All Girl Scout Thin Mints Are Vegan, But It's a Tale of Two Bakeries
For years, vegans have been able to enjoy the classic crisp chocolate and mint flavor of Thin Mints, but the truth is slightly more complex than just picking up a box. The Girl Scouts partner with two different licensed bakeries, ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers, to produce their cookies. While both produce vegan Thin Mints, the recipes, and therefore the taste and texture, are not identical.
The Difference Between Bakeries
For most Girl Scout cookies, the bakery a troop uses determines whether a product is vegan. For example, some bakeries' versions of Peanut Butter Patties or Lemonades are vegan, while others contain milk products. However, Thin Mints are a happy exception to this rule, as both ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers have a vegan-friendly recipe. This means that no matter where you live, you can confidently purchase Thin Mints during cookie season.
Despite the shared vegan status, the cookies themselves have subtle differences. The ABC Bakers version is often described as slightly crunchier and with a stronger mint flavor, while the Little Brownie Bakers cookie is said to have a richer chocolate profile. For true connoisseurs, this can be a significant distinction. The difference in taste and ingredients is a result of the separate licensing agreements with the Girl Scouts. To find out which bakery serves your local troop, you can check the box or use the official Girl Scouts website locator.
How to Identify Which Bakery Your Cookies Are From
The easiest way to identify which bakery made your cookies is to look at the packaging. The box will explicitly state the baker. You can also ask a local Girl Scout or check your regional council's website. If you are ordering online through the Digital Cookie platform, the bakery information will also be available.
Why Ingredients Differ for Vegan Cookies
The ingredients in the ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers' Thin Mints, while both vegan, vary slightly. For instance, the ABC Bakers' ingredient list includes enriched wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil shortening (palm and palm kernel oils), cocoa, soy lecithin, and peppermint oil. This recipe uses simple, recognizable, plant-based ingredients. Some homemade vegan recipes use healthier, more wholesome ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup, but the store-bought versions are a reliable choice for a quick treat.
The Best Thin Mint Experience
For many, the best way to enjoy a Thin Mint is directly from the freezer. The cold temperature intensifies the crispness of the cookie and the refreshing burst of peppermint. This is true whether you have the ABC or Little Brownie version. To explore more vegan Girl Scout options, remember that only ABC Bakers offers a wider range of vegan cookies like Peanut Butter Patties and Lemonades, so it's a good idea to know your region's baker if you're interested in more than just Thin Mints.
Beyond the Girl Scout Box: Homemade and Store-Bought Vegan Thin Mints
When Girl Scout cookie season ends, your Thin Mint cravings don't have to. There are many delicious vegan alternatives, both store-bought and homemade.
Store-Bought Alternatives: Many store-brand options are now vegan. Look for cookies labeled "accidentally vegan" in major grocery stores, but always check the ingredients. You can also find certified vegan versions in specialty health food stores.
Homemade Options: Creating your own vegan Thin Mints at home gives you control over the ingredients and can be a fun project. Numerous recipes are available online, often utilizing ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and high-quality dark chocolate to create a healthier, yet still delicious, version.
Comparison Table: Girl Scout Thin Mints vs. Homemade Vegan
| Feature | Girl Scout Thin Mints | Homemade Vegan Thin Mints |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Seasonal, must buy from a troop | Year-round, requires baking effort |
| Taste Profile | Consistent, but varies slightly by baker | Fully customizable, based on recipe |
| Ingredients | Standard recipe, includes palm oil | Can use whole, natural, and healthier ingredients |
| Cost | Fixed price, supports Girl Scouts | Varies based on ingredients and quantity |
| Freshness | Preservatives for shelf-life | No preservatives, can be eaten fresh |
| Control | No ingredient or size control | Full control over ingredients, size, and flavor |
| Availability | Only during cookie season (Jan-Apr) | Anytime with standard pantry ingredients |
Conclusion
Regardless of which bakery supplies your local Girl Scout troop, you can rest assured that official Thin Mints are vegan. While the taste profile may differ slightly between the two bakers, the core vegan recipe remains consistent. For those who can't wait for cookie season or prefer more control over their ingredients, homemade vegan Thin Mint recipes are an excellent alternative. Always double-check the packaging for the bakery name to understand which variation you're getting, but feel confident knowing these beloved cookies are a safe vegan choice.
For an official source on Girl Scout vegan cookie information, visit the Girl Scouts' own FAQ page.
