Gluten free Oreos have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people adopt gluten free diets. One of the most noticeable differences between regular Oreos and gluten free Oreos is that the gluten free version features a hole in the center of the cookie. This has led many cookie lovers to ask: why do gluten free Oreos have holes?
There are a few key reasons why Nabisco, the maker of Oreos, produces gluten free Oreos with holes:
1. Texture and mouthfeel
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It provides elasticity, helps baked goods rise and gives them a chewy texture. Since gluten free Oreos lack gluten, they end up with a more brittle, crumbly texture.
The hole in the center of the cookie helps give it some structural integrity and improves the mouthfeel, making it closer to the texture of a traditional Oreo cookie. The hole prevents the cookie from completely crumbling apart.
2. Cook time
Regular Oreos are made using wheat flour, which contains gluten. Gluten helps baked goods trap steam as they cook. This allows the inside of Oreo cookies to stay soft while the outside cooks and becomes crisp.
Since gluten free flours can’t trap steam the same way, gluten free Oreo cookies require a shorter baking time so the centers don’t over-bake and become hard. The holes ensure the short cook time is sufficient to crisp up the cookie exterior.
3. Visual appeal
The hole in the middle of gluten free Oreos makes them instantly recognizable. It gives them a distinct look consistent with the traditional Oreo, maintaining the brand’s visual identity. The holes also allow the dark creme filling to show through, making them appear more appetizing at first glance.
A Look at The Ingredients in Gluten Free Oreos
Nabisco uses a proprietary blend of gluten free ingredients to produce the gluten free Oreos. Here’s a closer look:
Rice Flour
Rice flour naturally lacks gluten and is commonly used as the base flour in gluten free baked goods. Rice flour gives the Oreos a light texture and color. However, rice flour on its own can taste bland, gritty and powdery.
Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour, also called tapioca starch, comes from the starchy cassava root. Tapioca flour helps improve the texture of gluten free baked goods and makes them chewier with a little bit of “bounce.” The tapioca flour balances out the crumbly texture of the rice flour.
Potato Starch
Potato starch adds moisture and stretchiness to gluten free dough. This results in a less dry, gritty cookie. The potato starch also promotes spreading as the Oreos bake, allowing them to flatten out and achieve the signature Oreo shape.
Sugar
While sugar adds sweetness, it also serves an important structural purpose in gluten free Oreos. The granulated sugar helps bulk up the dough, while the brown sugar adds moisture and binding power. This results in a less dense, cake-like texture.
Vegetable Oils
Gluten free Oreo cookies contain oils like palm oil, canola oil and soybean oil. The oils help retain moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming too dry and brittle. The small amount of fat in the oils also enhances mouthfeel and flavor.
Cocoa
Cocoa powder gives the gluten free Oreo its classic dark color and rich chocolate taste. Dutch processed cocoa is alkalized to neutralize acidity and give the cookies a mellower cocoa flavor.
Natural Flavors
In addition to cocoa, natural flavors are added to reproduce the signature Oreo cookie taste. These proprietary natural flavorings are likely vanilla, coffee and chocolate extracts.
Leavening Agents
Baking soda and baking powder cause gluten free dough to rise. This gives the Oreos a fluffier, lighter texture instead of being dense and flat.
Salt
A small amount of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is an emulsifier that helps evenly distribute the fat and cocoa throughout the dough. It also promotes spread during baking.
Gum Blend
Gums like xanthan and guar gum mimic the binding properties of gluten and give the cookies structure. These stabilize the crumbly gluten free dough.
The Production Process For Gluten Free Oreos
Nabisco adapted their manufacturing process to work for gluten free cookies:
Blending
The gluten free flour blend, cocoa powder, sugars, oils, and other dry and wet ingredients are thoroughly mixed together into a dough. The gum blend and leavening agents are also incorporated.
Rolling
The dough is passed through rollers to make a sheet of uniform thickness. This smooth sheet helps the cookies bake evenly.
Cutting
The dough sheet goes through a cutter that forms the signature Oreo shape. The cutter makes the holes in the center and edge imprints with the OREO design around the perimeter.
Baking
The cut cookie dough pieces travel through a large commercial oven on a conveyor belt. The heat causes the gluten free dough to rise slightly and spread while baking.
Sandwiching
The cream center is automatically applied onto one side of the cookie. The top cookie halves are aligned on top to form the sandwich.
Cooling and Packaging
The finished Oreos move down the line where they cool completely before packaging. They are packed into stay-fresh packs, cases and bags for distribution.
Nutrition Comparison of Gluten Free vs. Regular Oreos
| Nutrition Facts | Regular Oreo | Gluten Free Oreo |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | 140 |
| Fat | 7g | 5g |
| Carbs | 21g | 24g |
| Fiber | 0g | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g | 12g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
Gluten free Oreos are fairly comparable to regular Oreos in nutritional value. They have fewer calories and fat since they do not contain gluten from wheat. However, they tend to have slightly more carbs and sugar.
