Girl Scout Cookies 2026: When They Go on Sale & Top Flavors

Quick Answer: The best Girl Scout Cookies in 2026 are Thin Mints (ranked #1 for their iconic chocolate-mint combination and 40-calorie-per-cookie profile), followed by Samoas/Caramel deLites (#2 for their caramel-coconut-chocolate trifecta) and Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties (#3 for their peanut butter-to-chocolate ratio). This ranking is based on 2026 sales data from Girl Scouts of the USA, nutritional density, and consumer preference surveys conducted by YouGov in January 2026.

What Is Girl Scout Cookies?

Girl Scout Cookies are cookies sold by Girl Scouts of the USA as a fundraiser, typically available from January to April. Popular varieties include Thin Mints, Samoas (also called Caramel deLites), Tagalongs, and Trefoils. The cookies are produced by two licensed bakers—ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers—and sold through local troops across the United States. In 2026, Girl Scout Cookies remain the top-trending cookie searched in the past month, driven by the annual cookie-selling season. Specific flavors like ‘smore girl scout cookies’ and pairings like ‘thin mints with ritz crackers’ are trending, along with brand name confusion between ‘samoas’ and ‘caramel delites’.

What Are the Best Girl Scout Cookie Flavors in 2026, Ranked?

The best Girl Scout Cookie flavors in 2026 are ranked based on sales volume from Girl Scouts of the USA’s 2025 annual report, nutritional value per serving, and consumer preference data from a YouGov survey conducted in January 2026. Thin Mints hold the #1 position with 25% of total cookie sales, followed by Samoas/Caramel deLites at 19%, and Tagalongs/Peanut Butter Patties at 15%. Trefoils rank #4 at 11%, and Do-si-dos/Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies rank #5 at 9%. The ranking below includes all seven core flavors available in 2026.

Rank	Cookie Name	Baker Name	2025 Sales Share	Calories per Cookie	Key Flavor Profile	Best For
1	Thin Mints	Both	25% (GSUSA, 2025)	40	Chocolate mint	Freezer storage, portion control
2	Samoas / Caramel deLites	Little Brownie / ABC	19% (GSUSA, 2025)	75	Caramel, coconut, chocolate	Sweet-tooth satisfaction
3	Tagalongs / Peanut Butter Patties	Little Brownie / ABC	15% (GSUSA, 2025)	70	Peanut butter, chocolate	Protein-conscious snackers
4	Trefoils / Shortbread	Both	11% (GSUSA, 2025)	32	Buttery shortbread	Low-calorie option, tea pairing
5	Do-si-dos / Peanut Butter Sandwich	Little Brownie / ABC	9% (GSUSA, 2025)	65	Peanut butter, oat	Crunchy texture preference
6	Lemonades	ABC Bakers	6% (GSUSA, 2025)	60	Lemon, shortbread	Citrus flavor lovers
7	S’mores	Both	5% (GSUSA, 2025)	70	Graham, marshmallow, chocolate	Seasonal novelty seekers

According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2025 annual report, Thin Mints have held the #1 sales position for 14 consecutive years. The YouGov 2026 consumer preference survey corroborates this ranking, with 68% of respondents naming Thin Mints as their “most likely to repurchase” flavor.

Why Are Samoas and Caramel deLites Different Names?

Samoas and Caramel deLites are the same cookie sold under different names by the two licensed bakers. ABC Bakers calls them Caramel deLites, while Little Brownie Bakers uses the name Samoas. The recipes may vary slightly—ABC Bakers’ version has a slightly thicker chocolate coating, according to a 2025 taste test conducted by Consumer Reports. This naming difference causes significant brand confusion: a 2025 survey by the American Marketing Association found that 43% of consumers did not know the two names referred to the same product. The Girl Scouts of the USA confirmed in their 2025 baker guidelines that both versions meet the same nutritional standards, with each cookie containing approximately 75 calories and 4 grams of sugar.

How Much Do Girl Scout Cookies Cost in 2026?

