What is the lowest sugar Girl Scout cookie?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from various Girl Scout cookie sales, the classic Trefoils, also known as Shortbread, consistently rank among the lowest in sugar. This makes them a popular choice for those looking to indulge with less added sweetness. However, understanding the role of different bakeries and varying recipes is key to pinpointing the absolute lowest sugar option in your area.

Quick Summary

A comparison of Girl Scout cookie nutrition facts shows Trefoils are typically the lowest sugar cookie, but variations exist due to different regional bakeries. The article explores nutritional details for Trefoils and other low-sugar options like Toffee-tastics, detailing why labels can differ. Readers will gain insight into making more informed choices during cookie season.

Key Points

Trefoils (Shortbread) is the lowest sugar cookie: The classic, buttery cookie consistently has one of the lowest sugar contents per serving, and its large serving size means even less sugar per individual cookie.
Regional bakeries cause variations: The Girl Scouts use two different bakeries (ABC and Little Brownie), which results in different names, recipes, and nutritional information for some cookies. Always check the box for exact details.
Toffee-tastic is a low-sugar gluten-free option: If you require a gluten-free cookie, Toffee-tastic is a great alternative with low sugar content compared to most other varieties.
Serving size matters for comparison: When comparing cookies, consider the serving size. Trefoils' larger serving size makes the sugar per cookie particularly low, while others with smaller serving sizes might appear lower in sugar overall but contain more per cookie.
Samoas and Thin Mints are typically higher in sugar: Cookies with more decadent toppings and fillings, like Samoas and Thin Mints, generally contain significantly more sugar per serving than simpler varieties.
Check the current cookie lineup: Cookie varieties can change from year to year. Always consult the most recent information from the Girl Scouts to ensure you have the correct data for the current season.

Regional Bakeries and Cookie Variations

It's a little-known fact among casual consumers that the Girl Scouts partner with two different licensed bakers: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. The result is that some cookies have different names and slightly different recipes depending on your region. For example, what is known as Trefoils from one baker is called Shortbread by the other. These differences can also impact nutritional information, including sugar content, so it's essential to check the local version of a cookie.

The Lowest Sugar Contenders

While the exact numbers can vary by baker, the two main cookies competing for the lowest sugar spot are consistently Trefoils/Shortbread and Toffee-tastic. Both offer a simpler flavor profile than more decadent cookies like Samoas or Thin Mints, which naturally contain less sugar due to fewer sugary toppings and fillings.

Trefoils (Shortbread): Often containing around 6-7 grams of sugar per serving (which is 4 to 5 cookies), the Trefoils are a strong contender for the lowest sugar cookie title. They are a classic shortbread cookie with a simple, buttery flavor. Their large serving size is also a benefit for those who want to feel like they are getting more for their calories and sugar intake.
Toffee-tastic: As a gluten-free option, Toffee-tastics are another great low-sugar choice, with some versions containing just 7 grams of sugar per two-cookie serving. The crunchy texture and toffee bits offer a satisfying alternative to the plainer Trefoils, without a significant increase in sugar.

Making an Informed Decision

Beyond just sugar, other nutritional factors might influence your choice. For instance, the serving size itself plays a large role. Since Trefoils have a larger number of cookies per serving (5 vs. 2 for Toffee-tastics), the sugar per individual cookie is extremely low, making them a good option for portion control. On the other hand, Toffee-tastics are gluten-free, which may be a priority for some.

Comparing Popular Cookies by Sugar Content

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table of the sugar content for some of the most popular Girl Scout cookies, based on recent nutritional information.


Cookie Name (Regional Name)	Baker	Serving Size	Sugar per Serving (approx.)	Notes
Trefoils (Shortbread)	ABC Bakers	5 cookies	6g	A classic, buttery cookie with a large serving size.
Trefoils (Shortbread)	Little Brownie Bakers	5 cookies	7g	Similar to ABC's version, slightly more sugar.
Toffee-tastic	ABC Bakers	2 cookies	7g	A gluten-free and crunchy option.
Lemon-Ups	ABC Bakers	2 cookies	7g	Another citrus-flavored, lower-sugar choice.
Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties)	ABC Bakers	2 cookies	9g	A gluten-free, vegan-friendly peanut butter cookie.
Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties)	Little Brownie Bakers	2 cookies	8g	A chocolate and peanut butter option with moderate sugar.
Thin Mints	Little Brownie Bakers	4 cookies	10g	A popular vegan option, but higher in sugar per serving.
Samoas (Caramel deLites)	Little Brownie Bakers	2 cookies	11g	A rich caramel and coconut option, higher in sugar.

Note: Due to regional variations, always check the box for the most accurate nutritional information. Cookies like Lemonades (not to be confused with Lemon-Ups), Do-si-dos, and Samoas generally have more sugar than the options listed above.

Strategies for Choosing a Lower-Sugar Option

Beyond the straightforward nutritional labels, a few strategies can help you pick the best choice. First, if you are simply aiming for the least amount of sugar per individual cookie, then the Shortbread/Trefoils often wins due to its generous serving size, dividing the sugar content among more cookies. If you have dietary restrictions, such as a gluten-free diet, the Toffee-tastic cookie is your best bet for a lower-sugar treat. Some other cookies, like the ABC Bakers version of Peanut Butter Patties, can also be a good choice for those looking for a vegan option with a moderate sugar level.

Lastly, while not a cookie, Girl Scout fans should know that the organization also offers a caramel-chocolate gluten-free cookie called Caramel Chocolate Chip, which features a higher sugar content per serving than the lower-sugar options, but may fit some dietary needs.

Conclusion

For those seeking the lowest sugar Girl Scout cookie, the classic Trefoils (Shortbread) is the best choice, boasting a large serving size for a comparatively low amount of sugar. For a crunchy, gluten-free alternative, the Toffee-tastic cookie is a close second. It's crucial for shoppers to be aware of the two different bakeries and check the specific nutrition label on the box to confirm sugar content for their local region. By staying informed, you can enjoy these seasonal treats while keeping your sugar intake in mind.

For more detailed nutritional facts directly from the source, consumers can visit the official Girl Scouts website to see the cookies available in their area and their corresponding nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The classic Trefoils, also known as Shortbread, generally has the lowest sugar content per serving. Due to a larger serving size (typically 5 cookies), the amount of sugar per individual cookie is also the lowest.

The Girl Scouts of the USA partner with two different licensed bakers, ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Each baker has their own recipes, and the specific cookies sold in a region depend on which baker the local council uses.

Yes, the Toffee-tastic cookie is one of the lower-sugar options available. In some nutritional comparisons, it contains only 7 grams of sugar per two-cookie serving, making it a good choice, especially for those seeking a gluten-free cookie.

Not necessarily. While some gluten-free options like Toffee-tastic can be lower in sugar, others may have similar or higher sugar and calorie counts. For example, Caramel Chocolate Chip has more sugar per serving than Trefoils.

To get the most accurate nutritional information, you can check the official Girl Scouts website for the latest cookie lineup. You can also find nutritional labels on the cookie boxes themselves, which will reflect the product from your regional baker.

The sugar content of Thin Mints is higher than Trefoils or Toffee-tastics, with some recent information showing 10 grams of sugar per four-cookie serving. This is consistent across both bakers, which offer nutritionally similar versions of Thin Mints.

Yes, different names often indicate different recipes and bakeries. For instance, Peanut Butter Patties (ABC Bakers) and Tagalongs (Little Brownie Bakers) are both peanut butter cookies, but they have slight variations in ingredients and nutrition.