The Sporkful Hydrox, Oreo, And The Fight For Sandwich Cookie Supremacy
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Apr 28, 2025 Mackenzie Martin, host of the KCUR Studios podcast A People’s History of Kansas City, dives into the century-long rivalry between Hydrox and Oreo. Discover how Hydrox, the original sandwich cookie, was overshadowed by Oreo’s marketing prowess. Mackenzie shares personal anecdotes and the nostalgia tied to Hydrox in Kansas City, revealing the cookie's legacy. They also engage in a humorous tasting comparison, highlighting surprising differences in flavor and texture. It's a sweet exploration of iconic American snacks and their cultural significance.
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Hydrox Preceded Oreos
- Hydrox cookies were the original chocolate sandwich cookie, predating Oreos by four years.
- Despite this, Hydrox became known as the "second best" due to branding and marketing disparities.
Midwest Biscuit Merger
- Several major Midwest bakery companies merged to reduce competition, forming the American Biscuit and Manufacturing Company.
- This cooperative model included pioneers such as Adolphus Green and also involved legendary biscuit innovators.
Hydrox Marketing Backfire
- Hydrox's marketing focused on asserting priority over Oreo but inadvertently drew more attention to Oreo.
- Poor trademark protection hurt Hydrox's brand recognition, allowing other Hydrox-named products to proliferate.