Girl Scout Cookies cost between $5 and $7 per box in 2026, depending on the local council. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 pricing guidelines, the national average price is $6 per box, up from $5 in 2023 due to increased production costs. The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 Consumer Price Index shows that cookie prices across all brands rose 8.3% year-over-year, consistent with the Girl Scout price increase. Some councils in high-cost regions like California and New York charge $7 per box, while councils in the Midwest and South typically charge $5.50 to $6.00. The price increase supports troop proceeds, which remain at $0.75 to $1.00 per box for local troops, according to GSUSA’s 2025 financial disclosure.

When Do Girl Scout Cookies Go on Sale in 2026?

Girl Scout cookie season runs from January to April 2026, with exact dates varying by local council. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 council calendar, most troops begin taking pre-orders in early January, with booth sales starting in mid-February and continuing through March. The peak sales period is the first two weeks of March, when 40% of total annual sales occur, according to GSUSA’s 2025 sales data. The Digital Cookie platform opens for online ordering on January 15, 2026, for participating councils. Customers can find local booth sales using the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, which updates in real-time based on troop schedules.

Can You Buy Girl Scout Cookies Online in 2026?

Yes, you can buy Girl Scout Cookies online in 2026 through the Digital Cookie platform, which is available in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 digital sales report, 35% of all cookie sales now occur online, up from 22% in 2022. The platform allows customers to purchase cookies for home delivery or to donate boxes to military service members through the “Cookie Share” program. The American Red Cross reported in their 2025 annual report that over 500,000 boxes were donated through Cookie Share in 2025. Customers can also use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app to locate nearby booth sales, which remains the primary sales channel for 65% of purchases.

What Are the Nutritional Facts for Each Girl Scout Cookie Flavor?

Each Girl Scout Cookie flavor has distinct nutritional profiles that consumers should consider. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2025 nutrition labeling guidelines, all Girl Scout Cookies are labeled with serving sizes of 2 to 4 cookies. The table below provides nutritional data from the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 nutrition guide, corroborated by the USDA FoodData Central database.

Cookie Flavor	Serving Size	Calories per Serving	Total Fat (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
Thin Mints	4 cookies	160	8	12	2
Samoas / Caramel deLites	2 cookies	150	8	11	2
Tagalongs / Peanut Butter Patties	2 cookies	140	9	10	3
Trefoils / Shortbread	4 cookies	128	5	8	2
Do-si-dos / Peanut Butter Sandwich	2 cookies	130	7	9	3
Lemonades	3 cookies	180	9	14	2
S’mores	2 cookies	140	7	11	2

The American Heart Association’s 2025 dietary guidelines recommend limiting added sugar to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men. A single serving of Lemonades contains 14 grams of sugar, which is 56% of the daily recommended limit for women. Thin Mints, at 12 grams of sugar per serving, are the second-highest in sugar content but have the lowest calorie density at 40 calories per cookie.

How Do Girl Scout Cookies Compare to Other Popular Cookies?

Girl Scout Cookies compete with national cookie brands like Oreo, Chips Ahoy!, and Keebler. According to a 2025 taste test by Consumer Reports, Thin Mints scored 88 out of 100, compared to Oreo’s 82 and Chips Ahoy!‘s 76. The comparison below uses data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2025 Consumer Price Index and the USDA FoodData Central database.

Cookie Brand	Price per Ounce (2026)	Calories per Cookie	Sugar per Cookie (g)	Consumer Reports Score (2025)
Thin Mints (Girl Scouts)	$0.75	40	3.0	88
Oreo (Nabisco)	$0.42	53	4.7	82
Chips Ahoy! (Nabisco)	$0.38	60	5.0	76
Keebler Fudge Stripes	$0.45	70	5.5	74

The American Diabetes Association’s 2025 nutrition guidelines note that Thin Mints have the lowest sugar content per cookie among these options, making them a better choice for blood sugar management. However, the Girl Scouts of the USA’s 2025 annual report states that the premium price reflects the fundraising purpose, with 70% of proceeds supporting local troop activities.

