Oreos have been delighting biscuit lovers since 1912 with their perfect combination of chocolate cookies and sweet cream filling.
But alongside the classic version we all know and love, Nabisco has released some truly bizarre limited-edition flavours over the years.
From fruit-inspired oddities to savoury experiments that raised eyebrows worldwide, these unusual Oreo variations prove that creativity knows no bounds in the world of snack foods.
1. Wasabi Oreos
Your eyes aren't deceiving you – Wasabi Oreos actually exist! Released exclusively in China and Japan, these bright green-filled biscuits deliver a surprising kick that's miles away from the sweet treat most of us expect.
The filling combines the fiery Japanese horseradish with Oreo's signature sweetness, creating a flavour that's both shocking and oddly compelling.
Some brave tasters report an initial sweetness followed by a gradually building heat. While they might not replace the classic version in most biscuit tins, these spicy sandwiches represent one of Oreo's boldest experiments in cross-cultural snacking.
2. Hot Chicken Wing Oreos
Buffalo sauce meets sweet biscuit in perhaps the most bewildering Oreo creation to date. These bright orange-filled treats were released in 2018 as part of Oreo's 'Hot and Spicy' range in China, causing quite the stir online.
Brave snackers reported a strange combination of sweetness followed by an unmistakable chicken wing sauce flavour – complete with that distinctive vinegary tang and cayenne pepper heat.
Most reviewers agreed they tasted exactly as advertised, though that wasn't necessarily a good thing! The cookies featured the traditional chocolate biscuits, making the savoury filling even more jarring to Western palates.
3. Swedish Fish Oreos
Picture this: the familiar chocolate Oreo biscuits sandwiching a bright red, gummy sweet-flavoured cream. That's exactly what Nabisco delivered with their Swedish Fish Oreos, released in 2016 as a limited US exclusive.
The ruby-red filling attempted to capture the distinctive cherry-like flavour of the popular Swedish Fish sweets. Most tasters found the combination utterly perplexing – the chocolatey biscuit clashed dramatically with the artificial fruity filling.
One reviewer memorably described them as tasting like 'medicine and chocolate had a baby', which perhaps explains why these didn't become a permanent addition to the Oreo family!
4. Mystery Oreos (2019 Edition)
In autumn 2019, Oreo released their second 'Mystery Flavour' challenge, inviting fans to guess the peculiar taste hidden in their white cream filling. After months of speculation, the flavour was revealed to be... Churro!
The cinnamon-sugar combination aimed to replicate the beloved Spanish dessert, though many guessers mistook it for graham cracker, Teddy Grahams, or even Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Despite the confusion, these warmly spiced biscuits won fans with their cosy, bakery-inspired profile.
Unlike many unusual Oreos, these actually made culinary sense – cinnamon and chocolate are traditional companions in many desserts around the world.
5. Watermelon Oreos
Summer got a bizarre twist in 2013 when Oreo unveiled their Watermelon flavour – featuring vanilla biscuits sandwiching a dual-coloured pink and green cream. The visually striking cookies aimed to capture the essence of everyone's favourite summer fruit.
Rather than tasting like actual watermelon, most reviewers described them as having an artificial watermelon sweet flavour – similar to Jolly Ranchers or other watermelon-flavoured confectionery. The vanilla cookies were chosen instead of chocolate to avoid clashing with the fruity filling.
While divisive, these seasonal treats developed something of a cult following, with some fans stockpiling them before they disappeared from shelves.
6. Fruit Punch Oreos
Remember those vibrant red fruit punch drinks from childhood parties? Oreo bottled that nostalgic flavour in their Fruit Punch variety, released exclusively to Walmart in 2014. These golden biscuits contained a shockingly bright crimson filling that smelled exactly like Hawaiian Punch.
Tasters reported an immediate blast of artificial fruit flavours – hints of cherry, orange, and other indistinguishable 'red' fruits swirled together in a sugar-heavy experience. The golden vanilla cookies provided a neutral base for the powerful filling.
Like drinking fruit punch at a children's birthday party while eating biscuits, these Oreos created a strange sensory experience that few could describe as subtle.
7. Candy Corn Oreos
Halloween got even sweeter when Oreo released their Candy Corn flavour, featuring golden cookies embracing an orange and yellow layered cream. First appearing in 2012, these seasonal treats have made occasional comebacks during spooky season.
The filling attempted to mimic the honey-vanilla sweetness of the divisive Halloween sweet. Most tasters agreed they were intensely sweet – even by Oreo standards – with a distinctive artificial vanilla flavour that did indeed echo real candy corn.
The golden cookies were chosen to complement the autumnal colour scheme, creating a visually striking biscuit that looked festive on Halloween party platters, even if the flavour left some scratching their heads.
8. Cherry Cola Oreos
Part of 2018's 'Flavour Finalist' competition, Cherry Cola Oreos pushed the boundaries of biscuit innovation with their fizzy, popping candy-infused filling. The reddish cream contained actual popping candy to simulate the carbonation of cola, creating a truly interactive snacking experience.
