Who bakes Girl Scout Cookies?

Currently, two commercial bakers are licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to produce Girl Scout Cookies: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.

How can I be sure my Girl Scout Cookies were baked for the current season?

Every Girl Scout Cookie package is stamped with a seasonal "use or freeze by" date. This date corresponds with the end of each cookie season. Accordingly, Girl Scout Cookies with a 2024 date would be baked for the 2023-2024 season.

How do I determine which licensed baker supplies Girl Scout Cookies to my council?

Girl Scout councils contract with one of two licensed bakers, whose recipes and ingredients may differ slightly. Contact your local council to find out which baker they partner with.

Who selects Girl Scout Cookie varieties?

GSUSA and local councils collaborate with both licensed bakers in the development of Girl Scout Cookies. Any new additions or optimizations to products in the portfolio are approved by GSUSA. Councils select the baker for their area, which dictates the varieties offered in that area.

To see a listing of all current varieties of Girl Scout Cookies, along with pictures and descriptions, go to Meet the Cookies.

Is my Girl Scout Cookie package recyclable?

Recycling is community dependent. Girl Scout Cookie packages may or may not be accepted by your local recycling service depending on the types of materials it processes.

The box packaging for many of our cookies is made from paper and is recyclable. It contains 100 percent recycled content, so it may have been recycled numerous times already!

Several Girl Scout Cookie varieties are produced in soft pack packaging only, without a carton. The film overwrap is like the protective wrapping found inside the packages of all cookie varieties and is recyclable in certain markets. While the shift to film overwrap has eliminated thousands of pounds of paperboard from the waste stream and the reduction in packaging weight has saved thousands of gallons of diesel fuel, the material may not be accepted by some local recycling services.

Some Girl Scout Cookie varieties come with a plastic tray inside either the box or soft pack and is used to protect the cookies during transport. The material may not be accepted by some local recycling services.

GSUSA is a member of the How2Recycle® label program (how2recycle.info). The How2Recycle label is a U.S. and Canada-based standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. We’re leveraging How2Recycle’s standardized labeling system on our consumer-facing packaging to provide clear instructions on how to recycle. How2Recycle is a project of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition® (sustainablepackaging.org), a membership-based group that brings together businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to collectively broaden the understanding of packaging sustainability and develop meaningful improvements for packaging solutions.

We continue to work with our bakers to evaluate ways to maximize the recyclability of the package, while maintaining freshness and shelf life.

Why do some cookies have different names?

Each Girl Scout council chooses a licensed baker, either ABC Bakers or Little Brownie Bakers, and there are cookie variations by baker. One baker may call a cookie Caramel deLites®, while another baker calls them Samoas®. The two cookies look and taste similar, but the name of the cookie and the recipe may differ. The exceptions are Thin Mints®, Exploremores™, Adventurefuls®, and Trefoils®, which are names used by both bakers. Even if Girl Scout Cookie names are the same, the recipes and ingredients may vary.

Why are some Girl Scout Cookie varieties priced differently from other ones?

Like other specialty products, our gluten-free cookie varieties may be priced higher than other Girl Scout Cookies, reflecting the cost of production and/or specialty ingredients.

Where can I find recipes using Girl Scout Cookies?

Check out our new recipe page featuring great recipes—all made with Girl Scout Cookies as an ingredient! Visit www.pinterest.com/GSUSA to find and share recipes.

How do I find out the ingredients, nutritional value, and allergen information for Girl Scout Cookies?

Cookie ingredients, nutritional information, and allergen information are clearly listed on both the cookie package and the cookie order form. This information can also be found in the Meet the Cookies section of the Girl Scout website. With special regard for allergen concerns, our bakers bake Girl Scout Cookies in state-of-the-art facilities, and consumers can be assured that every required safety protocol is adhered to in order to prevent cross-contamination of ingredients. Consumers with additional questions can find out more by visiting the baker websites: www.abcsmartcookies.com or www.littlebrownie.com. To find out which licensed baker supplies your council with cookies, please contact your council. Ingredients may differ slightly by baker.

Why is palm oil used in Girl Scout Cookies?

Palm oil is an ingredient found in the majority of baked snacks sold in the United States and is the most widely used vegetable oil in the world. Per GSUSA's licensed bakers, it is necessary to use palm oil in our cookies because of its unique ability to provide volume and texture in baked goods, usually without adding trans fats. Additionally, growing palm oil requires less land in comparison to other vegetable oils and supports the livelihoods of more than 4 million farmers globally. Although we continue to explore alternatives, currently, there are no viable or readily available alternatives for use in the production of Girl Scout Cookies.

