The Two Bakers: ABC vs. Little Brownie
When buying Girl Scout cookies, the first and most crucial step is to know your baker. The Girl Scouts of the USA licenses two different bakeries: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. The cookies produced by these two companies, even those with similar names, have different recipes and ingredients. A cookie that is vegan from ABC Bakers may not be vegan from Little Brownie Bakers, and vice versa. Your local Girl Scout council contracts with only one of these bakeries, so it's important to check your region's provider or look at the baker's information on the cookie box. ABC Bakers offers a significantly larger selection of accidentally vegan cookies than its counterpart.
A Complete List of ABC Cookies That Are Vegan
For the 2025 cookie season, ABC Bakers has explicitly stated which of their cookies are made with vegan ingredients. This makes it straightforward for consumers to find a plant-based option. Always remember that even within the same cookie type, the recipe varies by baker, so make sure your box is from ABC Bakers.
Thin Mints®
Thin Mints are the most widely known vegan Girl Scout cookie, and thankfully, both major bakeries make them with vegan ingredients. However, if you are purchasing a box from ABC Bakers, you are guaranteed a vegan recipe. These chocolate-mint cookies are a classic for a reason and are delicious frozen or at room temperature.
Peanut Butter Patties®
These cookies are a vegan dream, featuring a crispy vanilla cookie base topped with creamy peanut butter and covered in a chocolatey coating. This is a prime example of a cookie that varies between bakers; the Little Brownie Bakers equivalent, Tagalongs, contains milk. Always double-check the label.
Lemonades®
For those who love a citrusy kick, Lemonades are the perfect choice. These shortbread cookies feature a tangy lemon icing and a sweet, crumbly base. They are a vegan-safe option exclusively offered by ABC Bakers. The Little Brownie Bakers version, Lemon-Ups, is not vegan due to dairy ingredients.
Toast-Yay!®
These toast-shaped cookies are a delightful and unique option from ABC Bakers. They are buttery, cinnamony, and coated in a sweet icing, all without any animal-derived ingredients. Note that Toast-Yays were discontinued after the 2025 season, so stock up while you can.
Adventurefuls®
Launched in 2022, this brownie-inspired cookie from ABC Bakers has a caramel-flavored crème center and a hint of sea salt. It has been reformulated to be vegan-friendly, making it a new favorite for plant-based cookie lovers. Like other options, the recipe is unique to ABC Bakers, so ensure your local troop sells their cookies.
Caramel Chocolate Chip
This cookie is a revolutionary option, as it is both vegan and gluten-free. The recipe was reformulated for the 2023 season, making it the first ever vegan and gluten-free Girl Scout cookie. For those with multiple dietary restrictions, this is an excellent choice.
Important Information for Strict Vegans
While ABC Bakers certifies that the listed cookies are made with vegan ingredients, they also include an important disclaimer. These cookies "may be produced on equipment that is also used to produce items containing dairy ingredients". This means there is a possibility of cross-contamination. For those with severe dairy allergies or for strict vegans, this is a crucial detail to be aware of. ABC Bakers is committed to managing allergens, but this shared-equipment note is still relevant to certain customers.
Which ABC Cookies Are NOT Vegan?
To avoid confusion, here is a list of ABC cookies that are not vegan. These cookies contain animal-derived ingredients, most commonly milk or whey.
- Exploremores™: Contain whey (milk).
- Caramel deLites® (Samoas): While similar to the Little Brownie Bakers' Samoas, they are not vegan and contain dairy ingredients.
- Shortbread (Trefoils): The ABC version of these simple shortbread cookies contains milk ingredients.
Comparison Table: ABC Bakers vs. Little Brownie Bakers
To make your cookie season shopping even easier, here is a quick comparison of the vegan offerings from both official Girl Scout cookie bakers. This table helps highlight why knowing your regional baker is essential.
| Cookie Type | ABC Bakers | Little Brownie Bakers |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Mints | Vegan | Vegan |
| Peanut Butter Patties / Tagalongs | Vegan (Peanut Butter Patties) | NOT Vegan (Tagalongs contain milk) |
| Lemonades / Lemon-Ups | Vegan (Lemonades) | NOT Vegan (Lemon-Ups contain milk) |
| Adventurefuls | Vegan | NOT Vegan (contains milk ingredients) |
| Toast-Yay! | Vegan (Discontinued after 2025) | NOT Offered |
| Caramel Chocolate Chip (GF) | Vegan & Gluten-Free | NOT Offered |
| Caramel deLites / Samoas | NOT Vegan (Contain milk) | NOT Vegan (Contain milk) |
| Shortbread / Trefoils | NOT Vegan (Contain milk) | NOT Vegan (Contain milk) |
How to Find Your Vegan ABC Cookies
Finding ABC vegan cookies is a matter of both timing and location. The Girl Scout cookie season typically runs from January to April, and you can use the official Girl Scout website to find troops selling cookies in your area or order online. Before making a purchase, always verify that your local council is supplied by ABC Bakers. You can do this by checking the baker's name on the troop's ordering page or by asking a representative. For strict vegans, checking the ingredients list on the packaging for the shared equipment notice is the final step.
The Rise of Vegan-Friendly Cookie Options
The increasing demand for plant-based foods has led many companies, including ABC Bakers, to adapt their offerings. The reformulation of cookies like Adventurefuls and the introduction of vegan and gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip demonstrate a positive trend towards more inclusive products. This shift not only benefits vegans but also provides options for individuals with dairy allergies. By supporting these plant-based options, consumers encourage the food industry to continue moving in a more sustainable and inclusive direction.
Conclusion
For vegans, the Girl Scout cookie season doesn't have to be a time of disappointment. Thanks to ABC Bakers, you have several delicious and popular options to choose from, including Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Adventurefuls, and Lemonades. The key is to remember which baker your local council uses and always confirm the ingredients. With a little bit of knowledge, you can confidently indulge in these iconic treats while sticking to your plant-based diet. Remember to check the official website or the cookie package for the latest information on ingredients and baker affiliations.
For more details on the vegan status of Girl Scout cookies across both bakers, you can consult helpful guides like this one from VegNews.com: The 2025 Guide to Vegan Girl Scout Cookies.
