Whether Jojo’s Oreos are gluten free is a common question for those with dietary restrictions like celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Oreos are a popular cookie made by Nabisco, and Jojo’s Oreos are a specific variety in the Oreo family. As a leading brand, it’s important for Nabisco to accommodate various dietary needs. So are Jojo’s Oreos actually gluten free? Let’s explore the answer.
The Short Answer
No, Jojo’s Oreos contain gluten and are not gluten free. Like regular Oreos, Jojo’s Oreos contain wheat flour, which contains the protein gluten. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid eating Jojo’s Oreos.
Ingredients in Jojo’s Oreos
To understand if Jojo’s Oreos are gluten free, we need to look at the ingredients. Here are the ingredients in Jojo’s Oreos according to Nabisco:
- SUGAR
- UNBLEACHED ENRICHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE {VITAMIN B1}, RIBOFLAVIN {VITAMIN B2}, FOLIC ACID)
- HIGH OLEIC CANOLA OIL AND/OR PALM OIL AND/OR CANOLA OIL
- COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI)
- HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP
- LEAVENING (BAKING SODA, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE)
- CORNSTARCH
- SALT
- SOY LECITHIN
- VANILLIN
- CHOCOLATE
- WHEAT STARCH
The second ingredient listed is unbleached enriched wheat flour. Wheat contains the protein gluten, which causes issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Even a small amount of gluten can cause gastrointestinal distress or other symptoms in those with gluten-related disorders.
Are Any Oreos Gluten Free?
Currently, Nabisco does not offer any certified gluten free Oreo varieties. All classic Oreo flavors contain wheat-based ingredients and are not suitable for a gluten free diet.
However, Oreo does label some varieties as “gluten friendly.” These include Oreo Thins and Oreo Mini. While they contain wheat, they have lower levels of gluten due to less surface area.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still avoid Oreo Thins and Minis. But some people with mild gluten sensitivities may be able to tolerate them in small servings. Anyone with concerns should discuss these options with a doctor.
Gluten Free Cookie Alternatives to Oreos
While Jojo’s Oreos and other classic Oreos are off limits, there are some gluten free cookie alternatives:
- Katz Gluten Free – Offers gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies similar to Oreos.
- Anna’s Gluten Free Cookie Thins – Gluten free chocolate cookie thins made with tapioca and rice flour.
- MI-DEL Gluten Free Snap Cookies – Crispy chocolate cookies suitable for sandwiching creamy fillings.
- Enjoy Life Foods Soft Baked Cookies – Certified gluten free and nut free cookies in chocolate and other flavors.
There are also many gluten free oreo copycat recipes online using alternate flours like almond flour. With some ingredient swaps, you can create a gluten free treat with a similar taste and texture to classic Oreos.
Understanding Gluten
To understand why Jojo’s Oreos contain gluten, it helps to understand what gluten is:
- Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.
- It helps give elasticity and structure to dough made from these grains.
- For most people, gluten does not cause any issues.
- But for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine.
- This causes symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and fatigue.
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten free diet. This means avoiding any products containing wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats.
Reading Food Labels for Gluten
When evaluating if a product like Jojo’s Oreos is gluten free, check the ingredient list for any of the following:
- Wheat or wheat flour
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt or malt flavoring (usually contains barley)
- Oats (some people with celiac disease may react to the protein avenin in oats)
You should also look for statements like “gluten free” or “no gluten ingredients.” But be aware that products labeled “wheat free” may still contain barley, rye, or oats.
Ideally, look for a certified gluten free label from an organization like the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This ensures the product meets strict standards to keep gluten below unsafe levels.
Cross-Contact Risk
Even if a product doesn’t list gluten ingredients, there can be a risk of cross-contact at the factory. Trace amounts of gluten could make their way into the product from shared equipment or facilities.
Those with celiac disease are advised to look for certified gluten free products that test consistently below 10-20ppm (parts per million) of gluten. This is considered a safe level for most people with celiac disease.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Someone with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may be able to tolerate small amounts of gluten. While celiac disease requires strict gluten avoidance, some gluten sensitivities are dose-dependent. The amount of gluten that triggers symptoms varies by individual.
Some experts speculate that the modern wheat supply itself may contribute to sensitivities. Ancient wheat varieties like einkorn and emmer may be easier to digest.
Those with suspected gluten issues should get tested for celiac disease before eliminating gluten entirely. This requires eating gluten daily for antibody tests to be accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Oreos dairy free?
No, classic Oreos contain milk as an ingredient. They are not dairy free or vegan.
Can you eat Oreos on a gluten free diet?
No, classic Oreo varieties all contain gluten, including Jojo’s Oreos. The only gluten free Oreo options would be certified gluten free alternative cookies that mimic Oreos.
What makes Oreos not gluten free?
Oreos contain wheat flour, which provides the gluten protein. Gluten helps give Oreos their distinctive texture but makes them unsuitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can Oreos cause gluten symptoms?
Yes, Oreos contain enough gluten to cause intestinal damage and symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain in those sensitive to gluten.
Are Oreos gluten friendly?
Some varieties like Oreo Thins and Mini Oreos are labeled by Nabisco as “gluten friendly.” But they still contain gluten and are not safe for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
The Takeaway on Jojo’s Oreos
Jojo’s Oreos unfortunately are not gluten free. Like original Oreos, they contain wheat flour with the protein gluten. While delicious, Jojo’s Oreos and other classic Oreo flavors are not suitable for people avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Thankfully, there are increasingly more gluten free cookie options coming to market. And gluten free recipes allow people to create Oreo-style treats at home. While the classic Oreo will always have a special place in people’s hearts, health needs of those with dietary restrictions are also being met.
Conclusion
Jojo’s Oreos contain gluten and are not safe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten free alternatives are available, but all classic Oreo flavors have wheat-based ingredients. Carefully reading labels and looking for certified gluten free options ensures people with gluten disorders can safely enjoy cookies, including Oreo lookalikes.