Girl Scout Cookies Go Trans Fat Free
You can. Girl Scouts across the nation have been selling cookies to fund camp and other troop functions for 90 years. In fact, the cookies have become somewhat of an American tradition!
And this year, the Scouts are marking their ninth decade by jumping on the latest trend in food: going trans-fat free.
The Associated Press reported today that this move was in part to harsh criticism from health-focuses consumer groups. In addition to removing the artificial fat from popular cookies like Thin Mints, the Girl Scouts have also introduced a sugar-free cookie called the Little Brownie. Last year, the reduced-fat Cartwheels were added to the selection. (Note that all cookies are not available from all troops.)
But this change does not come at the sacrifice of the favorite flavors. Denise J. Pessich, Vice President of the USA Girl Scouts told the AP that the organization did not make the change until it was concluded by the two commercial bakeries used that trans-fat alternatives would not compromise flavor, texture or shelf life. In fact, she noted that most would not even notice a difference. The bakeries used are Little Brownies and ABC/Interbake.
Pessich added that Girl Scout troops across the nation were able to use the new cookies as a way to talk about health and nutrition among the young girls.
"They know that, for one thing, you need to make informed choices. You need to read labels," said Pessich in an AP interview.
Girl Scout cookies have joined dozens of other major brands that have rid their products of trans-fat, a movement made after the FDA required companies to include information on trans-fat-a substance linked to heart disease.
But just like any snack food, even without trans-fat, should be consumed in moderation.
"Like any snack food, you talk about moderation," Pessich noted in an AP interview. "We know we aren't selling broccoli!"
According to the nutritional label on the cookie boxes, the Girl Scout cookies are not technically sans the trans. Most cookie varieties still contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is the primary source of trans fats. However, the amount is less than half a gram per serving, which is low enough to allow a "zero grams of trans fat" label under FDA rules. Based on the appropriate serving size, every Girl Scout cookie variety meets that standard.
Proceeds from sales of Girl Scout cookies, according to the Girl Scout official website, help troops fund camp-outs, field trips and more. Additionally, cookie sales can individually benefit scouts by raising money for them to attend day or overnight camp.
Sources: AP Newswire report, 2/23/07
Published by D. S. Ploshay
Since 2000, Donna Ploshay has contributed to alternative weeklies, newspapers, magazines and puzzle books including "The Times Leader," "The Weekender," "Games" and "Wilkes." Her expertise includes SEO, blog... View profile
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11 Comments
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I opened my box of "Sugar Free Little Brownies" and can only say what waste of packaging. Inside is a plastic bag with enough tiny cookies to fill about 20% of the box. Of course all the other varieties fill about the same volume but because of the plastic holders give the impression of a "full" box. Why don't we eliminate the middle-man(the cookie manufacturer) and just give money to the Girl Scouts. These have always been low to mid-quality cookies that you'd never buy or want from a store and the girls learning nothing since most are sold by parents posting on the fridge at work.
Thanks DST. I feel tricked by the Girl Scouts and their marketing. I think they got you too. The title of your story is "Girl Scout Cookies Go Trans Fat Free". That is simply not true. Yes, your story does contain the information about the cookies having a small amount of trans fat but that's not what your title says and it's testament to how the marketing works. I don't think you deliberately wrote "trans fat free" to trick people, it's the perception from reading things like "zero trans fat per serving". The fact is, eating 4 or 5 cookies may be enough to warrant an actual quantity other than zero in the trans fat listing and people should be aware of that. Ultimately it's our responsibility to learn what's in our food. The food manufacturers claim changing the trans fat oils will alter the taste. I believe it will alter the taste for the better. It's probably going to cost more but it will taste better. Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Tricked- my story was a news article about Girl Scout cookies and did include the info about them containing a tiny amount-- but still, by FDA standards it can say "zero-trans." I know that there are tons of other no-trans cookie options out there, and thanks for mentioning it, but this article was just to say that the G.S. are making changes. Thanks for your comments, though.
I love those cookies, but does taking out trans fat alter the flavor of the cookies? I would hate to get a box of those delicious Samoans and have them taste funny...
The title of your article "Girl Scout Cookies Go Trans Fat Free" is very misleading. The product DOES contain trans fats--even if it is a small amount. If you read the information provided on the Girl Scout website they say, "all Girl Scout cookies are now "zero trans fat per serving...which meets or exceeds the FDA guidelines for the "zero trans fat" designation." It seems like clever copy writing and a way to meet the FDA guidelines but the fact is, THEY STILL HAVE TRANS FAT IN THEM. I think it's very sneaky and clearly the average American interprets it as OK to eat. People buy Girl Scout cookies in multiple boxes. They aren't going to eat them in moderation. Most people I talk to eat thin mints by the sleeve not by the cookie! How much trans fat do you think they're absorbing? Certainly more than ZERO grams. By the way, there are plenty of great 100% trans fat free cookie options available. Try your local co-op or Whole Foods.
Mmm...I love me some thin mints.
18?! That's great that you support so many girls! Good thing they freeze well!
This is great! I always end up with a ton of GS cookies since I buy two boxes from anyone GS that askes. I believe I have 18 boxes coming this year!
Thanks Question!