Milly Gaines
Girl Scout Cookies are an annual treat, but they are not low in fat, sugar, or calories. While some people have expressed concern about the presence of toxins and heavy metals in the cookies, the Girl Scouts of America maintains that their cookies are safe to consume and manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations. The organization has been sued by consumer activists over allegations of dangerous toxins in their cookies, but experts say that a person would need to consume an obscene amount of cookies to be at risk of harm from these trace substances. With concerns about childhood obesity and calls for healthier alternatives, the question arises: are Girl Scout Cookies allowed on the Feingold Diet?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are Girl Scout Cookies safe to eat? | Experts say that Girl Scout Cookies are safe to eat. However, a consumer advocacy group found pesticides and heavy metals in the cookies. |
| Are Girl Scout Cookies healthy? | Girl Scout Cookies are not low in fat, sugar, or calories. |
| Are Girl Scout Cookies vegan? | Some Girl Scout Cookies are made with vegan ingredients, including Thin Mints. |
| Are Girl Scout Cookies gluten-free? | Some Girl Scout Cookies, like Lemonades and Rice Flour cookies, are gluten-free. |
| Are Girl Scout Cookies produced once a year? | Yes, Girl Scout Cookies are produced once a year, making the production of specialty cookies difficult. |
| Are Girl Scout Cookies allowed on the Feingold Diet? | There is no explicit mention of Girl Scout Cookies being allowed on the Feingold Diet. However, the Girl Scouts state that their cookies are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations. |
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What You'll Learn
Alleged toxins in Girl Scout Cookies
In 2025, Girl Scout Cookies were at the centre of a controversy regarding their safety for consumption. The controversy was fuelled by a study conducted by two consumer advocacy groups, Moms Across America and GMO Science, which claimed that the cookies contained dangerous toxins. The study tested 25 cookie samples purchased in California, Iowa, and Louisiana and found that every sample contained the herbicide glyphosate and at least one of the following metals: aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury. The study was not published in a scientific journal or peer-reviewed, but it nonetheless sparked concerns about the safety of the cookies.
Two groups of consumer activists sued the Girl Scouts of America, citing the presence of heavy metals and other toxins in the cookies. The lawsuit alleged that the cookies were produced by licensed companies ABC Bakers and Ferrero USA's Little Brownie Bakers and contained heavy metals and pesticides that may be harmful to human health.
In response to the allegations, the Girl Scouts of America stated that their cookies are "safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations." They acknowledged that environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, can occur naturally in the soil and that trace amounts of these substances can be found in many foods, including organic foods. The organisation also emphasised that their trusted licensed bakers adhere to rigorous food safety standards set by the FDA and other relevant authorities.
Public health experts supported the Girl Scouts' statement, asserting that there is no danger in consuming the cookies. They explained that while high exposure to certain chemicals can be harmful, the levels found in the cookie samples were within safety guidelines. Additionally, they noted that heavy metals can be naturally present in most food products, and the amounts present in the cookies would not cause health issues unless an obscene amount was consumed.
While the controversy surrounding the toxins in Girl Scout Cookies sparked concerns, it is important to consider the context and the opinions of experts in the field. The cookies are produced by trusted bakers who follow strict food safety standards, and the levels of any contaminants are within safe limits. As such, the cookies are considered safe for consumption, and the allegations of dangerous toxins remain unsubstantiated.
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The Feingold diet
The diet eliminates an extensive list of foods and substances, including artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, sweeteners, and foods containing salicylates. Salicylates occur naturally in many foods and are also found in aspirin. Feingold believed that people allergic or sensitive to aspirin may also be intolerant of salicylate-containing foods. The diet also eliminates three preservatives: butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tert-Butrylhdryquinone (TBHQ).
While some proponents of the diet report improvements in their children's behaviour, there is little evidence to support broad claims of its effectiveness. No research connects any ingredients or foods to worsened behaviour. However, some experts suggest that the diet may help some children with ADHD who are sensitive to specific foods.
Regarding Girl Scout Cookies, there has been some controversy over the presence of heavy metals and pesticides in the cookies. Two groups of consumer activists sued the Girl Scouts of America, alleging that the cookies contain harmful toxins such as aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and pesticides. However, experts say that these substances are present in trace amounts and that a person would need to consume an obscene amount of the cookies to be at risk of harm. The Girl Scouts maintain that their cookies are safe to consume and manufactured according to food safety regulations.
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Lawsuits against the Girl Scouts
In March 2025, a lawsuit was filed against the Girl Scouts of America by New York resident Amy Mayo, alleging that the organization's cookies contained dangerous toxins and heavy metals. The lawsuit sought $5 million in damages for US buyers, claiming that the defendants had violated consumer protection laws and benefited from unjust enrichment. Mayo argued that she would have paid substantially less for the cookies or not purchased them at all if the presence of toxins had been disclosed.
