Oreo has been “Milk’s Favorite Cookie” for over a hundred years. But you don’t get a nickname like that for not taking risks every once in a while. Since its invention in the early 1900s, Oreos have gone through a ton of different flavor changes.
That said, some flavors are a lot more adventurous than others. From chocolate chip cookie dough, to s’mores, to red velvet and beyond, there’s a different flavor of Oreos for all of your different adventurous sides. Take a dunk onto the wild side, if you’re brave enough.
15. Original Oreos
Adventurous Level: Changing up the flavor of your typical coffee order
OG Oreos are a lot of things: sweet, chocolatey, dippable, and a true classic. But adventurous, they are not. This is pretty much the equivalent of switching the flavor of your usual morning coffee. You’ll know the difference, but will anyone see or know that you’re being adventurous?
Honestly though, the success of this cookie shows that you don’t always need to mess with perfection. If you need to unwind and are feeling relatively tame, have an original Oreo.
14. Cookies & Creme Oreos
Adventurous Level: Wearing your pair of jeans you haven’t worn in a while
If you’re ready to step up from regular Oreos try… Oreo-flavored Oreos? They’re not your regular Oreos, because they have something a little extra in them, but that “extra” thing is just more Oreos. They’re so meta, but plenty of people are into these; the public voted on this flavor over two other contenders (jelly donut and caramel apple).
These Oreos are like resurrecting an old pair of jeans from the back of your closet — they’re comfortable, but they’re kind of exciting because they’re not your everyday fare. But when you think about it, aren’t they really just your backup jeans for the weeks when you didn’t feel like doing laundry?
13. Golden Oreos
Adventurous Level: Taking the backroads
Golden cookies like these have been around for at least a decade, starting with the Uh-Oh Oreo and eventually becoming its own completely vanilla version. While they’re delicious on their own or crushed up in a cheesecake, we think Nabisco could have come up with something a little less vanilla, don’t you?
Enjoying Golden Oreos is like taking the backroads to work. The outside is definitely different, but you still end up at the same place in the end. The outside of a Golden Oreo might look different, but it’s still an Oreo all the same.
12. Lemon Oreos
Adventurous Level: Wearing red lipstick for the first time
Lemon Oreos are the first entry on this list to stray from the typical chocolate-y, vanilla flavors in these classic sandwich cookies. The tangy lemon cream is the perfect note of flavor if you’re looking to break out of your usual Oreo rut. Plus, lemon was one of the Oreo’s classic flavors in the 1920s, so you could call this snack vintage!
If you’re into makeup like I am, you’ll understand what I mean when I say that lemon Oreos are like wearing red lipstick for the first time, when you usually wear a nude color. It’s definitely different, and a little more dressed up than usual, but it’s not anything crazy — definitely not Lady Gaga level experimental.
11. S’mores Oreos
Adventurous Level: Riding your bike without a helmet
One of my personal favorite flavors, S’mores Oreos are the first on this list to use not one, but two different flavored creams. The graham flavored cookie is also notable, but is this cookie really “adventurous?” I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a s’more, so I don’t think it’d be hard to convince anyone to have one of these cookies.
The S’mores Oreo is like riding a bike without a helmet. You get that same, nostalgic childhood rush that you’d get with a s’more, but the double filling makes you feel a little sneaky, like you’re doing something wrong, and a little extra cool.
10. Cinnamon Bun Oreos
Adventurous Level: Switching up your breakfast order
Cinnamon Bun Oreos bring a whole different meal into the classic sandwich cookie. Sure, cinnamon buns can often be more breakfast than dessert, but for these purposes, they’re all dessert. The hint of cinnamon in the cookie and the cream is a definite game changer and, let’s be real, it’s a lot better than heading to the mall for a Cinnabon.
Now back to breakfast — these Oreo cookies are a bit like changing up your morning meal. They’re like if you’re staunchly Team Pancake and you go for the BEC, instead. Sure, it’s still breakfast, but something about it makes you feel a little bit rebellious.
9. Pumpkin Spice Oreos
Adventurous Side: Posting a selfie with #notfilter
Pumpkin Spice Oreos are adventurous for the fact that they dared to utilize one of the most divisive flavors of our generation. For every person who can’t live without a PSL in the fall, there’s another person judging that Starbs lover for getting their fix. If you’re bold enough to buy this flavor, you’re branding yourself basic, but you don’t really care.
These Oreos are like posting a selfie with #nofilter. They’re unapologetic in their flavoring, and they’re probably featured in more than a few Instas.
8. Blueberry Pie Oreos
Adventurous Level: Telling your S.O.’s parents that you’re moving in together the first time you meet them
Blueberry Pie Oreos bring a beloved summer treat into the cookieverse. These Oreos definitely aren’t bad, but it would definitely be a surprise on the table at your next cookout. Branch out from your usual berries, ya feel?
