Are Oreo Thins lower in calories?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

While a single Oreo Thin has fewer calories (about 35) than a regular Oreo (about 53), the standard serving size reveals a more complex comparison when considering total calories and portion control. The key difference lies in the portion size suggested on the packaging, which can influence how many cookies you actually consume.

Quick Summary

Oreo Thins contain fewer calories per cookie but offer a comparable caloric intake per serving compared to regular Oreos due to a larger portion size. Their nutritional profile is similar.

Key Points

Calorie Per Cookie: A single Oreo Thin has about 35 calories, whereas a single regular Oreo has around 53 calories, making the individual thin cookie lower in calories.
Calorie Per Serving: A serving of four Oreo Thins is 140 calories, which is only slightly less than the 160 calories in a three-cookie serving of regular Oreos.
Marketing vs. Reality: Despite the name, Oreo Thins are not a 'diet' food, and the packaging can influence consumers to perceive them as a much healthier option than they are.
Ingredients are Similar: The ingredients used in both cookie types are largely the same, meaning Oreo Thins are still a processed snack and not a health food.
Portion Control is Key: To consume fewer calories, a person would need to eat fewer Oreo Thins than they might of regular Oreos, as the serving sizes are structured to keep overall calories similar.
Texture Differences: Due to their reduced size, Oreo Thins are crispier and less creamy than the original, which also impacts their ability to be twisted or dunked.
No Significant Health Benefit: The minimal calorie difference does not make Oreo Thins a healthy choice. Both are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

Oreo Thins vs. Regular Oreos: A Calorie Breakdown

When comparing Oreo Thins to regular Oreos, a common misconception arises from the name itself. The word 'thin' suggests a significant reduction in calories, but the truth is more nuanced. The most straightforward comparison is on a per-cookie basis.

A single Oreo Thin contains approximately 35 calories.
A single regular Oreo contains approximately 53 calories.

Based on this, it's easy to assume Oreo Thins are the clear winner for a lower-calorie snack. However, the serving size recommended on the packaging changes the entire equation. A standard serving of regular Oreos is three cookies, while a serving of Oreo Thins is four cookies. This is where the calorie counts become more comparable, and the marketing strategy of the 'thin' cookie becomes apparent.

The Truth About Serving Sizes

The serving size difference is a critical factor in understanding the calorie comparison. A four-cookie serving of Oreo Thins amounts to 140 calories, while a three-cookie serving of regular Oreos contains 160 calories. While Oreo Thins still have a slightly lower total calorie count per serving, the gap is much smaller than the per-cookie figures suggest. This portioning strategy encourages consumers to eat an extra cookie while still feeling like they are making a healthier choice. For someone aiming for stricter calorie control, this could lead to overconsumption.

The Oreo Thin Experience

Beyond the numbers, the eating experience of the two cookies is quite different. The thinner wafer of the Oreo Thins leads to a different texture and flavor profile. Here's what sets them apart:

Texture: Oreo Thins are notably crispier and more fragile than their thicker counterparts. The satisfying crunch of a thin wafer replaces the heartier, more substantial bite of a regular Oreo.
Flavor Ratio: The decreased amount of cream filling in the Oreo Thins means the chocolate wafer flavor is more prominent. This higher cookie-to-cream ratio appeals to some, while others miss the classic balance of the original.
Dunkability: If you are a fan of dunking your Oreos in milk, the thin version may disappoint. The wafer's thinner structure means it saturates much faster and is more likely to break apart in the milk.

Nutritional Comparison Table


Attribute	Regular Oreos (3 cookies)	Oreo Thins (4 cookies)
Calories	160	140
Total Fat	7g	6g
Saturated Fat	2g	2g
Carbohydrates	25g	21g
Sugars	14g	12g
Sodium	125mg	95mg

Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly by flavor and package size. These values are based on typical figures.

Are Oreo Thins "Healthier"?

It's important to clarify that neither regular Oreos nor Oreo Thins are health foods. Both are processed snacks with high sugar content. The term 'healthier' is subjective, but from a dietary perspective, the small calorie savings in Oreo Thins are largely insignificant. The perceived health benefit is often a marketing effect, making consumers feel less guilty about their indulgence. A registered dietitian, Vincenza Zurlo, has noted that the word 'thin' is a powerful selling tool, and it's up to the consumer to read the nutritional facts to make an informed decision.

Considerations for Mindful Snacking

If you're trying to manage your calorie intake, the best approach is to practice mindful snacking with either cookie. Here are some tips:

Read the Label: Always check the nutrition facts panel and the serving size listed on the package.
Portion Out Your Snack: Instead of eating directly from the package, count out your intended serving and put the rest away. This prevents mindless overeating.
Savor Each Bite: Take your time to enjoy the taste and texture of each cookie. This can help you feel satisfied with fewer cookies.
Choose Based on Preference, Not Perceived Health: Decide whether you prefer the classic cookie with its creaminess or the crispy, wafer-like Thin. Choose the one you enjoy most and stick to a single serving.

Conclusion: The Thin Distinction

In summary, while a single Oreo Thin is indeed lower in calories than a single regular Oreo, the serving sizes are adjusted so that the total calories consumed are quite similar. Oreo Thins are a snack, not a diet food, and the primary differences are in their texture and taste, not their overall nutritional health impact. For a true lower-calorie snack, it's better to choose a different food entirely, or simply enjoy either version in moderation. The choice between Oreo Thins and regular Oreos ultimately comes down to personal preference for a crispier or creamier cookie experience, not a significant calorie reduction. Remember to be aware of portion sizes to keep your snack from becoming a larger indulgence than you planned. For more information, you can always check the official brand website for the most current nutritional data.

Frequently Asked Questions

One Oreo Thin cookie has approximately 35 calories, compared to a single regular Oreo which contains around 53 calories.

A standard serving of four Oreo Thins is 140 calories, while a serving of three regular Oreos is 160 calories. While technically lower, the difference is not substantial.

Yes, the core ingredients for Oreo Thins are the same as regular Oreos, just in different proportions to create a thinner cookie.

No, Oreo Thins are still a processed snack food high in sugar and fat. They are not a 'healthy' alternative, and any calorie reduction is minimal.

The main difference is the size and texture. Oreo Thins are thinner, leading to a crispier cookie with a lower cream-to-cookie ratio.

The word 'thin' in the product name and the smaller size of the cookie can create a psychological perception of a healthier, lighter option, even though the nutritional profile per serving is comparable.

Yes, because the cookies are smaller and less filling, it can be easy to mindlessly eat more Oreo Thins, potentially consuming more calories overall than if you had stuck to a serving of regular Oreos.