The Discontinued Oreo Cookie We Might Never See Again

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Novelty technicolor, unnaturally-hued foods had a major moment in the early 2000s. From Heinz EZ Squirt Ketchup to "Kool Blue" Ore-Ida Funky Fries, the culinary scene 25 years ago was a kid's world — and today, we're taking a closer look at one flash-in-the-pan offering from the era. Countless limited-edition flavors have appeared in the Oreo oeuvre over the years. But, Oreo Magic Dunkers didn't come with an alternative flavor. The "magic" in these cookies was that they tasted and appeared exactly like normal, classic Oreos, but when dipped them in a glass of milk, they turned the milk bright blue. As the snack's original packaging promised, "Dunk 'em & See Blue Swirls!"  There's a "right" length of time for dunking an Oreo, by the way, according to science.

A 2000 commercial depicts two unsuspecting kids chowing down on the Oreos-and-milk combo, only to discover that (gasp) their seemingly normal cookies have turned the milk blue. Elated, they start chanting "blue milk, blue milk." The commercial has been posted to YouTube, and the comments section is filled with passionate lamentations from nostalgic O.G. fans. "This came on when I was in Kindergarten," writes one fan. "I remember my friends chanting 'BLUE MILK! BLUE MILK! BLUE MILK!' before class one day." Others chime in, "I've never wanted anything more in my life," "Please bring those back!," and "I miss these every time I eat an Oreo BLUE MILK FOREVER." Although, any enduring fans shouldn't hold their breath waiting for a comeback.

Foodies are probably never going to see Oreo Magic Dunkers again due to two major hurdles. For one, Oreo Magic Dunkers both debuted and retired in the year 2000, discontinued just two months after hitting shelves for the first time. If the snack's initial run only lasted for two months (albeit two very memorable months), any glorious return 25 years later seems unlikely.

Secondly — and posing a more significant hurdle — modern consumers have a much less blasé attitude about artificial food coloring than the consumers of 2000. In fact, earlier this year, the FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic food dyes, which are commonly found in processed foods. Magic Dunkers may have been delightful, but their whole premise hinged on flavorless, colorless artificial food coloring, an element that is growing less popular by the day in 2025. 

Still, it's worth noting that concealing enough food coloring into a regular-looking, regular-tasting Oreo to heavily pigment a whole glass of milk and stain eaters' fingers is a pretty impressive feat, scientifically. Oreo Magic Dunkers were reportedly the product of a full year of research and development. Alas, the payoff only lasted for two months. Foodies looking to chant "BLUE MILK!" again might try stirring a natural blue food dye into their Oreo-dunking milk glass, such as blue spirulina powder or blue butterfly pea powder.