Last updated: June 19, 2026
Quick Answer
June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is an annual informal food holiday observed every June 19 in the United States. It celebrates the Oreo cookie, widely recognized as the best-selling cookie in the country, by encouraging people to eat, share, and get creative with Oreos in any way they enjoy. The day has no official government or corporate proclamation but is widely listed on holiday calendars and celebrated by families, schools, and workplaces each year. [1][2]
Key Takeaways
- June 19 is National Eat an Oreo Day, an unofficial but widely recognized annual food holiday in the U.S. [1]
- The day is separate from National Oreo Cookie Day, which falls on March 6 each year. [7]
- No federal, state, or corporate proclamation officially designates June 19 as Oreo Day; it originated from user-generated holiday lists. [9]
- Oreos were first introduced in 1912 and have become one of the most popular snack cookies in the world. [2]
- Classic ways to celebrate include dunking in milk, twisting the cookie apart, and using Oreos in desserts. [1]
- Oreo offers dairy-free options, making the day accessible to those who avoid dairy.
- The holiday is popular for family activities, classroom events, and low-key workplace celebrations.
- There is no recommended number of Oreos to eat, the day is about enjoyment, not a quota.
- Homemade Oreo-style cookies are a popular way to mark the occasion for bakers.
- The day is expected to continue annually on June 19 for the foreseeable future. [2]
What Is National Eat an Oreo Day?
National Eat an Oreo Day is an informal U.S. food holiday celebrated every June 19 that encourages people to enjoy Oreo cookies in any form they prefer. It is listed on major holiday calendars as a day dedicated to “the best-selling cookie in the United States.” [1]
The holiday belongs to a broad category of unofficial “national days” that have grown popular through social media and food blogs. These observances do not require a formal proclamation to gain traction, they spread because people enjoy having a reason to celebrate a favorite food. June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day fits squarely into that tradition, drawing attention each year through themed posts, recipes, and family activities. [2][6]
It is worth noting that June 19 is also Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the end of slavery. The two observances share the date but are entirely unrelated. Celebrations of National Eat an Oreo Day should be mindful of the historical and cultural significance of Juneteenth.
When Did National Eat an Oreo Day Start?
The exact origin of June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is not clearly documented. Holiday calendar sites began listing it without a traceable founding event, organization, or corporate sponsor. [9]
As one homeschooling resource notes, it is “not exactly clear why June 19th was chosen” and the date itself is “not significant in any way” in terms of Oreo brand history. [9] The holiday appears to have grown organically from user-generated holiday lists and was amplified by blogs and calendar websites over time. Holiday calendars now project the date continuing annually on June 19 through at least 2035. [2][3]
Why Is June 19 Eat an Oreo Day? Is There a Reason for This Date?
There is no documented historical or commercial reason why June 19 was chosen for this observance. Unlike some food holidays that mark a product launch anniversary or a founder’s birthday, June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day appears to have no specific rationale behind the date. [9]
This is common among informal food holidays. Many are assigned dates somewhat arbitrarily by early holiday-list creators, then gain legitimacy simply through repetition and adoption. The Oreo brand itself has not publicly claimed June 19 as a significant date in its history.
For comparison, National Oreo Cookie Day on March 6 is the more widely publicized of the two Oreo holidays, receiving more social media attention and occasional brand engagement. June 19 is considered the “lesser” of the two Oreo observances but is still acknowledged across holiday calendars and activity sites. [7][9]
Is National Eat an Oreo Day Actually Official?
No. National Eat an Oreo Day is not an official holiday. No U.S. federal, state, or local government has issued a proclamation for it, and Mondelez International, the company that makes Oreos, has not formally designated June 19 as an authorized “National Eat an Oreo Day.” [1][2][3]
The day exists entirely within the informal ecosystem of user-generated food holidays. That said, “unofficial” does not mean unrecognized. Checkiday, List of National Days, and Holidays and Observances all list it as a recurring annual observance. [1][2][6] Millions of people participate in similar informal food holidays each year, and the lack of a legal designation does not diminish the fun.
