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Girl Scout Cookies can be purchased only from girls and only during cookie season. To find cookies and learn when cookie season starts in your community, simply enter your zip code above in the Find Cookies! search box. Use the zip code locator to learn when cookies go on sale and where booth sales may be located.
You can also call your local Girl Scout council. You can find its phone number(s), website, Facebook page, and Twitter account at www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder. If you call your council, volunteers or staff there can help you find a cookie booth or a Girl Scout group near you.
Finally, try our new free mobile Cookie Finder app for your iPhone® or Android® phone. You can search for cookie sales in your neighborhood, get details on your favorite Girl Scout Cookies and link to cookies in social media.
Selling Girl Scout Cookies is an important component of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls. Each Girl Scout council develops the procedures and guidelines for its cookie activities, including the dates when you can order or purchase cookies and the price you will pay per package. A council conducts only one cookie sale per year. Most of these activities take place between January and April, but some occur as early as September.
Although Girl Scouts of the USA does not currently allow online sales of Girl Scout Cookies, we are presently researching how to make it possible for girls to engage consumers in online sales, while continuing to help them develop critical and relevant entrepreneurship skills in the process. Use the Find Cookies! search box above to help you find cookies in your local community.
Cookies found for sale online at auction and community list sites should not be purchased under any circumstances, as neither GSUSA, your local Girl Scout council, nor our licensed bakers can guarantee the freshness or origination of these cookies. Further, purchasing cookies in this way does not support girls' participating in the cookie program.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the premier entrepreneurship opportunity for girls, but it is just one part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Girl Scouts participate in many activities throughout the year and work on many projects. Cookies are just one of those activities. And because only girls may sell Girl Scout Cookies, their market availability is limited to the 6 to 8-week period when they are engaged in the program.
Contact your local Girl Scout council if for any reason you aren't satisfied with a package of Girl Scout Cookies you purchased. Volunteers or staff at the council will be glad to help you.
Every Girl Scout Cookie package is stamped with a seasonal "Use or freeze by" date. That date corresponds with each cookie season. This means that Girl Scout Cookies with a date of September 2013 were baked for the 2012–2013 season.
Girl Scout Cookies are sold by weight, not by size or number. The number and size of cookies vary by variety and by baker.
Packages of Girl Scout Cookies sell for different prices in different areas of the country. Each of the 112 local Girl Scout councils has the right to set its own price, based on its needs and knowledge of the local market. Today's prices reflect both the current cost of cookies and the realities of providing Girl Scout activities in an ever-changing economic environment. To find out which local council serves your area use the Find Cookies! search box above.
Currently, two commercial bakers are licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to produce Girl Scout Cookies: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.
Each Girl Scout council chooses a licensed baker, either Little Brownie Bakers or ABC Bakers, and each baker uses different names for its cookies. So a cookie may be called Trefoils when baked by one baker and Shortbread when baked by the other. The two cookies may look and taste similar, but the name of the cookie is dependent on the baker. The exception is Thin Mints, which is a name shared by both bakers.
So that consumers can make an informed choice, the ingredients, nutritional profile, and allergen information of each variety are clearly listed on both the cookie package and the cookie order form. Additionally, this information is available at Meet the Cookies. With special regard to allergen concerns, our bakers bake Girl Scout Cookies in state-of-the-art facilities, and you can be assured that every required safety protocol is adhered to in order to prevent cross contamination of ingredients. The bakers stand behind the allergen notifications listed on each package of cookies. Consumers with additional concerns may contact the bakers directly at www.abcsmartcookies.com or www.littlebrownie.com.
The licensed bakers can offer up to eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies; only three types are mandatory: Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Sandwich/Do-Si-Dos, and Shortbread/Trefoils. The national Girl Scout organization reviews and approves the varieties proposed by the bakers. Any of the five optional cookies can be changed every year. Each bakery names its own cookies, so Girl Scout Cookies that are quite similar may have different names.
To see a listing of all current varieties of Girl Scout Cookies along with pictures and descriptions, go to Meet the Cookies.
Yes. All Girl Scout Cookies are kosher.