The flavour profile attempted to balance the sweetness of cherry with the distinctive caramel notes of cola. Many tasters noted that the chocolate cookies somewhat overpowered the filling's subtleties, though the popping sensation certainly made an impression.
While they didn't win the competition (that honour went to Piña Colada Oreos), these fizzy treats demonstrated Oreo's willingness to experiment with texture as well as flavour.
9. Peeps Oreos
Easter traditions collided when Oreo partnered with marshmallow maker Peeps to create these pastel-coloured treats. First released in 2017, they featured golden vanilla cookies surrounding bright pink or yellow marshmallow-flavoured cream.
The filling aimed to capture the sugary, marshmallowy essence of the iconic Easter sweets. An unexpected side effect made headlines – some consumers reported that the food dye turned their tongues (and even their, ahem, waste) bright pink for days afterward!
Despite the colourful controversy, these seasonal biscuits have returned several times, cementing their place in the pantheon of unusual Oreo varieties that somehow work despite their conceptual oddness.
10. Kettle Corn Oreos
The fairground came to the biscuit aisle with Kettle Corn Oreos, which debuted in 2018 as a limited release. These creative cookies paired golden biscuits with a dual-layer filling – one sweet, one salty – to mimic the carnival favourite.
Artificial popping candy was mixed into the cream to recreate that distinctive crackly texture of freshly popped kettle corn. Tasters noted a buttery, slightly salty flavour followed by sweetness, remarkably similar to actual kettle corn.
Unlike many unusual flavours that seem designed purely for shock value, these actually succeeded in translating their inspiration into biscuit form, earning positive reviews from even seasoned Oreo connoisseurs.
11. Crispy Tiramisu Oreos
Fancy an Italian dessert in biscuit form? Oreo's Crispy Tiramisu flavour, released exclusively in Asia, attempted to capture the sophisticated coffee-infused treat between two chocolate cookies. The unique element was the crispy texture embedded in the cream filling.
Tasters reported notes of coffee, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa – the essential flavours of traditional tiramisu. The added crispy bits provided an interesting textural contrast, perhaps mimicking the ladyfinger biscuits found in the authentic dessert.
While Western audiences missed out on this elegant offering, it demonstrates how Oreo adapts to different markets with flavours that appeal to local palates while maintaining that distinctive sandwich cookie format.
12. Banana Split Oreos
Ice cream parlour nostalgia took cookie form with Banana Split Oreos, featuring golden vanilla cookies embracing a dual-flavoured filling – one half strawberry, one half banana. Released as a summer limited edition in 2013, these treats aimed to capture the essence of the classic dessert.
The strawberry side offered a sweet fruitiness while the banana half delivered that distinctive artificial banana flavour familiar from sweets and medicines. Some tasters noted a hint of vanilla in the mix, presumably to represent the ice cream component of a true banana split.
While they couldn't include the chocolate sauce or whipped cream elements, these Oreos made a valiant effort at translating a complex dessert into portable biscuit form.
13. Caramel Apple Oreos
Autumn fairgrounds inspired Caramel Apple Oreos, which combined golden vanilla cookies with a two-toned filling – half green apple, half caramel. These seasonal treats first appeared in 2014 and have made occasional comebacks during autumn months.
The green side delivered a tart, Granny Smith-like flavour that contrasted with the buttery sweetness of the caramel portion. When eaten together, they created a reasonable approximation of biting into a caramel-covered apple, minus the stickiness and potential dental work.
Fans of autumnal flavours generally appreciated these more than some of Oreo's wilder experiments, as they built on familiar flavour combinations rather than shocking the taste buds.
14. Blueberry Pie Oreos
Summer desserts got the sandwich cookie treatment with Blueberry Pie Oreos, which paired graham-flavoured golden cookies with a purple blueberry-scented filling. First appearing as a Target exclusive in 2016, they've returned occasionally during summer months.
The biscuits themselves carried a distinct honey-graham flavour reminiscent of pie crust, while the vivid purple filling delivered a surprisingly authentic blueberry taste.
Unlike many fruit-flavoured Oreos that rely on artificial candy-like flavours, these actually captured the jammy, slightly tart essence of real blueberry filling.
Many reviewers considered these among the more successful unusual Oreo varieties, as they maintained a proper balance between novelty and actual edibility.
15. Limeade Oreos
Summer refreshment came in biscuit form with Limeade Oreos, which featured golden vanilla cookies surrounding a bright green, citrus-infused filling. Released as a seasonal offering in 2014, these zesty treats aimed to capture the tangy-sweet balance of a perfect limeade.
The filling delivered a punchy citrus kick with distinct lime flavour, tempered by enough sweetness to prevent a full-on sour face. The golden cookies provided a neutral backdrop that allowed the lime to take centre stage.
Unlike some fruit-flavoured Oreos that taste purely artificial, these managed to convey some of the natural brightness of actual lime, making them a surprisingly refreshing choice for summer snacking.
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