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 Cookie development. At Girl Scouts, we have an opportunity to use our strong voice to bring about positive change on this important issue, and our bakers have made the following commitments:

• GSUSA and our licensed bakers are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a non-profit organization of growers, buyers, manufacturers, conservationists, and other interested parties striving to develop and follow best practices to ensure an ethical supply chain.
• Our licensed bakers are committed to Sustainable Palm Oil in Girl Scout Cookies. Girl Scout Cookies baked by both ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers use Mass Balance RSPO certified palm oil and include the RSPO Mass Balance logo on their packaging (i.e., RSPO “Mixed” certification label).
• Both bakers' future goal is to achieve 100% RSPO-segregated certified palm oil products for all Girl Scout Cookies they produce. They continue to work with their suppliers to explore strategies and timelines to achieve this goal.
• To read more about our bakers' positions on palm oil, visit their websites: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.
• Thanks to the encouragement of and partnership with Girl Scout members, GSUSA and our bakers have realized the power of the Girl Scout brand to make a positive difference in the move towards sustainably produced and ethically sourced palm oil.

• RPSO member's license numbers

  • ABC Bakers – 4-1434-22-100-00
  • Little Brownie Bakers - 1106110

Are Girl Scout Cookies "sustainable"?

Sustainability refers to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors that an organization addresses to provide value to consumers and the world. GSUSA is also working with its bakers toward sustainable and ethical sourcing of Girl Scout Cookie ingredients, including sustainably sourced palm oil. GSUSA and our bakers are also working to improve the environmental footprint of its cookie packaging, as we recognize the need to reduce emissions and materials used as much as possible. Furthermore, Girl Scouts can choose to use their troop cookie earnings on environmental stewardship and conservation projects.

Do Girl Scout Cookies contain GMOs?

GSUSA is committed to providing customers with the highest quality products available. We understand that customers have questions about the foods they choose to eat. GSUSA works alongside its trusted bakers to develop recipes using ingredients that will produce the best-tasting and highest-quality cookies.

Girl Scout Cookies currently contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Girl Scouts recognizes that many people have concerns about GMO ingredients, and we monitor members' and consumers' opinions on this matter while simultaneously addressing industry trends, scientific trends, and consumer preferences.

It is important to note that there is worldwide scientific support for the safety of currently commercialized ingredients derived from GMO agricultural crops. 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 the future, GMO ingredients may offer new, cost-effective alternatives to feeding the world's growing population.

How do I find out the ingredients, nutritional value, and allergen information for cookies?

This information is listed on the cookie package and the cookie order form. It can also be found on our website's Meet the Cookies page.

With particular regard for allergen concerns, our bakers bake Girl Scout Cookies in state-of-the-art facilities, following the required safety protocol to prevent cross-contact of ingredients. Consumers with additional questions can find out more by visiting the baker websites ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Contact your Girl Scout council to find out which licensed baker supplies your local council with cookies. Ingredients may differ by baker, so always refer to the printed packaging or your local council's cookie baker's website for this information.

Why does the allergen disclosure on Girl Scout Cookie packaging reference a shared facility? Why was it changed? How is this different from the allergens contained?

All packaged goods in the U.S., including Girl Scout Cookies, are required to include a mandatory allergen disclosure identifying any of the top nine food allergens present as ingredients either in the ingredients list or through a "Contains" statement. All Girl Scout Cookie packaging labels include a precautionary allergen disclosure ("Made in shared facility with") to ensure transparency about any allergens that may be present in the bakeries that produce Girl Scout Cookies. If you have concerns as to whether a product is right for you, please check with your healthcare provider.

Are Girl Scout Cookies halal certified?

Yes. All Girl Scout Cookies are halal certified. For more information about cookie ingredients, check out Meet the Cookies or visit our bakers' websites: ABC Bakers or Little Brownie Bakers.

Are Girl Scout Cookies kosher?

Yes. For more information about cookie ingredients, check out Meet the Cookies or visit our bakers' websites: ABC Bakers or Little Brownie Bakers.

Is high-fructose corn syrup used in Girl Scout Cookies?

No, Girl Scout Cookies do not contain high-fructose corn syrup. For a list of specific cookie ingredients, see Meet the Cookies or visit our bakers' websites: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.