Bottom line: Treat it like any other food-themed social media holiday, a lighthearted reason to enjoy a cookie, not a day off work.
What Is the History Behind Oreos?
The Oreo cookie was introduced by the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) on March 6, 1912, making it over 110 years old. [2] It was originally sold in grocery stores in Hoboken, New Jersey, and quickly became a staple American snack.
Key milestones in Oreo history:
- 1912, Oreo cookie first sold by Nabisco
- 1975, Double Stuf Oreo introduced, doubling the cream filling
- 1980s onward, Oreo expands into international markets
- 1990s, 2000s, Flavor innovations begin, including fudge-covered varieties
- 2010s, present, Hundreds of limited-edition flavors released globally
Oreo is now owned by Mondelez International and is sold in more than 100 countries. Its status as the best-selling cookie in the United States makes it a natural candidate for its own food holiday, or in this case, two of them. [1][2]
If you enjoy celebrating cookie-related food days, you might also appreciate National Fig Newton Day on January 16, another iconic American cookie with a long history.
Best Ways to Eat Oreos on National Oreo Day
The most popular Oreo-eating methods are dunking in milk, twisting the cookie apart, and biting straight through. Each approach has devoted fans, and June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is the perfect occasion to try all three. [1][3]
The Classic Dunk vs. Twist vs. Bite Debate
| Method | What It Involves | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dunk | Submerge the whole cookie in milk for 2-4 seconds | Softened texture lovers |
| Twist | Separate the two wafers, eat cream first or last | Cream-filling enthusiasts |
| Bite | Eat the cookie whole without dunking or twisting | Purists and quick snackers |
Beyond these three classics, creative ways to enjoy Oreos include:
- Crushing them into a fine crumb for pie crusts and cheesecake bases
- Blending into milkshakes or ice cream
- Layering in trifles and parfaits
- Using as a topping for brownies or cupcakes
- Deep-frying for a state-fair-style treat (a method noted in international coverage of the day) [3]
For more dessert inspiration, check out the May 26 National Blueberry Cheesecake Day guide, Oreo crusts pair beautifully with cheesecake.
Oreo Flavors to Try on Eat an Oreo Day
Oreo has released well over 85 distinct flavors since the brand began expanding beyond the original. June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is an excellent occasion to move past the classic and sample something new.
Widely available flavors worth trying:
- Golden Oreo, vanilla wafers instead of chocolate, with classic cream filling
- Double Stuf, twice the cream filling of the original
- Mint Creme, chocolate wafers with mint-flavored filling (a natural pairing, similar to the flavors celebrated on National Chocolate Mint Day)
- Peanut Butter, chocolate wafers with peanut butter filling
- Birthday Cake, golden wafers with sprinkle-flecked cream
- Lemon, bright citrus filling between classic wafers
- Dark Chocolate, deeper cocoa flavor in both wafer and filling
Limited-edition and seasonal flavors rotate frequently, so checking store shelves in June often reveals summer-themed releases. Hosting a flavor tasting with friends or family is a popular way to mark the day. [4][9]
Do Oreos Have Dairy-Free Options for Eat an Oreo Day?
Yes. Standard Oreo cookies do not contain dairy ingredients in their formulation, and Mondelez has noted that classic Oreos are made without milk-based ingredients. However, the company also states that Oreos are produced on equipment shared with dairy-containing products, which means they are not certified dairy-free or vegan-safe for people with severe dairy allergies or strict vegan requirements.
For those who want a fully dairy-free Oreo experience on June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day:
- Pair with plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk) instead of cow’s milk for dunking
- Check the label on specialty or flavored Oreo varieties, as some do contain dairy ingredients
- Make homemade versions using dairy-free butter and shortening alternatives (see the section below)
This makes the holiday broadly inclusive for most dietary preferences, though individuals with severe dairy cross-contamination concerns should read current packaging carefully before consuming.
How Many Oreos Should You Eat on Eat an Oreo Day?
