OREO ORIGINAL

OREO ORIGINAL

PRIMARY USES

1. Classic Comfort Snack for Energy Supplementation and Sensory Pleasure
Primary Use: A classic sandwich biscuit made of two crunchy cocoa biscuits with a sweet, creamy vanilla filling, offering a quick source of energy and a familiar, comforting taste suitable for patients with poor appetite or taste alterations. At approximately 100 kcal per biscuit (average weight 11g), they provide a controlled, palatable option for caloric supplementation.

How it helps: For the dietitian and clinician, the combination of carbohydrates (about 15g per 22g serving) and fats provides a rapid energy source. The crunchy texture and sweet vanilla filling create a satisfying sensory experience that can help stimulate appetite in patients with reduced oral intake. The “twist, lick, dunk” ritual offers an engaging, playful eating experience that may encourage consumption when appetite is poor.

2. Sensory Stimulation and Mood Enhancement for Patients with Taste Alterations
Primary Use: The combination of deep cocoa flavour and sweet vanilla cream offers a familiar taste experience that has been enjoyed for over a century across more than 100 countries.

How it helps: For the oncology dietitian and palliative care nurse, patients often respond positively to familiar, comforting foods. The distinct contrast between the crunchy cocoa cookie and smooth vanilla filling provides textural variety that can appeal to patients with altered taste perceptions. The classic nature of Oreo cookies, baked since 1912, can evoke positive memories and provide emotional comfort during challenging health journeys .

SECONDARY USES

1. Non-medical comfort for needle phobia or distressing procedures: Offering an Oreo as a reward or distraction during venepuncture, cannulation, or vaccinations can reduce anxiety, with the familiar cookie providing a pleasant sensory focus.

2. Reward to improve adherence to oral nutritional supplements (ONS): For patients who refuse or struggle to consume prescribed oral nutritional supplements, offering a small, familiar biscuit as a reward can serve as positive reinforcement.

3. Portable, shelf-stable snack for healthcare staff and carers: The individually wrapped or multi-pack formats make these biscuits practical for staff rooms, nursing stations, or carers’ bags for quick energy during long shifts .

4. Creative incorporation into desserts and recipes: For patients requiring increased caloric intake, Oreo biscuits can be crushed and used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or puddings to enhance palatability and calorie density .