The lawsuit was based on a 2024 study conducted by consumer groups GMOScience and Moms Across America, which tested 25 cookies across three states: California, Iowa, and Louisiana. The study found that 100% of the samples were positive for glyphosate and toxic metals, including aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. However, it is important to note that the study was not peer-reviewed and did not compare its findings to federal food safety standards.
In response to the lawsuit, the Girl Scouts refuted the allegations, stating that their cookies are safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations. They acknowledged that small amounts of heavy metals can be naturally found in food products due to environmental exposure, but maintained that these metals are not added to their cookies. The organization also emphasized that the health and safety of their customers are their top priority.
Despite the controversy, health experts have stated that the cookies are safe to consume. Additionally, there is a possibility that the lawsuit could spark additional legal action against the defendants, potentially resulting in consolidated cases.
It is worth noting that Mayo quietly withdrew from her lawsuit shortly after filing, although the case remains active with other plaintiffs. The Girl Scouts have not publicly commented on the pending lawsuit but have addressed the study's allegations in a blog post, reaffirming their commitment to food safety standards.
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Nutritional information for Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies are produced annually by licensed bakers who are industry leaders. While they are by no means a health food, they can be consumed as part of a healthy eating plan when eaten in moderation.
The nutritional value of Girl Scout Cookies varies depending on the type of cookie and the baker. For instance, the ABC Bakers version of a particular cookie has 12 grams of sugar per 2-cookie serving, while another cookie has 16 grams of sugar for just two cookies.
Some of the nutritional information per serving for Girl Scout Cookies includes:
- Lemonades: 150 calories, 7 grams total fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 70 mg sodium, 20 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 9 grams total sugars, 9 grams added sugars, 1 gram protein, and 1 mg iron.
- Adventurefuls: 130 calories, 6 grams total fat, 4.5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 55 mg sodium, 18 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 11 grams total sugars, 11 grams added sugars, less than 1 gram protein, and 1.1 mg iron.
- Unspecified cookie: 150 calories, 8 grams total fat, 6 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 18 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 11 grams total sugars, 10 grams added sugars, 1 gram protein, and 0.6 mg iron.
The Thin Mints ingredient list does not include any animal products, making it an option for vegans or anyone following a dairy-free or egg-free diet. However, these cookies are the second-highest in saturated fat, with 5 grams per serving, which may be a concern for those with heart health concerns.
The Girl Scouts encourage consumers concerned about sugar intake to discuss dietary options with a doctor or registered dietitian. Each cookie package lists the sugar and carbohydrate contents, and the licensed bakers list dietary exchanges on their websites.
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The ethics of selling Girl Scout Cookies
Selling Girl Scout cookies has been a tradition for decades. The program has been designed to teach young girls essential entrepreneurial and life skills and to invest their earnings in powering troop activities. However, the ethics of selling these cookies have been called into question, especially when it comes to the role of parents and the safety of the cookies themselves.
The Girl Scouts organization encourages girls to sell the cookies themselves, as the interactions boost their confidence and help them learn basic skills like making correct change and handling rejection. However, some parents are concerned about their children's safety and believe that going door-to-door is dangerous and ineffective. As a result, some parents take on the responsibility of selling the cookies themselves, which has sparked ethical concerns. While some may view this as robbing the children of a learning experience, others argue that it is a necessary safety precaution.
Another ethical dilemma arises from the alleged presence of dangerous toxins in Girl Scout cookies. Two groups of consumer activists sued the Girl Scouts of America, claiming that the cookies contain pesticides and heavy metals like aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. The lawsuit cites a study that tested 25 cookie samples, finding that every sample contained glyphosate and at least one of the metals. However, experts counter that a person would need to consume an obscene amount of cookies to be at risk of harm from these trace substances.
Despite these concerns, the Girl Scouts organization maintains that their cookies are safe to consume and are manufactured in accordance with all food safety regulations. They acknowledge that environmental contaminants, including heavy metals, can occur naturally in soil and that even organic foods may contain trace amounts.
In conclusion, while selling Girl Scout cookies has been touted as a valuable learning experience for young girls, it is not without its ethical complexities. The involvement of parents in the selling process and the safety of the cookies themselves have sparked debates and lawsuits. Ultimately, it is up to individual communities and consumers to decide how to navigate these ethical considerations while supporting the development and empowerment of Girl Scouts.
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Frequently asked questions
Girl Scout Cookies are not specifically mentioned in relation to the Feingold Diet. However, they are high in sugar and calories and may contain traces of pesticides and heavy metals, so they are likely not suitable for this diet.
Two groups of consumer activists sued the Girl Scouts of America, alleging that their cookies contain pesticides and heavy metals like aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Experts say that a person would need to eat hundreds of boxes of cookies a day to be at risk of harm from these trace substances. The FDA has also found remnants of heavy metals in other store-bought cookies.
Yes, some Girl Scout Cookies are made with vegan ingredients, including Thin Mints. There are also gluten-free options, such as Lemonades and Rice Flour cookies.