The biggest sellers are:
The other varieties, combined, account for the remaining 23 percent.
Check out the Web sites of these two licensed bakers: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Also visit www.pinterest.com/GSUSA to find and share recipes.
All the girls pictured on the packages are registered Girl Scouts. Every package shows Girl Scouts in action and working on real Take-Action projects
No. Girl Scout Cookies do not contain any added preservatives.
Girl Scouts of the USA is proud that all Girl Scout Cookies are "zero trans fat per serving" with the same great taste that has made them one of America's favorite treats over the years. All varieties contain less than 0.5 grams trans fat per serving, which meets or exceeds the FDA guidelines for the "zero trans fat" designation. Selected varieties can claim 100% trans-fat-free status, meaning there's not a speck of trans fats in the whole package. For a list of specific cookie ingredients, please see Meet the Cookies.
Our licensed vendors use a variety of ingredients in the production of Girl Scout Cookies, including, in some cookies, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Our bakers have indicated that HCFS is a specifically helpful ingredient in the browning process, and helps cookies retain freshness. For those cookies where HFCS is used, our bakers indicate that it is a key ingredient in ensuring the quality of the cookie.
As leaders in the baking industry, we trust our bakers to develop recipes using ingredients that will produce the best quality, best-tasting cookies while simultaneously address industry trends, scientific trends, and of course, consumer preference. For a list of specific cookie ingredients, please see Meet the Cookies.
Palm oil is an ingredient found in the majority of baked snacks sold in the United States. GSUSA's licensed bakers tell us it continues to be necessary to use palm oil in our cookies to ensure shelf life, to bring you the highest quality, and to serve as an alternative to trans fats. One of the primary goals of our Girl Scout Cookie bakers is to create the best-tasting cookies possible using the healthiest ingredients available. While we continue to explore other alternatives, at this time, there are no viable or readily available alternatives on the market.
The world's food supply is intricately tied to the use of palm oil, so we believe promoting sustainable manufacturing principles is the most responsible approach for Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Cookies. Girl Scouts has an opportunity to use our strong voice to bring about positive change on this very important issue, and GSUSA and our bakers have made the following commitments:
American palm oil use represents approximately 2% of total global consumption, and palm oil used in Girl Scout Cookies represents a tiny fraction of that. Thanks to the encouragement of and partnership from Girl Scout members, we and our bakers have realized the power of the Girl Scout brand to make a positive difference in the move toward sustainably produced palm oil.
The GreenPalm logo on the Girl Scout Cookie package signifies a commitment by Girl Scouts and our licensed bakers with regard to developing a worldwide supply of sustainable palm oil. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to assure a fully sustainable supply in the quantities required by our bakers. So the GreenPalm investment supports farmers' initiatives to become sustainable. Our ability to put the GreenPalm logo on the cookie package provides assurance to consumers and our members that our bakers have purchased enough GreenPalm certificates to offset 100% of the palm oil used in Girl Scout Cookies.
Sustainability refers to social, environmental, and economic factors that an organization addresses in order to provide value not only to consumers, but also to the world. Girl Scouts are very proud of the initiatives that are reported on annually by our licensed bakers in terms of their corporate sustainability and social responsibility. The Girl Scout commitment to "make the world a better place" is a tenet we take very seriously.
Our licensed bakers continue to work with their primary chocolate suppliers and with the Chocolate Manufacturer's Association (CMA)—of which both licensed bakers are members—on issues of slavery and abusive child labor as it relates to the production and purchase of chocolate. The chocolate suppliers and the CMA strongly condemn the use of slavery and abusive labor practices. Their goal is to support the governments and advocacy groups that will make a difference in the lives of the cacao farmers, as well as to give assurances to consumers that the cocoa has been farmed under appropriate working conditions.
Our bakers determine whether to use genetically modified agricultural crops (GMOs) in Girl Scout Cookies based on a range of market-related factors. There are some conventional ingredients, such as sugar, which are most prominently available in the United States as GMO. Our bakers are industry experts and have brought their experience and knowledge to the forefront on this topic, and they actively follow the science. For the time being, we feel confident in the safety of all the ingredients in Girl Scout Cookies, including GMO ingredients.
