Mondelez is bringing zero-sugar Oreos to the U.S.

Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Double Stuf Zero Sugar will go on sale in the U.S. in January as permanent additions to the Oreo lineup. Those sugar-free varieties are sold in Europe and China. The products target consumers seeking mindful indulgence and aim to fill a gap for sugar-free sandwich cookies. Market research shows a majority of Americans seek snacks perceived as healthier, with Millennials and Generation Z favoring portion-controlled options. Development took four years to replicate original taste, using maltitol, polydextrose, sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Nutrition comparisons are complicated by differing serving sizes; a Zero Sugar serving has 90 calories and 16 grams of carbohydrates, while a regular Oreo serving is 160 calories.

"Mondelez is also facing competition from Hershey, which sells zero sugar versions of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and other candies, and Voortman, a sugar-free wafer cookie brand. Mondelez said it spent four years developing no-sugar Oreos so it could ensure the cookies still tasted like the originals. For sweetening, the Oreos contain maltitol, a type of sugar alcohol that's also found in some fruits and vegetables; polydextrose, a soluble fiber; sucralose, a sweetener derived from sugar; and acesulfame potassium, a synthetic sweetener."

"Others have also noted the trend toward healthier snacks. In a report earlier this year, the market research company Circana found that a majority of Americans are seeking out snacks they consider "good for them." Conagra Brands, which makes popcorn and Slim Jim meat snacks, said in a recent snacking report that Millennials and Generation Z consumers, in particular, are seeking portion-controlled and wellness-focused snacks."

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