These Oreos are like going to your S.O.’s house for dinner for the first time and announcing you’re moving in together. You want to impress the parents, but you’re not sure if people will like what you’re bringing to the table.
7. Mocha Oreos
Adventurous Level: Driving back to school without a GPS
Summer wouldn’t be summer without iced coffee, and this smooth chocolatey coffee Oreo is definitely an unexpected hit. People try to make coffee flavored everything these days — some are epic fails, like potato chips, while others, like ice cream and cookies (Oreos!), are delicious.
Dunkin’ Mocha Oreos are as adventurous as driving ten hours back to school without a GPS. You think you know where you’re going, and you know you’ve been there before… but are you ever 100 percent sure what you’re getting into?
6. Cotton Candy Oreos
Adventurous Level: Trying a new restaurant without reading its reviews
Okay, now we’re getting into the really weird and adventurous territory. While cotton candy is a classic carnival treat, not many people would think to put this treat into Oreos — at least not me. This one is adventurous for the idea more than the flavor.
Cotton candy is just spun, flavored sugar, so basically, the adventure comes from the spin on the classic sugar cookie. It’s like trying a new restaurant without reading any reviews first. Sure, you know you love to eat out, you love food, but venturing away from your usual is a risk. If you hate it, you’re out a couple of dollars and saddled with leftovers no one wants.
5. Firework Oreos
Adventurous Level: Going out on your first Tinder date
The Fourth of July may have come and gone, but these Firework Oreos are proof that snacks can match this holiday’s taste for adventure. The popping candies keep you coming back, regardless of how the crackling may aggravate your mouth, and you can’t have just one.
Firework Oreos are like going out on your first Tinder date. Sparks could definitely fly, just like these cookies’ popping candies. But, if not, you could be left with a bad taste in your mouth.
4. Peeps Oreos
Adventurous Side: Getting secretly drunk around your parents
Another variety of holiday Oreos to make the list, Peeps Oreos are definitely out there. Peeps are already a candy that divides foodies — you either love them or hate them. For the people that love them (especially the brave ones), they tried the Oreo version and were left with some interesting and somewhat nasty effects.
These Oreos are basically the equivalent of getting secretly drunk around your parents. You know what I mean — you have a drink, then two, then three with them, and you’re trying to act mature and casual. Then, all of the sudden you’re schwasted and trying to make sure they don’t notice. You try to pull yourself together, but it’s wicked visible to them that you’re drunk. However, something tells me a pink tongue is a bit less embarrassing than you word-vomiting all the dumb stuff you did back at school to your dad.
3. Watermelon Oreos
Adventurous Level: Asking your “Friend with Benefits” to be exclusive
Oreos have come up with plenty of crazy successful and mainstream cookies inspired by fruit. Triple Berry, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Banana Split — all awesome, and all able to be perfectly paired with milk. However, watermelon doesn’t seem to fit this mold. Something about watermelon and milk seems too wild, but hey, if you’re daring enough, give it a try!
Think of these Oreos like asking your FWB to DTR. Things can be great where they are, but when you add something new or unexpected into the mix, like a label on your relationship (or milk with your watermelon Oreo), it can turn into a total disaster. Really weigh the possible outcomes here…
2. Candy Corn Oreos
Adventurous Level: Changing your major over halfway through college
I fall into that (seemingly) small percentage of people who love candy corn, so these Oreos are right up my alley. Candy corn can definitely be an acquired taste, and can often bring judgment on those who bring it to the Halloween candy bowl. If you can take the heckling, and love a heaping dose of sugar, try these out.
These Oreos are like changing your major over halfway through college. It’s your decision, but it’s a big one. With that said, if you do end up realizing you made the right choice to switch, don’t let any haters bring you down. And don’t late any haters bring you down for your daring choice of cookie.
1. Swedish Fish Oreos
Adventurous Level: Buying sushi at a gas station
The thing about candy-flavored Oreos, is that they all pretty much work with the sweet cookie base. The Swedish Fish Oreo on the other hand? Uh, no — chocolate and Swedish Fish probably should never have been mixed together.
I honestly think that these Oreos are like buying gas station sushi. Some may not think that ordering this variety of sushi is that adventurous, but you let me know if anyone’s first choice for a spicy tuna roll is from the same place you can buy condoms and nachos with liquid cheese. It’s just not smart and doesn’t make sense, but your wild side is willing to give it a try.
Oreos clearly aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. They have been, are, and will always be one of America’s favorite cookies. Like Oreo’s, however, there’s no shame in trying something new and risky every once in a while. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and mix it up — live a little!