Original article written by Helen Greaves
Originally published by Vegan Food and Living (January 14, 2026)
Mondelēz International, the confectionery giant behind Oreo, has announced it will no longer fund animal testing following a dedicated campaign
The aisles of the British supermarket are often a battleground for the conscious consumer, where every biscuit tin and chocolate bar is scrutinized for its ethical credentials. For fans of the iconic Oreo, a brand long celebrated for its ‘accidentally vegan‘ status, a recent policy shift away from animal testing has provided a significant reason to celebrate.
Following a high-profile campaign involving tens of thousands of activists and international pressure, the snack manufacturer Mondelēz International, which also owns Cadbury and Ritz, has officially committed to ending its funding for all experiments on animals.
This landmark decision marks the closure of a long-standing loophole that previously allowed the conglomerate to bankroll ‘nutritional science’ tests that were neither legally required nor essential for product safety.
Why Oreo stopped animal testing
The shift in policy follows a robust campaign by PETA US, supported by over 63,000 individuals and global entities, including PETA UK. The pressure on the company came from multiple fronts; PETA US even purchased stock in Mondelēz to challenge executives directly during shareholder meetings.
According to PETA, the experiments previously funded by the company were particularly harrowing, involving invasive procedures on mice and rats. “Kind consumers don’t want animals to suffer in laboratories when they buy biscuits, chocolates, or crackers,” stated PETA Vice President Mimi Bekhechi.
She added that the organization “applauds Mondelēz for this compassionate move” and expressed hope that other industry titans would follow suit.
Beyond the biscuit barrel
This updated stance is a comprehensive victory, as the new policy is not limited to specific products or ingredients but applies to all forms of animal testing across the board. The campaign highlighted the cognitive complexity of the animals often used in these trials, noting that rats are empathetic, social individuals, while male mice are known to “sing” to their mates.
By removing financial support for these experiments, Mondelēz is aligning itself with a growing global demand for cruelty-free transparency.
The timing is particularly notable for UK shoppers, coinciding with the launch of the limited-edition Creme Egg Oreos. While the biscuits remain a favorite for many, the news that they are now backed by a more ethical corporate policy will be the real treat this Easter.
