Cookie Program−Frequently Asked Questions

 

For a history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, see Girl Scouts of the USA.


Q. What is the top selling Girl Scout Cookie?
The Thin Mint, which accounts for 25% of the total sale.


Q. Why didn't a Girl Scout come to my door?
There could be any number of reasons−the world is a big place and even the 2.5 million Girl Scouts in America can't knock on every door!

 

Many girls and parents choose not to sell door-to-door. Some neighborhoods don't have any resident Girl Scouts. Multi-dweller buildings are often difficult for girls to get into for door-to-door sales.

 

Additionally, it's possible that a Girl Scout knocked on your door while you were not at home.


Because so many people who love Girl Scout cookies don't get an opportunity to buy during the door-to-door portion of the sale, we've set up several other ways for you to get your cookies.

  • Find a booth sale in your area.
  • Call our Cookie Hotline at 888.474.9686 x201(greater Manchester, NH area); please leave your name, town and phone number. A Girl Scout will contact you.
  • Cookies may be purchased Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains corporate office in Bedford, NH. Call for specific dates 888.474.9686.

 

Q. Why are your cookie varieties/names of cookies and prices different from the ones my neighbor is selling?
There are two companies licensed to bake Girl Scout Cookies. While certain varieties of cookies are common to both bakers, other varieties are made by only one. Also, while the bakers make certain varieties they do not necessarily call them by the same names. So, you may know Samoas by the name the other baker calls them, Caramel deLites.


Each of the more than 150 Girl Scout councils in the United States contracts independently with a baker. Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains works with Little Brownie Bakers. Each council also sets its own price per box.


Q. How big is the Girl Scout Cookie Sale?
The Girl Scouts Cookie program is the largest girl-led business in the country and generates over $700 million for girls and
communities nationwide. Five of the top ten cookies in the US are Girl Scout Cookies. In fact, more Girl Scout cookies are sold in the 3-month sale than any other top-selling brand that sells year round (including Oreo and Chips Ahoy)

 

Q. How do the proceeds of the cookie sale help girls?
The Girl Scout Cookie Program has a dual purpose: to provide an educational experience for girls and to raise funds to provide Girl Scout activities. Selling cookies gives girls an opportunity to develop business skills, take on new and greater responsibilities, and learn how to work more effectively as members of a team. They learn basic money management and explore sales and marketing techniques.


A portion of the proceeds go directly to the troop of the girl selling cookies. Troops plan activities and set their sales goals accordingly. With money earned from the cookie sale, troops go camping, travel, purchase supplies for service projects and crafts, and many other things. At the council-level, proceeds help subsidize Girl Scout activities, maintain camp properties, liability insurance, training and support for volunteers, financial aid and camperships for girls of limited means, and many other programs.

 

Q. Why don't you offer cookies that are whole-wheat, wheat-free, non-dairy, dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, casein-free, organic, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, lowfat, non-fat, fat-free, etc.?

Girl Scout Cookies are produced only once a year and for a limited time, so our bakers never achieve the volume required to support the specific production of specialty cookies. The demand has not been great enough to make it economically feasible; however, our bakers continue to experiment and have a commitment to ensuring there is always a "healthful" cookie in their line-up.

Each of our bakers strives to use the most healthful ingredients available in the production of one of America's most treasured sweet treats. Check the labels of all the products you eat, including Girl Scout Cookies. You may just find a variety that fits within your dietary restrictions or goals.