Why don't you offer cookies that are whole wheat, wheat-free, sugar-free, casein-free, organic, low-carb, low-calorie, low-fat, non-fat, fat-free, and the like?

Girl Scout Cookies are produced once a year, making the production of specialty cookies difficult. It's not economically feasible to make specialty cookies due to low demand. We trust our licensed bakers, who are industry leaders, to produce the best-tasting and highest-quality cookies while simultaneously addressing industry trends, scientific trends, and consumer needs, including dietary restrictions and preferences. Don't forget to check the labels—you may find a variety that fits your dietary restrictions or goals.

Customers who are unable to personally consume Girl Scout Cookies but still wish to support their local Girl Scout may choose to purchase cookies for their local council’s cookie donation program.

Should people with diabetes buy or consume Girl Scout Cookies?

We encourage consumers concerned about sugar intake to discuss dietary options with a doctor or registered dietitian.

For consumer convenience, each of our licensed bakers lists dietary exchanges on the cookie information pages of their websites so people with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes can make informed choices. Each cookie package lists the sugar and carbohydrate contents.

Customers who are unable to personally consume Girl Scout Cookies but still wish to support their local Girl Scout may choose to purchase cookies for their local council’s cookie donation program.

Do you offer cookies made with vegan ingredients?

Yes, some Girl Scout Cookies are made with vegan ingredients including our most popular cookie Thin Mints®. For more information, visit the Meet the Cookies page of our website.

Are there Girl Scout Cookies that are certified gluten-free?

Yes. Girl Scouts in select areas sell gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip or Toffee-tastic® Girl Scout Cookies. Please contact your local Girl Scout council about availability. For more information, visit the Meet the Cookies page of our website.

How is Toffee-tastic® gluten-free certified if it is made in a bakery with wheat?

Toffee-tastic®cookies baked by Little Brownie Bakers have been Certified Gluten-Free by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), a third-party organization that verifies through testing of the production line and the finished product that the cookies meet FDA guidelines for labeling them gluten-free. Toffee-tastic cookies are baked on a production line that is cleaned between production runs and tested to make sure the line is free of gluten. The NSF Gluten-Free Certification seal appears on the side of the Toffee-tastic package. For more information, visit the NSF website.

Responding to an important consumer trend, Girl Scouts in select areas will be selling either Caramel Chocolate Chip or Toffee-tastic® Girl Scout Cookies, which are both gluten-free. Please contact your local Girl Scout council about availability. For more information on Caramel Chocolate Chip, visit ABC Bakers, and for Toffee-tastic, visit Little Brownie Bakers.

Should people with diabetes buy or consume Girl Scout Cookies?

We encourage consumers concerned about sugar intake to discuss dietary options with a doctor or registered dietitian.

For consumer convenience, each of our licensed bakers lists dietary exchanges on the cookie information pages of their websites, so people with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes can make informed choices. The amount of sugar and carbohydrates is also listed on each cookie package.

Do Girl Scout Cookies have trans fats?

Girl Scouts of the USA is proud that all Girl Scout Cookies have "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 the FDA guidelines for the "zero trans fat" designation. Selected varieties can claim 100 percent trans fat�free status, meaning there's not a speck of trans fat in the whole package.

Why don't you offer cookies that are whole wheat, wheat free, non-dairy, dairy free, sugar free, casein free, organic, low carb, low calorie, low fat, non-fat, fat free, etc...?

Girl Scout Cookies are produced once a year, making the production of specialty cookies difficult. In addition, the demand has not been great enough to make it economically feasible. Don�t forget to check the labels�you may find a variety that fits your dietary restrictions or goals.

Is the cocoa used in Girl Scout Cookies "conflict free"?

Our licensed cookie bakers are actively working with their suppliers to ensure that the cocoa used in Girl Scout Cookies is responsibly sourced. Our bakers are required to provide assurance that cocoa sourced for Girl Scout Cookies is child- and slave-labor free. To provide this assurance, our bakers require compliance from their cocoa suppliers through strict supplier codes of conduct. Our bakers are working with cocoa suppliers, farmers, and industry partners to identify risks and support education and training that promotes sustainable and ethical practices.

GSUSA understands that, in spite of the best efforts of our manufacturers and the ongoing work by their suppliers, we also have a responsibility to provide leadership on the topic of slave labor and human trafficking. We are committed to using our powerful voice and brand wherever possible to effect change in this area.