There is no recommended number. The holiday is simply a prompt to enjoy Oreos, one cookie or a full sleeve, the choice is personal. [1]
That said, it is worth being aware of the nutritional profile. A standard serving of Oreos (three cookies) contains approximately 160 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 14 grams of sugar, according to Nabisco’s standard packaging nutrition facts. Eating a moderate amount as part of a balanced day is the sensible approach for most people.
Are There Any Health Concerns Eating Lots of Oreos?
Eating a large quantity of Oreos in one sitting is not advisable for most people. Oreos are an ultra-processed food high in refined sugar and refined carbohydrates. Occasional indulgence on a food holiday is generally harmless for healthy adults, but a few points are worth keeping in mind:
- Blood sugar: High sugar content can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, particularly for people managing diabetes or insulin resistance
- Caloric density: A full sleeve of standard Oreos (about 14 cookies) contains roughly 750 calories
- Additives: Like most packaged cookies, Oreos contain artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup in some formulations
- Portion awareness: Enjoying two to four cookies as a treat is very different from eating a full package
The spirit of the day is enjoyment, not excess. Treat it as a fun occasion to savor a cookie or two rather than a challenge to eat as many as possible.
Fun Oreo Day Ideas for Kids
June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is well-suited to family activities, particularly for children. Several homeschooling and family activity resources have developed structured games and challenges around the day. [4][7][9]
Popular kid-friendly activities:
- Oreo tower challenge, stack as many Oreos as possible without the tower falling
- Flavor bingo, create bingo cards with different Oreo varieties; taste and mark off each one
- Oreo race, place an Oreo on the forehead and try to move it to the mouth using only facial muscles (no hands)
- Cookie decorating, use icing, sprinkles, and toppings to decorate Oreo cookies as edible art
- Blind taste test, sample different flavors without seeing the packaging and guess which is which
- Oreo math, use cookies to practice counting, fractions (half a cookie, quarter of a serving), or simple multiplication for younger children
These activities make the day educational as well as fun, which is why it appears frequently in homeschooling calendars and classroom activity guides. [4][9]
How to Celebrate June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day at Work
A workplace celebration of June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day works best when it is simple, inclusive, and does not require significant preparation. The most effective office celebrations take about 10 minutes to set up.
Low-effort workplace ideas:
- Bring in a few packages of different Oreo flavors and set up a tasting station in the break room
- Run a quick “dunk vs. twist vs. bite” poll on the office messaging platform
- Organize a brief cookie-decorating activity during a lunch break
- Share a recipe for an Oreo-based dessert (no-bake Oreo cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser) in the team chat
- Set up a small prize for whoever builds the tallest Oreo stack in two minutes
Keep dietary needs in mind when organizing. Offer plant-based milk alongside regular milk for dunking, and note that some flavored Oreos may contain allergens beyond the standard formula.
Can You Make Homemade Oreos for This Day?
Yes, and homemade Oreo-style cookies are a popular way to celebrate June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day, especially for bakers who want a from-scratch experience or need to accommodate specific dietary needs. [9]
Basic homemade Oreo recipe outline:
- Make the wafers: Combine all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, sugar, butter, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Roll thin, cut into circles, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat together vegetable shortening (or dairy-free butter), powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and white.
- Assemble: Pipe or spread the filling onto the flat side of one wafer and press a second wafer on top.
Customization options:
- Add peppermint extract to the filling for a mint version
- Use golden (vanilla) wafers for a Golden Oreo-style cookie
- Mix cocoa powder into the filling for a double-chocolate version
- Add food coloring to the filling for themed or seasonal variations
For more cookie baking inspiration, the cookie cookbook collection at stillcooking.com offers a wide range of recipes suited to any skill level.
FAQ: June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day
Q: Is June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day the same as National Oreo Cookie Day? No. National Oreo Cookie Day is March 6. June 19 is National Eat an Oreo Day, a separate, lesser-known observance. Both celebrate the same cookie but on different dates. [7][9]
Q: Who created National Eat an Oreo Day? No single creator has been identified. The holiday originated from user-generated holiday lists and spread through blogs and calendar websites without a documented founder. [9]
Q: Does Oreo (Mondelez) officially recognize June 19? No. Mondelez has not issued any formal statement designating June 19 as an official Oreo holiday. The day is entirely community-driven. [1][2]
Q: Are Oreos vegan? Classic Oreos contain no dairy ingredients in their recipe, but Mondelez notes they are made on shared equipment with dairy products. Most vegans consider standard Oreos acceptable; those with severe dairy allergies should check current labeling.
