In 2003 Kellogg made the tough decision to phase out a 95-year-old product. The Hydrox, the first of its kind in America (yes, before the other one) had been around since 1908.

As it turned out, however, the Hydrox still had some friends out there. After a 1,000-signature petition, 1,300 phone calls to Kellogg headquarters in Battle Creek, Mich. and thousands of web postings, the Hydrox cookie will be back for a limited time to celebrate its 100th birthday.

If there’s one thing that should go without saying, it’s that Americans and their favorite cookies are not easily separated.

“We’ve been touched by how many consumers describe their preference for Hydrox cookies as interwoven with their identity and family history,” said Brad Davidson, senior vice president of Kellogg and president of Kellogg North America. “These Hydrox cookie loyalists can be proud to know they’ve been heard and have inspired this latest chapter in the story of the ‘little cookie that could.'”

Kellogg Company also put out a contest to find “America’s Biggest Hydrox Cookie Fans,” giving Hydrox loyalists the chance to be among the first to taste the new, limited edition 100th anniversary Hydrox cookie at a milk and cookies celebration in New York City Thursday.

Two ladies from South Carolina and another from Maryland were chosen to be in the big city.

Since debuting under the Sunshine Biscuit Company 1908, the Hydrox has had a rich history for a cookie. Kellogg notes that the Oreo did not come until 1912.

In 1925, Sunshine advertised Hydrox cookies as “not merely a biscuit, but the maximum of goodness that human ingenuity can devise in a single biscuit.” In the 30s, they showed advertisements of women breaking etiquette rules to devour them. In 1978, the little kosher cookies were advertised on the “no artificial colors or ingredients, made of vegetable shortening” bandwagon. Reduced fat Hydrox came in 1995. Then in 1996, Keebler bought Sunshine and reformulated the Hydrox to become “Droxies.” Kellogg bought Keebler in 2001 and discontinued the cookie shortly thereafter.

But they’re back! For a little while.

The Limited Edition 100th Anniversary Hydrox cookies will follow the original cookie recipe, but no trans fat.

The cookies will be available nationally at the suggested retail price of $3.19 for a 14 oz. package while supplies last. Additional information can be found online at www.Hydroxcookies.com.

About The Author

John Guilfoil is the editor-in-chief of Blast: Boston's Online Magazine and the Blast Magazine Network. He can be reached at [email protected]. Tweet @johnguilfoil.

6 Responses

  1. Buz Mormann

    New Hydrox cookie–Huge disappointment! They are like the failed Droxies. Not firm and snappy like the old ones of my youth, but fragile and crumbly like Oreos.

    Wish they had asked the fans what they liked about the old Hydrox instead of asking the bottom-liners who are trying to make an Oreo knockoff again.

    Bring back the REAL Hydrox!!

    Reply
  2. John S. Weaver, DDD

    I agree with Buz above! I bought 35 bags of them and then felt something was not right. Then froze them as I remember for sure what the originals were like and Buz hit it on the nail, they are not firm even frozen but crumble and are not snappy.

    What a disappointment… was going to buy a couple of cases to freeze but now stuck with $100 of the imitation. How could they get this so wrong?

    Bring back the REAL Hydrox!

    Reply
  3. Linda Ruecker

    I disagree – I bought the cookies and they are exactly as I remembered them, much better than Oreos. I plan to stockpile.

    Reply
  4. Linda H

    I had to ask many people in 4 states to find the new Hydrox , which supposedly were to be in Walmarts. Someone finally found them at Giant in Bethesda, MD. but I agree with the above – they are mushy, not snappy, and they are too sweet! tIn he originals the chocloate wafer was more bittersweet, which to me was the big difference. Along with the snappiness. I won’t be stockpiling. too much like oreos.

    Reply
  5. cory

    OREOS are way better…. Which are the reason they keep making HYDROX discontinued

    Reply
  6. Caroline

    Hydrox wins hands down even with trans fats removed. I have always enjoyed and craved them so I stockpiled and put in my freezer. No way Oreos can even begin to compete which is why I have tried them and found them lacking in everything but sugar which is way too much and too little chocolate taste – even taste somewhat artificial. Those of us who know great cookies, choose HYDROX! Found a recipe for them so will try them on my own. Glad I still have plenty in the freezer!

    Reply

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