – not refrigerated.
– If wafers become stale, revive them by heating for a few seconds in the microwave.
– For long term storage, freeze cookie wafers in a freezer bag or airtight container.
– Allow frozen wafers to thaw completely before using.
With proper storage, Oreo wafers can keep well for 1-2 months at room temperature or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
An Oreo cookie without the filling contains approximately 53 calories – coming almost entirely from the two chocolate wafers themselves. The creme center accounts for over half the calories in a whole Oreo cookie.
While removing the filling does eliminate some fat and calories, Oreo wafers themselves are still fairly processed and provide little nutritional value. Overall, it’s fine to enjoy Oreos in moderation, but emphasize getting nutrition from wholesome foods.
Wafers can be used creatively in recipes, purchased pre-made, or baked at home for a fun base for ice cream sandwiches or cream pies. Store leftover wafers properly to maintain freshness.
Now that you know how many calories are in an Oreo without the stuffing, you can better control portions and use the versatile wafers however you wish!
