For many people with a sweet tooth, Girl Scout Cookies are a highlight of the year. But if you’re following a vegan diet, you may find yourself asking, “Which Girl Scout cookies are vegan?”
The good news is that there are some delicious vegan cookie options available, thanks to the efforts of licensed bakers like ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. In this article, we’ll talk all about these sweet treats, explore the ingredient lists, and figure out which ones to add to your cookie order form.
You can listen to us discuss vegan Girl Scout Cookies here or read on for a quick summary of everything we discuss. Please note, this episode was recorded in 2023. However, the article has been updated with the most current information so the episode may differ slightly.
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So Which Girl Scout Cookies Are Vegan? Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch Out For
Every cookie season, Girl Scout Cookies bring excitement with their delicious variety of flavors. Many of us (like Larissa and me) have fond memories of selling these treats as Scouts, going door-to-door sharing the joy. However, milk and other animal-derived ingredients in some Girl Scout Cookies mean they aren’t vegan-friendly.
If you’re avoiding animal products, it’s important to know what to look for. Popular favorites like Samoas (Caramel deLites) and Trefoils (Shortbread Cookies) often contain milk or other non-vegan ingredients. Always take a moment to review the ingredient list and precautionary allergen disclosures before placing your order.
To answer the big question, “Which Girl Scout Cookies are vegan?” it’s helpful to start by understanding the role of the bakers behind the cookies. Let’s break it down.
Key Bakers: ABC Bakers & Little Brownie Bakers
The availability of vegan Girl Scout cookies depends on which baker supplies your area. ABC Bakers offers more vegan varieties than Little Brownie Bakers.
ABC Bakers makes cookies like Peanut Butter Patties and Lemonades without animal-derived ingredients (see complete list below), while Little Brownie Bakers makes only two vegan cookie varieties. The integrity of cookies bought through the Girl Scout Cookie Program ensures that allergen concerns and packaging labels clearly state what’s inside
Popular Vegan Girl Scout Cookie Varieties
Here’s a breakdown of vegan cookie options by bakery:
ABC Bakers
1. Toast-Yays These French toast-inspired cookies will give Thin Mints a run for their money! Toast-Yays are the new buttery, cinnamon-y, vegan favorite. Made by ABC Bakers with exclusively vegan ingredients, you can indulge without worry.
2. Creamy Peanut Butter Patties Chocolate and peanut butter together on a crispy cookie…but wait! Isn’t chocolate made with milk? Not the milk used in this cookie!
3. Thin Mints A classic cookie, Thin Mints are hard to beat. It’s so easy to binge these chocolate and mint treats.
4. Lemonades Don’t confuse this citrusy and crisp shortbread cookie with its non-vegan sibling, Lemon-Ups, Don’t worry, though, you’re not missing anything when it comes to taste.
5. Caramel Chocolate Chip The Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie is back with a new and improved recipe–now vegan and gluten-free! This classic cookie has been reimagined, making it accessible to everyone and making history as the Girl Scouts’ first vegan and gluten-free option.
6. Adventurefuls An indulgent, brownie-inspired cookies with a soft, chewy texture. They feature a caramel-flavored crème center (vegan) topped with a drizzle of chocolate and a touch of sea salt for a rich, sweet, and slightly salty flavor profile. These cookies are a newer addition to the Girl Scout Cookie lineup, offering a unique twist on a classic brownie-style dessert.
Little Brownie Bakers
Little Brownie Bakers offers two vegan options, Thin Mints and Adventurfuls.
How Do I Know Which Vegan Girl Scout Cookies Are Available in My Area?
The availability of vegan cookies varies by region and is determined by the bakery serving the area. To find out which bakery serves your local Girl Scout troop, consult the map provided by Wide Open Country. If vegan options are limited in your area, use the Girl Scouts Council Finder to locate a troop serviced by ABC Bakers and ask about their Digital Cookie Platform for shipping.
To ensure that you’re purchasing vegan Girl Scout cookies, check the ingredients list on the packaging and online. You can also look for the “vegan” label on the packaging, which will indicate that the cookies are made with vegan-friendly ingredients.
When Is Girl Scout Cookie Season?
Girl Scout Cookie Season typically runs from January to April in the United States, although the exact dates may vary by location. During this time, Girl Scouts and their families sell cookies to raise funds for the organization.
Girl Scout cookies are widely available for purchase from local Girl Scout troops. You can find them at a variety of events, including school functions and community gatherings, and at local businesses. You can also use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app to locate a cookie booth near you.
Vegan Girl Scout Cookies Recipes
If you love experimenting, you can try recreating your favorite flavors with some vegan cookie recipes. You can make caramel delites, chewy peanut butter sandwich cookies, or even vegan versions of Samoas using coconut oil, maple syrup, and chickpea flour.
As you can see, there are plenty of vegan Girl Scout cookies to choose from. Break out a cold glass of your favorite plant-based milk and enjoy!
Sustainability and Packaging
Beyond making delicious cookies, Girl Scouts of America is making strides in sustainability. Many cookie packages now use recyclable film overwrap, plastic trays, and materials that are mindful of the environment. Supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program means backing impactful girl-led community projects while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Now that you know which vegan Girl Scout cookies are vegan, we hope you can rest assured that there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. And, if you’re favorites didn’t make the list, you can always make your own!
By understanding the differences between ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers, checking the ingredient list, and exploring vegan cookie recipes, you can indulge in sweet baked snacks that align with your values. Don’t forget to support your local troop during the annual cookie frenzy—there’s nothing sweeter than cookies that taste good and do good.
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