Is high fructose corn syrup used in Girl Scout Cookies?

We trust our licensed bakers, who are industry leaders, to develop recipes using ingredients that will produce the best-tasting and highest-quality cookies while simultaneously addressing industry trends; scientific trends; and, of course, consumer preference. One of our bakers, Little Brownie Bakers, has removed high-fructose corn syrup from its cookies. For a list of specific cookie ingredients, see Meet the Cookies or visit our bakers' websites: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers.

What does In-Person delivery mean through the Digital Cookie platform?

In-Person delivery allows your order to be delivered by a supervised Girl Scout. When a customer selects the In-Person delivery option via the Digital Cookie platform, that selection must be first approved by an adult or caregiver. Approval may be based on cookie inventory, distance and capacity to deliver to the requested address, and whether the Girl Scout can meet the estimated delivery time.

Why isn't In-Person delivery offered in my area?

Girl Scout councils' delivery methods for orders placed online vary based on several factors. It may be available at a later date, or the window for it may have passed.

What if I select In-Person delivery and the Girl Scout parent doesn't approve?

Parents have 5 days to consider and approve In-Person delivery orders placed online through a Girl Scout's Digital Cookie site. Their decision may be based in part on cookie inventory, distance and capacity to deliver to the requested address,and whether the Girl Scout can meet the estimated delivery.

If the order is not approved for In-Person delivery, we will complete the order by following the customer's selected secondary delivery option at the time of placing the order, which can either be to donate the cookies to the council's charity of choice or to cancel the order.

Can I adjust my order to change my shipping address or change my delivery method?

Unfortunately, you cannot change your order or update the shipping address. Once an order is placed, all sales are final.

Can I order cookies online and have them shipped outside of the U.S.?

Currently, we are not offering the option of shipping cookies outside of the U.S. Girl Scout Cookies purchased via the Digital Cookie platform can be shipped within the United States, including to Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and military or diplomatic locations with an APO/FPO/DPO address.

Are cookies shipped via regular mail or via a third-party shipping company?

Cookies are shipped using major carrier(s) from the distribution center to your specified shipping address.

Other than shipping and handling, are there any other fees associated with online ordering?

No, there are no other fees other than the cost of cookies. When you pay for shipping and handling, you’re helping empower girls to do more with their cookie earnings. These fees go to supporting the Girl Scout Cookie program’s ability to bring delicious cookies to our cookie consumers and get the cookie money to her troop. That way, she and her friends can go out into their communities and do amazing things. Thank you for your support!

How much does shipping and handling cost?

Shipping and handling costs are calculated in tiers starting at $11.99 for 4—8 packages of cookies. But don't worry about doing all that math. Just visit the Digital Cookie site, make your cookie selections, and we'll calculate the shipping for you before you finalize your order.

How can I track my order?

Once your order is placed, you will receive an email confirmation with order information, including your carrier tracking number. You can also check your order status by selecting Order Status in the footer of the Girl Scout's Digital Cookie site.

How can I donate cookies?

Simply select the "donate cookies" option from the Girl Scout's Digital Cookie site. Your local council makes a decision about what charity(ies) will be the recipient(s) of donated boxes of Girl Scout Cookies. When you donate, you help bring a smile to someone's face while you support a Girl Scout's cookie goals.

Who receives the cookies I donated through the Digital Cookie site? Which charities do these cookies go to?

The local Girl Scout council partners with a charity(ies) to be the recipient(s) of donated boxes of Girl Scout Cookies. The selected charity is indicated on the Orders page.

Is my purchase tax-deductible?

If you buy Girl Scout Cookies for personal use—whether you eat them yourself, share them with others, or have them shipped to you—your purchase is not tax-deductible. That’s because you’re receiving a product at fair market value to enjoy at home.

Many Girl Scouts ask customers to pay for one or more packages of cookies that they will donate inservice projects or as part of a council-approved Gift of Caring or Cookie Share program. If you would like an acknowledgement of your donation for tax-deductible purposes, contact your Girl Scout's council.

Can I select the cookie variety I'd like to donate?

No. The local council works with Girl Scouts to select the varieties that will be donated to the Girl Scout council charity of choice.

Are cookie purchases non-refundable? Can I cancel my order/get a refund?

All sales are final. You cannot cancel an order, and we do not offer refunds.

What kind of charges can I expect to see on my bank or credit card statement? What if I was charged incorrectly?