It's important to note that there is worldwide scientific support that there are no safety concerns with the currently commercialized ingredients derived from genetically modified agricultural crops (GMOs) on the market—the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the American Medical Association all share this assessment. In addition, in the future, GMOs may offer a way to help feed an ever-increasing world population.
Our licensed bakers currently do not have a sugar-free cookie offering. According to the American Dietetic Association, most people with diabetes can enjoy sugars in moderation as a part of their meal plans, depending on blood glucose control and body weight. We encourage you to discuss the use of sugar in your diet with your doctor or registered dietitian.
For consumer convenience, each of our licensed bakers lists dietary exchanges on the cookie package and the cookie order form, so people with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes can make informed choices. The amount of sugar and carbohydrates is also listed. Dietary exchanges should always be consulted, even if a product is labeled "sugarless." "Sugar free cookies" or "sugarless" are not synonymous with "diabetic cookie" labeling because of the carbohydrates.
The ingredients and nutritional elements of all cookies are listed on the cookie order forms and the the cookie packaging, so anyone concerned about carbohydrates can make informed choices. Nutritional information can also be found on Meet the Cookies.
Girl Scout Cookies are sold for a short time every year, and are considered a snack treat. As with all treats, they should be enjoyed in moderation.
Starting with our youngest members, the Girl Scout organization promotes a healthy lifestyle for girls, which includes a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise. Our health and fitness programs encourage girls to adopt healthy fitness and eating habits early in life and to continue them into adulthood. Girls are also taught to consider ingredient contribution to their overall diet and portion size when choosing snacks.
The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) released a research review entitled Weighing In: Helping Girls Be Healthy Today, Healthy Tomorrow. Weighing In addresses various underlying causes leading to the epidemic of obesity and of being overweight among children and adolescents and the lifestyles, culture, and behavior that have contributed to this condition. Read more about this research review.
Girl Scout Cookies are produced only once a year and for a limited time, so our bakers never achieve the volume required to support the specific production of specialty cookies. The demand has not been great enough to make it economically feasible; however, our bakers continue to experiment and have a commitment to ensuring there is always a "healthful" cookie in their line-up.
Each of our bakers strives to use the most healthful ingredients available in the production of one of America's most treasured sweet treats. Check the labels of all the products you eat, including Girl Scout Cookies. You may just find a variety that fits within your dietary restrictions or goals.
Your cookie package is intended to be recyclable, but it may depend on your local recycling service whether the packaging can be accepted. The cookie packages can be recycled with paper products, and the inside trays are #6 and should be accepted with your other plastic recycling.
Lemonade and Thanks-A-Lot Girl Scout Cookies are available in soft-pack only and without a paperboard package cover. The plastic soft-pack cover is similar to the protective wrapping found inside of all cookie varieties. Soft-pack packaging is currently the "greenest" packaging available for Girl Scout Cookies, eliminating thousands of pounds of paperboard from the waste stream.
All girl members may participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Although parents and Girl Scout adults may assist girls, it is the girl who makes the sale, sets learning and sales goals, and learns the entrepreneurial skills that are part of the program. Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program is voluntary.
Girl Scout product activities offer girls a great way to finance their Girl Scout activities and special projects. Participation in product activities is voluntary and requires written permission by a parent or guardian. Annually, about 65% of registered Girl Scouts choose to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
Yes! To do so, registered Girl Scouts must abide by guidelines published by Girl Scouts of the USA and the local Girl Scout council, and be supervised by a council trained adult. For more information about how Girl Scouts in your area can participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, please contact your local Girl Scout council.
Each Girl Scout council determines its precise method of getting cookies into the hands of customers. A customer will generally find themselves purchasing cookies in some version of the following types of sale, or hybrid thereof:
The safety and security of our members is always our chief concern. We have strict guidelines for safety. Girl Scouts, depending on their age, must be accompanied or supervised by an adult when selling Girl Scout Cookies and must always use the buddy system. Girls who are participating in online marketing initiatives (not online sales) must read and discuss the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge. Girls print out the pledge and ask their parents (or guardians), to read and sign the pledge together.
