Determining which Girl Scout cookie is the 'unhealthiest' is not always a straightforward answer. The Girl Scouts license two different bakeries—Little Brownie Bakers and ABC Bakers—to produce their cookies, and these bakers often use different ingredients, recipes, and serving sizes for cookies with the same or similar names. This means a cookie in one region of the country could have a different nutritional profile than its counterpart in another region. The cookies that typically rank among the unhealthiest are those packed with multiple layers of indulgent ingredients like chocolate, caramel, and coconut, which drives up their calories, sugar, and fat content.
The Top Contenders for Unhealthiest Cookie
While personal preference is subjective, nutritional data helps us objectively compare the cookies. The two primary contenders for the unhealthiest designation are often the S'mores and Samoas/Caramel deLites.
Girl Scout S'mores
Among the newer additions to the lineup, the S'mores cookies are frequently cited for their high saturated fat and sugar content. The ABC Bakers version, for example, has been reported to contain 7 grams of saturated fat and 16 grams of sugar per two-cookie serving, largely due to vegetable shortening. Little Brownie Bakers' S'mores cookies also generally have high amounts of calories, fat, and sugar. The combination of a graham cracker sandwich with a marshmallow and chocolatey filling makes for a dense, calorie-heavy treat.
Samoas / Caramel deLites
These classic favorites are renowned for their layers of crunchy cookie, toasted coconut, and sweet caramel, all covered in chocolatey stripes. This complex layering of ingredients is what makes them so delicious—and also so nutritionally heavy. Some versions, particularly the Samoas from Little Brownie Bakers, have contained partially hydrogenated oils, a type of trans fat that can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Their dense nature and rich toppings contribute to a high calorie, sugar, and fat count per serving, which is often just two cookies.
Peanut Butter Patties / Tagalongs
Tagalongs, or Peanut Butter Patties, are another popular choice that can be less healthy depending on the baker. The version from Little Brownie Bakers has been known to contain partially hydrogenated oils. The multiple layers of cookie, peanut butter, and a chocolate coating make these a calorie-dense and rich dessert. While they offer some protein from the peanut butter, this is often offset by high sugar and saturated fat content.
A Comparison of Nutritional Content
To see how these cookies stack up, here is a comparison table using recent nutritional data available online. It's important to always check the specific package you purchase for the most accurate information, as recipes and serving sizes can change over time. The values below are based on general reports for a two-cookie serving where possible, but serving sizes can vary. We'll include a relatively healthier option like Trefoils for perspective.
| Cookie (Approx. 2-cookie serving) | Calories | Saturated Fat (g) | Sugar (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S'mores (ABC Bakers) | 160-180 | 6-7 | 12-16 |
| Samoas (Little Brownie) | 150 | 6 | 11 |
| Tagalongs (Little Brownie) | 140 | 4 | 8 |
| Trefoils (Little Brownie) | 64 | 1 | 3 |
Note: Nutritional data varies by bakery and year. Always consult the most recent packaging for accurate details.
Factors that Make a Cookie Unhealthy
When evaluating a cookie's nutritional profile, several factors contribute to its overall healthiness or lack thereof. It’s not just about a single number but the combination of different components.
- High Saturated Fat: Many of the most decadent cookies are loaded with saturated fats from oils and chocolate coatings, contributing to higher calorie counts and potential health risks with excessive consumption.
- Added Sugars: Sugary toppings like caramel and chocolate drive up the sugar content. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake, and a single serving of some cookies can be a significant portion of a person's daily limit.
- Undesirable Ingredients: The inclusion of partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats) in some historical recipes for Tagalongs and Samoas raises health concerns, though the Girl Scouts have largely moved away from these ingredients. It's always wise to check the current label.
- Small Serving Sizes: Some of the richest cookies have a smaller serving size (e.g., two cookies), which can be misleading. While a low serving count might make the nutritional stats seem lower, the calorie and fat per cookie are often much higher.
How to make a more informed choice
If you want to enjoy Girl Scout cookies but are conscious of your health, here are a few tips:
- Check the label: Always look at the nutrition facts and serving size on the box. This is especially important for cookies with similar names that might be produced by different bakeries.
- Compare ingredients: Look for cookies with fewer ingredients or less processed components. The simpler the cookie, the better it is for you in most cases.
- Opt for classics: Simple shortbread cookies, like Trefoils, consistently rank as one of the healthier options due to lower calories, sugar, and fat content.
- Practice moderation: The best approach is to simply enjoy your favorite cookies in moderation. They are a treat, after all. You don't have to avoid the unhealthiest option entirely, but be mindful of portion sizes.
The Unhealthiest Girl Scout Cookie: A Verdict
While there's no single definitive answer, based on the highest concentrations of saturated fat and sugar reported in recent years, the ABC Bakers' version of the Girl Scout S'mores appears to be a strong candidate for the unhealthiest Girl Scout cookie. Its use of vegetable shortening contributes to the highest saturated fat content among the current cookie lineup. However, the Samoas/Caramel deLites are also notoriously high in calories, sugar, and fat, making them a very close runner-up. Ultimately, the "unhealthiest" cookie is subjective and depends on what nutritional factor you prioritize. For those with specific health concerns like heart disease, avoiding trans fats and high saturated fat is crucial, while others may focus on total sugar or calories.
For a broader understanding of nutritional recommendations, consider exploring resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on healthy eating habits and understanding food labels [https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html].
Conclusion
While it's fun to speculate about which is the worst offender, the reality is that Girl Scout cookies are treats and should be enjoyed as such. However, for the health-conscious consumer, the S'mores and Samoas/Caramel deLites consistently stand out for their higher levels of saturated fat, sugar, and calories. Remember to check the package for the most accurate information, especially given the two different bakers, and enjoy your cookies in moderation.
