For many, Girl Scout cookies are a beloved annual tradition, but for those with dietary restrictions, the question remains: do Girl Scout cookies have gluten in them? The short answer is that most varieties do contain gluten, but the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) offers specifically designated gluten-free cookies to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The availability of these special options, however, depends on which of the two licensed bakers—ABC Bakers or Little Brownie Bakers—serves your region.
Understanding the Two Bakers
The Girl Scouts partner with two different baking companies, and their cookie offerings and recipes vary slightly. This is why some cookies have different names depending on where you live (e.g., Samoas vs. Caramel deLites, or Tagalongs vs. Peanut Butter Patties). It is crucial for anyone with gluten concerns to know which baker supplies their local council, as this determines which specific cookies are certified gluten-free and how they are handled.
ABC Bakers
ABC Bakers offers the Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie as its certified gluten-free option. This chewy cookie features rich caramel, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt. It is manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility and is certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO has a strict standard of 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is well below the FDA's requirement of 20 ppm for gluten-free products. This provides a high level of confidence for those with celiac disease.
Little Brownie Bakers
Little Brownie Bakers' certified gluten-free option is the Toffee-tastic cookie. This rich, buttery shortbread cookie is studded with sweet, crunchy toffee bits. The Toffee-tastic is certified gluten-free by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), an independent third-party organization. To ensure safety, the cookies are baked on a dedicated line that is thoroughly cleaned and tested for any gluten contamination between production runs, though it is in a shared bakery facility.
Comparison of Gluten-Containing vs. Gluten-Free Cookies
| Feature | Gluten-Containing Cookies (e.g., Thin Mints, Samoas) | Certified Gluten-Free Cookies (Toffee-tastic, Caramel Chocolate Chip) |
|---|---|---|
| Flour Type | Primarily enriched wheat flour | Oat flour, tapioca starch, chickpea flour |
| Availability | Widely available across all Girl Scout councils | Varies by council, depending on which baker is used |
| Certification | Not certified gluten-free; contain wheat | Third-party certified (GFCO or NSF) |
| Taste/Texture | Classic cookie textures, from crispy to chewy | Specifically formulated to replicate traditional texture without gluten |
| Allergen Risk | High risk for celiac or gluten sensitivity | Low risk due to dedicated lines/facilities and certification |
Navigating Cross-Contamination Concerns
For those with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. While the gluten-free cookies are produced with safety measures in place, it's important to understand the manufacturing process. The GFCO-certified Caramel Chocolate Chip from ABC Bakers is produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility, which eliminates the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. Little Brownie Bakers' NSF-certified Toffee-tastic, however, is made in a shared facility but on a production line that is rigorously cleaned and tested to meet certification standards. This difference in manufacturing environments is important for consumers to note, and individuals with extreme sensitivities should consult with their healthcare provider if they have concerns. You can always check the packaging for specific allergen disclosures and certifications.
How to Find Gluten-Free Cookies in Your Area
Since availability depends on the baker, the most reliable way to find gluten-free options is to use the official Girl Scout website's cookie finder tool. By entering your zip code, the tool will connect you with a local council and indicate which baker they use, helping you identify the specific gluten-free varieties available near you. Ordering directly from a local council or using the official finder ensures you receive the correct, certified product.
Final Recommendations for a Gluten-Free Diet
If you're managing a gluten-free diet, it's essential to check the cookie packaging carefully each season. The Girl Scouts and their bakers are committed to providing clear labeling and certification for their gluten-free products, but the specific offerings can change. Always consult the official website or the local council for the most up-to-date information on ingredients and availability. While many beloved classics do contain gluten, the certified gluten-free options provide a delicious way for everyone to participate in the tradition and support the Girl Scouts.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Do Girl Scout cookies have gluten in them?"—most do, as they are traditionally made with wheat flour. However, the Girl Scouts recognize the need for inclusive options and offer certified gluten-free cookies: Toffee-tastic and Caramel Chocolate Chip, depending on your region's baker. Consumers with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should always verify local availability and check for the specific certification seals on the packaging to ensure a safe and enjoyable treat.
This article is for informational purposes only. For specific health concerns, consult a medical professional.
Ingredients Breakdown
Typical Gluten-Containing Ingredients: Enriched wheat flour, wheat flour, and other wheat-based components are common in standard varieties. These are present in classics like Thin Mints, Trefoils, and Samoas. Certified Gluten-Free Ingredients: Safe options substitute wheat flour with alternatives such as oat flour, rice flour, and other certified gluten-free starches. The Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie, for example, uses oat, tapioca, and chickpea flours.
The Difference in Cookie Names
Two bakers mean slight recipe variations and different product names for similar cookies. This applies to standard and sometimes limited-edition flavors. Always check the packaging or the baker's website for the most accurate ingredient information for your local cookie version.
Certification Marks on Packaging
Look for specific seals on the cookie box. ABC Bakers' Caramel Chocolate Chip features the GFCO logo, while Little Brownie Bakers' Toffee-tastic has the NSF Certified Gluten-Free seal. These third-party certifications are critical for ensuring the product meets stringent gluten-free standards.
The Girl Scout Cookies App
The official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app can be a valuable tool for locating gluten-free options. It uses your location to identify local councils and their respective bakers, providing information on which cookies are available, including those with gluten-free certification.
Donation Program
Even if you cannot eat the cookies for dietary reasons, you can still support the Girl Scouts by participating in your local council's cookie donation program. This allows you to contribute to their programs and helps them continue their important work in the community.
A Note on Other Allergens
While this article focuses on gluten, remember that Girl Scout cookies may contain other allergens like soy, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts. Always review the full ingredient list and allergen disclosures on the packaging, especially if you have multiple dietary restrictions.
Understanding the Manufacturing Environment
Understanding the manufacturing process is key for those with high sensitivity. A dedicated gluten-free facility (like ABC's for Caramel Chocolate Chip) has a lower risk profile for cross-contamination compared to a shared facility with a cleaned production line (like Little Brownie Bakers' for Toffee-tastic).
Supporting the Cause
Your purchase of gluten-free cookies still supports the same great cause. Every box sold helps fund local Girl Scout programs and activities, fostering leadership and community involvement.
The Role of Palm Oil
Girl Scout cookie bakers use sustainably sourced palm oil, as certified by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). While this is not related to gluten content, it's a detail relevant to the overall production process.