As part of their experience in any Girl Scout product activity, girls can earn official Girl Scout awards at every level of Girl Scouting, including cookie and financial literacy badges and the annual Cookie Activity Pin. Awards are based on completing established program activities. Separately, girls can also earn rewards based on their sales activity, such as recognition items and program credits.
Each local Girl Scout council develops all the procedures and guidelines for conducting its cookie activities. This includes decisions related to all the rewards a girl might receive for program participation, such as participation patches, t-shirts, and so on. Rewards vary greatly from council to council, both in terms of the items a girl might receive, and in terms of what level of participation qualifies a girl to receive rewards. Please contact your local Girl Scout council to learn more about the program established for girls in your community.
Girls may participate in a council approved "gift of caring" program that allows girls to collect donations of cookies for military personnel serving overseas. Any gifts in quantity to military overseas should be coordinated through the military or related personnel at both the place of origin and the place of receipt. Large shipments should be coordinated by the local Girl Scout council to assure that the cookies arrive where intended. Gifts should not be sent to U.S. bases or bases overseas where USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) are involved in product sales. Girl Scouts should observe council jurisdiction when selling or marketing product for a gifting program.
With every purchase, approximately 70% of the proceeds stays in the local Girl Scout council and with troops to provide a portion of the resources needed to support Girl Scouting in that area, including the portion that goes directly to the group selling the cookies. The balance goes to the baker to pay for the cookies.
Girl Scouts of the USA is paid a royalty for use of the licensed trademarks by its licensed bakers based on gross annual sales volume. Girl Scout councils do not provide any portion of their cookie revenue to Girl Scouts of the USA, and no other revenue from cookie sales goes to Girl Scouts of the USA. Girl Scouts of the USA provides contractual services and approves all program, marketing, and sales materials developed by the bakers. GSUSA also provides coordination and training for national media, safety standards for girls and volunteers, our world-renowned girl-leadership program, and full support during cookie season.
All the revenue earned from cookie activities—every penny after paying the baker—stays with the local Girl Scout council that sponsors the sale. This includes the portion that goes directly to the group selling cookies. Councils use cookie revenue to supply essential services to troops, groups, and individual girls, such as providing program resources and communication support, training adult volunteers, and conducting events.
This decision is made by each local Girl Scout council, so the portion varies from one council to another. Nationwide, girls receive an estimated 10 to 20% of the purchase price of each package of cookies sold. Cookie proceeds are held in a group or council account and allocated for activities based on the way a girl has joined Girl Scouts, e.g. as a member of a troop, as a special interest group, as a camper, or in a travel group. In many councils, girls earn "cookie credit" after a certain number of packages are sold, which may be used toward council program fees, travel, or Girl Scout related purchases in the council shop.
No and yes.
None of the money earned from any Girl Scout council-sponsored cookie sale is given to any other group. This does not preclude girls from spending their money locally on program related activities, such as paying their own way to a community event or museum or funding other programmatic outings. Girls may also choose to use money earned through product activities to purchase materials for a Take-Action project to benefit the community.
All the revenue from all Girl Scout Cooke Program supports the local Girl Scout council where the cookies are sold, including a portion that goes directly to the group selling cookies. The purpose of selling cookies is to help girls develop a wide range of skills and generate revenue to support Girl Scouting locally.
Girl Scouts of the USA has national licensing agreements with selected companies to include Girl Scout Cookies in their products. Girl Scouts of the USA is the only entity who may enter into such an agreement. At the point an agreement is reached, our licensed bakers have the opportunity to work directly with companies to provide cookies in bulk. For further information about rules and regulations relating to the Girl Scout brand, contact trademarks@girlscouts.org. Business inquiries regarding the use of Girl Scout Cookies in products should be directed to businesscabinet@girlscouts.org.
We've updated our cookie boxes to include stories of what Girl Scouts do today, the fun they have doing it, and all that girls learn from the experience. It's more than just cookies!