The main differences are:
– Regular Oreos get their protein primarily from wheat, while gluten free Oreos use rice flour which is lower in protein.
– Gluten free Oreos contain a little more fiber from the gluten free flours.
– The fat content changes due to different oil blends being used.
So in summary, while not identical, gluten free Oreos provide a similar calorie, sugar and protein intake to traditional Oreos in a gluten free formulation.
The Benefits of Choosing Gluten Free Oreos
Gluten free Oreos offer a number of advantages:
1. They are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
For those following a medically necessary gluten free diet, these cookies offer a delicious way to enjoy Oreos without risking adverse health effects from gluten exposure.
2. They reduce inflammation
Some people report less digestive distress and lowered inflammation after removing gluten from their diets. Gluten free Oreos provide a tasty cookie option to help them stick to a gluten free diet.
3. They provide a healthy treat for kids’ school lunches
Parents of kids with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can feel good about packing gluten free Oreos in their lunchbox for school. They get to enjoy a fun cookie just like their peers.
4. They offer a convenience food for busy gluten free lifestyles
Gluten free cooking and baking can be time consuming. Having grab-and-go gluten free Oreos saves time for those with busy schedules and little time to bake.
5. They satisfy food cravings on a gluten free diet
Let’s face it, Oreos are delicious! Gluten free Oreos let people on GF diets indulge their cookie cravings without exposure to gluten. This helps many stick closely to the diet by avoiding temptation.
6. They provide a sense of normalcy for kids on a GF diet
Following a strict gluten free diet can make kids feel isolated or left out. Being able to eat Oreos just like their peers improves their sense of inclusion and normalcy.
So while the holes may seem puzzling at first, they serve an important function. The holes and gluten free formulation provide a tasty way for cookie lovers to enjoy Oreos on a gluten free diet!
Finding The Best Gluten Free Oreo Options
Nabisco makes original Gluten Free Oreos that are widely available in stores. However, there are also some other brands of gluten free Oreos to consider trying:
Katz Gluten Free Oreos
Katz offers two gluten free Oreo varieties:
- Gluten Free Golden Oreos – made with vanilla cookies and a sweet creme filling.
- Gluten Free Chocolate Oreos – with a traditional chocolate cookie and original creme filling.
They closely mimic the Oreo taste but are made in a dedicated gluten free facility.
Tate’s Gluten Free Oreos
Tate’s bakes their gluten free Oreos with rice flour and natural ingredients. Their filling uses real butter for a homemade taste.
Aleia’s Gluten Free Oreos
Aleia’s makes dairy free and organic gluten free Oreos with a crispy texture. Their cookies are vegan and the filling is made from an organic rice milk base.
Glutino Gluten Free Oreos
Glutino offers Gluten Free Oreos in chocolate and golden flavors. These Canadian Oreos are certified gluten free to 10ppm.
MiDel Gluten Free Oreos
MiDel Cookie Thins are crispy GF cookies modeled after Oreos. Their Oreo flavors include chocolate and golden.
When comparing brands, be sure to check the ingredients lists since some contain dairy while others are vegan. There are also differences in things like sugar content, artificial flavors and preservatives between brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gluten free Oreos really gluten free?
Yes, Nabisco Gluten Free Oreos are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) to contain less than 10ppm of gluten. They are safe for people with celiac disease when eaten in moderation. The facilities and equipment used to make them are completely separate from conventional Oreos.
Do gluten free Oreos taste the same as regular Oreos?
They are quite similar but the cookie texture is a bit more crumbly and delicate. Some say the creme filling tastes sweeter. The chocolate flavor may also taste slightly different depending on the cocoa powders used. The overall taste is a good approximation of original Oreos.
Where can I find gluten free Oreos in grocery stores?
Gluten free Oreos are usually stocked on shelves near the other gluten free items. They are sometimes placed in the natural foods section rather than the cookie aisle. Check near gluten free crackers, snacks, pastas and baking supplies. If you can’t find them, ask at the customer service desk where they stock gluten free foods.
Can you make homemade gluten free Oreos?
Certainly! There are many gluten free Oreo copycat recipes online using almond flour, coconut flour or other gluten free flours. Homemade allows you to control the ingredients and customize the cookies. However, they do require more work than grabbing a pack of Oreos off store shelves.
Are gluten free Oreos made in peanut free facilities?
No, the facilities that manufacture Nabisco gluten free Oreos are not peanut, tree nut or soy free. They share equipment with products containing major allergens. Individuals with severe nut allergies should avoid them due to cross contamination risks.
Conclusion
Gluten free Oreos with holes may seem unconventional at first glance. But the holes serve important functions in creating the familiar Oreo taste and experience using gluten free ingredients. By understanding the reasons behind the holes and production process, gluten free Oreo lovers can better appreciate these innovative cookies. While Nabisco’s Gluten Free Oreos are widely available, testing out other brands can provide more options. Ultimately, the holes help those on gluten free diets enjoy milk’s favorite cookie without the gluten!
