Girl Scout cookies are a highly anticipated treat each year, but for those following a vegan nutrition diet, the choices can be confusing. The primary reason for the variation in vegan options is that the Girl Scouts partner with two different official bakeries: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. The ingredients, and sometimes even the names, of similarly styled cookies can differ dramatically based on the bakery supplying your local troop. Therefore, a critical first step for any vegan buyer is to identify which bakery's cookies are available in their area.
The crucial difference between ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers
The ingredient list is not universal for every Girl Scout cookie. The two bakeries, ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers, serve different regions across the United States. This partnership explains why you might find cookies with similar flavors but different names and recipes, a detail that is vital for consumers with dietary restrictions. A cookie that is vegan from one bakery may contain dairy or eggs from the other, making it essential to read the specific packaging or consult the bakery's ingredient list online. For example, the vegan Peanut Butter Patties from ABC Bakers are not to be confused with the non-vegan Tagalongs from Little Brownie Bakers.
Navigating vegan options by bakery
Vegan cookies from ABC Bakers
If your local council is supplied by ABC Bakers, you're in luck, as they offer more vegan varieties than their counterpart. As of the 2025 season, the following are typically made with vegan ingredients:
- Thin Mints: A staple favorite, these are vegan regardless of the bakery.
- Caramel Chocolate Chip: This unique option is both vegan and gluten-free.
- Peanut Butter Patties: A crispy vanilla cookie with peanut butter and a chocolaty coating.
- Lemonades: A shortbread cookie with a tangy lemon icing.
- Adventurefuls: A brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt.
- Toast-Yay!: A French toast-inspired cookie, though it will be discontinued after the 2025 season.
Vegan cookies from Little Brownie Bakers
For those in a Little Brownie Bakers region, the vegan selection is much more limited. The only vegan option available from this bakery is:
- Thin Mints: Just like with ABC Bakers, Thin Mints are consistently vegan from Little Brownie Bakers.
The importance of reading the ingredient list
Even with the general guidance, it is always best practice for anyone with dietary concerns to read the specific ingredient label on the package. Recipes and formulations can change from year to year. Additionally, both bakeries use shared facilities, so while ingredients might be vegan, there is a risk of cross-contamination with allergens like milk and eggs. The packaging will include a precautionary allergen disclosure if this is the case, but consumers with severe allergies should always exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider.
A comparison of vegan and non-vegan Girl Scout cookie options
| Cookie Name (ABC Bakers) | Vegan Status (ABC Bakers) | Cookie Name (Little Brownie Bakers) | Vegan Status (Little Brownie Bakers) | Key Ingredients (Non-Vegan versions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin Mints | Vegan | Thin Mints | Vegan | - |
| Peanut Butter Patties | Vegan | Tagalongs | Non-Vegan | Milk, whey, buttermilk |
| Lemonades | Vegan | Lemon-Ups | Non-Vegan | Milk |
| Adventurefuls | Vegan (New recipe) | Adventurefuls | Non-Vegan | Milk |
| Toast-Yay!* | Vegan | N/A | N/A | - |
| Caramel Chocolate Chip | Vegan (and GF) | Toffee-tastic | Non-Vegan | Butter |
*Note: Toast-Yay! cookies will be discontinued after the 2025 season.
Conclusion: How to enjoy Girl Scout cookies on a vegan diet
For those adhering to a vegan nutrition diet, the answer to "Are all Girl Scout cookies vegan?" is a definitive no. However, with careful attention to which bakery supplies your area, you can still participate in the cookie sale. While Thin Mints are a safe bet everywhere, finding out if your local council uses ABC Bakers will open up a wider variety of plant-based options. Always remember to check the label for the most current information and to be aware of potential cross-contamination concerns in shared facilities. This diligence ensures you can support the Girl Scouts while staying true to your dietary choices.
For additional details on specific cookie ingredients and allergens, you can visit the official Girl Scout website or the respective bakeries' websites.
