Oreo is asking the public for ideas on its new cookie flavors. The company is willing to pay $500,000 for the best proposals.
Interested participants only need to post their original Oreo cookie ideas online, such as on Twitter or Instagram. They must use the hashtags #myoreocreations and #contest for their photos or videos. Submissions will end on July 14.
“We’ve always loved hearing and seeing our fans’ ideas and now we’re thrilled to merge that passion and creativity with Oreo innovation to come up with future creations," Oreo's company brand manager Madeline Vincent told People.
Oreo will pick out three of the best ideas. These finalists will get $250,000 each. Then their creation will be showcased at retail shelves on May 2018. Consumers will be able to vote from the three flavors in July 2018 and the grand winner will then earn $500,000. Learn more about this Oreo contest from this video featuring "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" actress Ellie Kemper.
Oreo ideas from netizens
Some users on Instagram and Twitter have already started sharing their ideas for new cookie flavors on social media. Among the suggestions? A Hazelnut coffee-flavored cookie, a Pineapple Upside Down Cake Oreo, a Mojito-flavored treat and Acai Berries-filled cookies.
@Oreo My idea for the new Oreo flavor: Mojito! #contest #MyOREOCreation pic.twitter.com/VouXqx98SR
— Dominique Touker (@Do_lovexo) May 8, 2017
Naming new flavors isn't a new gimmick in brand marketing.
Lay's, the potato chips brand, also had its Do Us a Flavor contests last year.
Oreo unveils new Fireworks cookie
The contest announcement comes just as #Oreo unveiled its new flavored cookie last Tuesday. The Fireworks Oreo comes with a creamy filling of red and blue tiny candies like Pop Rocks. When you take a bite out of it, there's a popping sensation in the mouth, as one would expect from eating Pop Rocks.
Cosmopolitan noted the Pop Rocks isn't the carbonated candy invented in 1956. But the company was inspired by the very same idea in their new cream filling.
I ate a Limited Edition Fireworks #Oreo so you don't have to. It's an Oreo with Pop Rock bits loaded in the filling. #hero pic.twitter.com/V3TqO0Fua6
— Jake Griffin (@DHJakeGriffin) May 9, 2017
"The Firework Oreos are basically your classic cream-filled cookie," Food Magazine's Adam Campbell-Schmitt writes.
"There’s no real taste difference, just a slightly gritty texture from the popping candies in the frosting although not as grainy as the sugar-laced Peeps Oreos from this Easter."
Oreo is from Mondelez International. Its other food products include Tang, Ritz, Chips Ahoy!, Nabisco, Cadbury and Original Philadelphia. The first ever Oreo cookies with the basic chocolate cookie and cream filling hit store shelves in 1974.
