The fabulous story of the Oreo cookie born in New York

During your stay in New York, you’ll likely pass through Chelsea Market, a large covered market that borders the High Line promenade. It’s the perfect place to discover one of New York’s most iconic cookies: the Oreo.

Nabisco: The Biscuit Pioneer of New York

• Chelsea Market, which opened in 1997, is relatively new for New York. Its architectural style reflects the many bakeries that settled here starting in the mid-19th century. These businesses were strategically located near the Hudson River docks and the Meatpacking District.
• Nabisco (National Biscuit Company), sometimes called the “cracker conglomerate” by its critics, greatly expanded the site, occupying 19 buildings. In 1912, Nabisco’s New York factory invented the Oreo sandwich cookie. The beginning of a legendary story.
• Yet the Oreo wasn’t entirely new. Though it eventually dominated the market, the concept of two round cookies held together by vanilla cream was first introduced by the Hydrox brand. Nabisco, wanting to compete, created its own patented version in March 1912. Ironically, Hydrox is now seen as a pale imitation of the Oreo.

What Does the Name Oreo Mean?

• Is the name Oreo French? That’s what legend suggests. The theory goes like this: the first two letters represent the word “or” (gold), “re” comes from the English word “cream,” and the final “o” comes from “chocolate.” No one will ever know the real story.
• There’s another French connection: a special Oreo was created to celebrate July 14 with the colors of the French flag.

Hunt for Oreos Around New York

• Though Nabisco left Chelsea Market long ago, the cookie remains inseparable from the place. In the middle of Chelsea Market, you’ll find a mural featuring the famous cookie.
• Head to the corner of 9th Avenue and 15th Street. Welcome to Oreo Way—the birthplace of the Oreo cookie, located in the Chelsea Market building. At the time, this location was ideal: close to the docks for shipping goods, and near the Meatpacking District, where pork fat from the slaughterhouses was used as a key ingredient in cookie production.

How Do You Eat Yours?

• Since its creation, more than 450 billion Oreo cookies have been sold worldwide. You can now find them in over 100 countries.
• Women tend to separate the cookie from the cream filling, while men often bite straight through. Traditionalists will tell you to dunk it in milk. Today you can find the chocolate cookie in ice cream, milkshakes, mousse, and more. At some fairs across the United States, you’ll even find Fried Oreos. When it comes to culinary experiences, there’s no limit.

A Unique Souvenir to Bring Home from New York

• Since few people know the history of the Oreo cookie, why not bring some home as a souvenir for family and friends? It’s a great way to share stories about Chelsea Market.
• Where to buy Oreos? Simple: you’ll find them everywhere in grocery stores. Personally, I prefer the mini Oreos with a good American coffee.