Girl Scouts Introduces New Cookie Flavor Amid Sales Struggles
The Girl Scouts of the USA are set to launch a new cookie flavor next year, aiming to boost sales after facing challenges such as increased prices, a decrease in demand, and an operating loss of nearly $3 million.
The new cookie, named “Explore More,” draws inspiration from rocky road ice cream and will be available for purchase online. According to the organization, it features layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and a toasted almond-style cream.
Two Cookie Varieties to Be Retired
“Explore More embodies the spirit of exploration that every Girl Scout represents,” the organization stated. This announcement follows the recent decision to retire two popular cookie flavors at the end of the current season. Classics like Thin Mints and Samoas will still be offered, but the complete cookie lineup for 2026 hasn’t been revealed yet.
Past introductions include the S’mores flavor in 2017 and Toast-Yay!, which features a French toast flavor encapsulated in a graham cracker. The buzz around “Explore More” has already begun circulating online.
Many responses on social media have been mixed—while some fans express excitement, others share concern over allergens. Even though the new cookie is inspired by almonds, it doesn’t contain actual almonds but does include by-products from peanut flour, wheat, and milk.
“Milk and peanuts?” commented one Instagram user, expressing disappointment. Another remarked on the need for more options for scouts with food allergies, saying, “My daughter is going to be so upset she can’t try these due to her celiac disease.” Others, however, are eager to taste the new creation, with some declaring it “delicious.”
The new cookie flavor, set to appear after the 2024-25 cookie season, comes at a time when cookie sales are declining. Reports indicate that Girl Scouts in New York sold 1.2 million boxes this year, a drop from the 2.2 million sold during the pandemic. The rise in cookie prices, now often $6 or $7 per box, has also contributed to this decline.
The organization is grappling with challenges, including reports of potential contaminants in their cookies and overall financial struggles. In fact, the 113-year-old nonprofit has reported an operating loss of $2.9 million, with plans to address declining membership and costs moving forward.
Despite the hurdles, many are optimistic that the introduction of the “Explore More” flavor could rejuvenate interest and excitement around Girl Scout cookies.