You can expect to see the authorization hold (but not the charge) after you submit your order. If you have selected In-Person delivery, the full amount will then be charged once the Girl Scout’s caregiver approves the order. If the order is declined or if it is not approved within 5 days it will default to your secondary delivery option of donation or cancellation.

For shipped orders, the full amount will be charged once your order has been shipped.

If you were charged incorrectly please contact customer service.

What if I'm not satisfied with the quality of my Girl Scout Cookies?

Contact the cookie baker if, for any reason, you aren't satisfied with a package of Girl Scout Cookies. The baker contact information is listed on the side of each package.

For Little Brownie Bakers, visit https://www.littlebrowniebakers.com/contactus.

For ABC Bakers, visit https://www.abcbakers.com/contact-us/.

I ordered cookies but did not receive a confirmation email.

Please check your promotions and/or spam folder for an email from Girl Scout Cookies (email@email.girlscouts.org). If you cannot find it and you wish to retrieve your order confirmation number, please contact customer support.

I want to change my shipping address. Can I adjust my order?

Unfortunately, we do not offer the opportunity to change an order. Once the order is placed, all sales are final.

Why haven't I received my order?

The reason may depend on the delivery method you have chosen. Refer to your order confirmation email to verify your delivery method. Shipping orders can take 2-15 business days for domestic destinations, and 5-15 business days for premium destinations. In-Person delivery orders can take up to 6-10 weeks, depending when the Girl Scout will have her cookie delivery. If it has been longer than this amount of time, please contact customer support.

My shipped cookies arrived damaged. What should I do?

Please contact customer support.

Why are some cookie varieties not on the Digital Cookie site?

Girl Scout Cookie varieties vary per area. If the Girl Scout Cookie you are looking for is not showing in the Digital Cookie site, it could be for a variety of reasons, including the possibility of the cookie being out of stock or not for sale by the council. Please check with your Girl Scout's local council for more information.

The Girl Scout I want to support lives in a different state. Can I purchase Girl Scout Cookies digitally from her?

Yes. We understand that sometimes friends and loved ones live across the country or in a different state, so feel free to purchase cookies from any Girl Scout who markets her cookie business to you. She'll be grateful for your support. Please select shipped delivery if the Girl Scout and parent/caregiver are unable to hand deliver the cookies to you.

How do I check my order status?

You can check your order status by going to this link. This link can also be found in your order confirmation email and in the footer of the Girl Scout’s Digital Cookie site. Please provide the same first name, last name, and email address/phone number that was entered for your order.

Is participating in the Digital Cookie platform safe for Girl Scouts?

The Digital Cookie platform emphasizes the safety of both Girl Scouts and customers. Before Girl Scouts are allowed to set up their site, they are required to learn about Internet safety through our safety video. In addition, Girl Scouts take an Internet Safety Pledge and parents/caregivers agree to our Terms and Conditions before using the web-based platform. Parents/caregivers must also approve all updates and changes the Girl Scout makes when customizing their Digital Cookie site. Girl Scouts using the mobile app that enables them to process cookie sales on-the-go will adhere to the same safety standards as those participating in traditional Girl Scout Cookie sales.

Is it safe to enter my credit card information on a Girl Scout's Digital Cookie site? Is there protection against data breaches?

Our systems are fully Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant, and consumers can feel absolutely confident that their financial information is not stored. Both the online and mobile platforms of Digital Cookie transmit financial data to credit card processors and scrub credit card and other identifiable information from the systems.

Are consumers able to find Girl Scouts' Digital Cookie sites by searching online?

No. We take Girl Scouts' safety very seriously! To ensure the Girl Scout gets the full entrepreneurial benefit of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, the Girl Scout always takes the lead on her sales. This allows the Girl Scout to learn from the experience, provide customers with all relevant information about the cookies they are offering, and-most importantly-stay safe. The Girl Scout works with her family to choose who they are able to sell and deliver to.

Will Girl Scouts use my information in any other way aside from confirming my order and delivering my cookies? Will my personal information be shared with third parties?

Please click here to review our Privacy Policy.

What new skills do girls learn with the Digital Cookie platform?

Aside from honing in on the Girl Scout Cookie Program's "5 Skills"—goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics—the Digital Cookie platform provides girls an opportunity to get hands-on experience with twenty-first-century skills in areas such as financial literacy, social responsibility, STEM, innovation, ecommerce, entrepreneurship, teamwork, email marketing, data tracking, site setup, and managing customer lists—to name just a few!