Q: What is the best milk for dunking Oreos? Whole cow’s milk is the traditional choice, but oat milk and almond milk are popular dairy-free alternatives that also work well for dunking.
Q: How long should you dunk an Oreo in milk? Most people prefer a 2-4 second dunk. Longer than 5 seconds risks the cookie breaking apart in the glass.
Q: Can kids participate in National Eat an Oreo Day activities? Yes. The day is well-suited to children and is frequently featured in homeschooling and family activity resources with games, challenges, and tasting events. [4][9]
Q: Will National Eat an Oreo Day continue in future years? Yes. Holiday calendars project the observance continuing on June 19 annually through at least 2035, barring any change from major calendar providers. [2][3]
Q: Are there Oreo deals or promotions on June 19? Occasionally, grocery retailers or snack brands run promotions around food holidays, but there is no consistent, coordinated brand campaign specifically tied to June 19 comparable to larger Oreo marketing efforts. Check local store circulars and the Oreo social media channels in the days leading up to June 19. [1]
Q: What other national food days are celebrated in June? June features several food holidays. Beyond June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day, the month includes observances for doughnuts, ice cream, and other popular foods. For a broader look at national food days, browse the national food days archive at stillcooking.com.
Conclusion
June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is a lighthearted, informal observance with no official backing but plenty of genuine enthusiasm. It gives cookie fans a reason to revisit a classic, try a new flavor, or get creative in the kitchen, and that is more than enough justification to participate.
Actionable next steps for 2026:
- Mark your calendar for June 19 and pick one new Oreo flavor to try alongside the classic.
- Plan a simple activity, a flavor tasting, a tower challenge, or a homemade Oreo baking session.
- Share the day with coworkers, kids, or friends using the workplace and family ideas above.
- Bake from scratch if you want a more hands-on celebration, homemade Oreo-style cookies are approachable for most skill levels.
- Pair thoughtfully, try plant-based milk alternatives for dunking if you or your guests avoid dairy.
Whether the celebration involves a single cookie dunked in a glass of milk or a full Oreo-themed dessert spread, June 19 National Eat an Oreo Day is what participants make of it. The bar for entry is exactly one cookie.
For more food holiday guides and recipes, explore National Macaroon Day on May 31 and National Pound Cake Day on March 4 for more sweet celebration ideas throughout the year.
References
[1] National Eat An Oreo Day – https://www.checkiday.com/f49c89ec9ad6e802c7a0adffb1d19ed2/national-eat-an-oreo-day
[2] National Eat An Oreo Day – https://www.listofnationaldays.com/national-eat-an-oreo-day/
[3] Iss Einen Oreo Keks Tag – https://www.kuriose-feiertage.de/iss-einen-oreo-keks-tag/
[4] National Eat An Oreo Cookie Day – https://happyhivehomeschooling.com/what-is-todays-holiday/national-eat-an-oreo-cookie-day/?occurrence=2026-06-19
[5] Eat An Oreo – https://www.whatnationaldayisit.com/day/Eat-An-Oreo/
[6] Chocolate Holidays – https://www.holidays-and-observances.com/chocolate-holidays.html
[7] National Oreo Cookie Day Really Stacks Up – https://happyhivehomeschooling.com/national-oreo-cookie-day-really-stacks-up/
[8] Oreo Supports LGBTQ Pride With Social Giveaway of Rainbow Cookies – https://www.marketingdive.com/news/oreo-supports-lgbtq-pride-with-social-giveaway-of-rainbow-cookies/586722/
[9] Family Fun With Eat An Oreo Day – https://happyhivehomeschooling.com/family-fun-with-eat-an-oreo-day/