Understanding the Two Girl Scout Cookie Bakers
Before diving into the sugar content, it's crucial to understand that Girl Scout cookies are made by two different licensed bakeries: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Each Girl Scout council in the country partners with one of these two bakeries, so the cookies available to you depend on your location. Not only do some cookie names differ, but the recipes and nutritional information can also vary, which directly impacts sugar levels.
The Lowest-Sugar Contenders
When you're trying to figure out which Girl Scout cookies have the lowest sugar, you'll find that classic, simple cookies are often the best bet. The most consistent low-sugar options tend to be the plain shortbread-style cookies and certain specialty cookies.
- Trefoils (Little Brownie Bakers): Also known as Shortbread, Trefoils are the iconic, original Girl Scout cookie. The Little Brownie Bakers version contains 7 grams of sugar per five-cookie serving.
- Shortbread (ABC Bakers): The ABC Bakers version of this classic butter cookie has an even lower sugar count, with just 6 grams of sugar per serving (though the serving size is four cookies).
- Toffee-tastic (Little Brownie Bakers): This gluten-free option is another great choice for lower sugar. It features buttery cookies with toffee bits and has only 7 grams of sugar per two-cookie serving.
- Lemon-Ups (Little Brownie Bakers): The Little Brownie Bakers' crispy lemon cookies have 7 grams of sugar per two-cookie serving. The inspiring messages printed on the cookies are a bonus.
- Tagalongs (Little Brownie Bakers) / Peanut Butter Patties (ABC Bakers): This peanut butter and chocolate-coated cookie has a reasonable sugar count. The Tagalongs version from Little Brownie Bakers has 8 grams of sugar per two-cookie serving, while the ABC Bakers' Peanut Butter Patties have 9 grams of sugar.
Comparing Sugar Content by Bakery
To provide a clear picture, here is a comparison table outlining the sugar content of the lowest-sugar options based on their respective bakery. Note the differences in serving sizes, which are also included for proper comparison.
| Cookie Name | Bakery | Serving Size | Sugar (per serving) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trefoils | Little Brownie Bakers | 5 cookies | 7g | Original shortbread |
| Shortbread | ABC Bakers | 4 cookies | 6g | Classic butter cookie |
| Toffee-tastic | Little Brownie Bakers | 2 cookies | 7g | Gluten-free, toffee bits |
| Lemon-Ups | Little Brownie Bakers | 2 cookies | 7g | Crispy lemon cookie |
| Tagalongs | Little Brownie Bakers | 2 cookies | 8g | Peanut butter and chocolate |
| Peanut Butter Patties | ABC Bakers | 2 cookies | 9g | Peanut butter and chocolate |
| Peanut Butter Sandwich | ABC Bakers | 3 cookies | 8g | Oatmeal and peanut butter |
| Do-si-dos | Little Brownie Bakers | 3 cookies | 11g | Oatmeal and peanut butter |
Making an Informed Choice
When you are making your selection, consider not only the total sugar per serving but also the serving size. A cookie with a larger serving size might seem to have more sugar, but it may have a lower sugar-per-cookie ratio. For instance, the Trefoils (LBB) have 7g of sugar for five cookies, making them a very low-sugar-per-cookie option. On the other hand, a cookie with a smaller serving size of two cookies, like the Toffee-tastic, also has 7g of sugar per serving, making its sugar-per-cookie ratio higher.
It's also worth noting that specialty options like the gluten-free Toffee-tastic and the Peanut Butter Sandwich (ABC Bakers) can offer lower sugar levels while still providing different flavors and textures. For example, the Peanut Butter Sandwich from ABC Bakers is another contender, offering 8 grams of sugar per three-cookie serving, alongside the protein benefits of peanut butter.
Conclusion
While all cookies are a treat meant for moderation, knowing which Girl Scout cookies have the lowest sugar can help you choose a snack that aligns with your health goals. The classic Trefoils/Shortbread and the gluten-free Toffee-tastic consistently rank among the lowest in sugar, making them excellent choices. Always remember to check the nutritional information on the packaging and compare based on the stated serving sizes to make the most informed decision. Enjoying your favorite Girl Scout treats responsibly is all about informed choices. You can find more detailed nutritional information and compare varieties on the official Girl Scouts website.
Note: Due to regional differences from the two bakeries (ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers), cookie recipes and names can differ. Always verify the nutritional information for the specific cookie version sold by your local Girl Scout council.