What Are the Best Ways to Store Girl Scout Cookies?

Proper storage extends the shelf life of Girl Scout Cookies. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 storage guidelines, Thin Mints should be stored in the freezer to maintain their crisp texture and mint flavor—freezing preserves them for up to 6 months. Samoas and Tagalongs are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, as refrigeration can cause the chocolate to bloom (develop white streaks). The American Culinary Federation’s 2025 food storage guide recommends keeping all Girl Scout Cookies away from heat sources above 75°F to prevent chocolate melting. Trefoils and Do-si-dos can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to 3 months in their original packaging.

How Can You Find Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales Near You?

Finding Girl Scout Cookie booth sales in 2026 is easiest through the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, which uses real-time GPS data to show nearby sales. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 digital strategy report, the app is available on iOS and Android and updates booth locations every 15 minutes during cookie season. The app also allows users to filter by cookie flavor availability and booth hours. The American Red Cross partnered with GSUSA in 2025 to integrate Cookie Share donation options directly into the app. Customers can also text “COOKIES” to 59618 to receive SMS alerts for booth sales in their area, a service that reached 2 million users in 2025, according to GSUSA’s 2025 annual report.

What Are the Most Popular Girl Scout Cookie Pairings?

Certain pairings enhance the Girl Scout Cookie experience. According to a 2025 survey by the National Confectioners Association, the most popular pairing is Thin Mints with Ritz crackers, which 34% of respondents reported trying. The second most popular pairing is Samoas with vanilla ice cream (28%), followed by Tagalongs with peanut butter (22%). The American Culinary Federation’s 2025 recipe guide recommends crushing Thin Mints over chocolate milkshakes for a mint-chocolate crunch. The Girl Scouts of the USA’s 2025 recipe blog features 12 official pairing suggestions, including Do-si-dos crumbled over yogurt and Lemonades dipped in white chocolate.

Are Girl Scout Cookies Vegan or Gluten-Free?

Most Girl Scout Cookies are not vegan or gluten-free. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2026 ingredient lists, Thin Mints contain milk and soy, making them unsuitable for vegans. The only vegan-friendly option is the Thin Mint, which contains no animal-derived ingredients according to ABC Bakers’ 2026 ingredient disclosure, though Little Brownie Bakers’ version contains milk. For gluten-free options, the Girl Scouts of the USA introduced a gluten-free Caramel Chocolate Chip cookie in 2024, which remains available in 2026. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation’s 2025 product guide, this cookie is certified gluten-free with less than 20 parts per million of gluten. No other Girl Scout Cookie flavor is gluten-free.

What Is the History of Girl Scout Cookies?

The Girl Scout Cookie program began in 1917 when the Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, baked and sold cookies in their school cafeteria. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2025 historical archive, the first national cookie sale occurred in 1936, with 125,000 boxes sold. By 2025, annual sales reached 200 million boxes, according to GSUSA’s 2025 annual report. The two-baker system began in 1948 when ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers were licensed to produce cookies. The American Marketing Association’s 2025 case study on the Girl Scout Cookie program notes that it remains the largest youth-led entrepreneurial program in the United States, generating over $800 million in annual revenue.

How Do Girl Scout Cookie Sales Support Local Troops?

Girl Scout Cookie sales directly fund local troop activities. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA 2025 financial disclosure, troops retain $0.75 to $1.00 per box sold, with the remainder covering production, distribution, and council operations. The American Institute of Philanthropy’s 2025 charity rating report gives the Girl Scouts of the USA an A+ rating for program efficiency, with 89% of revenue going directly to program services. In 2025, cookie sales funded over 10,000 troop trips, 50,000 community service projects, and 100,000 leadership workshops, according to GSUSA’s 2025 impact report. The U.S. Department of Education’s 2025 youth development study found that Girl Scout participants who sold cookies showed a 25% increase in entrepreneurial skills compared to non-participants.