Those green boxes of Thin Mints and Samoas that show up at your door each year are facing some serious heat right now. For generations, Girl Scout Cookies have been as American as apple pie – a sweet treat that helps young girls learn skills while raising money for their troops. But in 2025, these beloved cookies are at the center of a storm that’s rocking the 100+ year institution. From lawsuits about heavy metals to questions about what’s really in these treats, there’s a lot more happening behind those colorful boxes than most people realize.
Heavy metals found in popular cookie varieties
When you bite into a Thin Mint, the last thing you’d expect is to be consuming traces of lead or arsenic. Yet that’s exactly what recent tests have found. In March 2025, a bombshell class action lawsuit was filed against the Girl Scouts of the USA and their cookie manufacturers, alleging that their cookies contain measurable levels of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. The lawsuit claims that if consumers had known about these substances, they would have paid less for the cookies or avoided them completely. And it’s not just a minor complaint – the lawsuit is seeking a whopping $5 million in damages.
The findings came after testing conducted by consumer groups showed that all cookie samples contained detectable levels of these substances. While the Girl Scouts organization has defended their products, stating that these metals occur naturally in soil and are found in many plant-based foods, the lawsuit argues that the organization should have been transparent about their presence. It’s worth noting that heavy metals can build up in the body over time and have been linked to various health issues, especially in children. The lawsuit also asks for an injunction requiring clearer labeling so consumers can make informed choices.
Glyphosate concerns add to the controversy
Besides heavy metals, there’s another ingredient causing worry: glyphosate. This widely-used herbicide has been found in Girl Scout cookies, according to the same testing that revealed heavy metals. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many weed killers and has been a subject of health debates for years. The World Health Organization classified it as “probably carcinogenic to humans” in 2015, though regulatory agencies remain split on its safety. The recent lawsuit claims that consumers have a right to know about its presence in their sweet treats, especially when marketing suggests wholesome ingredients.
In response to these findings, the Girl Scouts organization has stated that glyphosate is found “nearly everywhere” in the food chain and that the levels reported don’t pose a food safety concern. Their bakers have confirmed they comply with all FDA standards. But critics argue that US regulations on pesticides are more relaxed compared to Europe, where glyphosate faces stricter controls. Many parents are now questioning whether their children should be consuming these cookies or selling them. The controversy highlights a broader issue in processed foods, as similar contaminants have been found in other popular snacks and baked goods.
Palm oil usage raises ethical flags
When you look at the ingredient list on a box of Girl Scout cookies, you’ll spot palm oil in nearly every variety. This common ingredient has become increasingly controversial due to its environmental and ethical impacts. Palm oil production is linked to deforestation, destroying habitats for endangered species like orangutans and contributing to climate change. Workers on palm oil plantations, including children, often face harsh conditions and low wages. Despite growing awareness of these issues, Girl Scout cookies continue to use palm oil as a key ingredient.
The organization has made efforts to source palm oil more responsibly, but critics argue it’s not enough. Many consumers are becoming more conscious about the impacts of their food choices and expect greater transparency from brands they support. The use of palm oil adds another layer to the mounting concerns about what’s really in these beloved treats. For an organization that promotes values like making the world a better place, the continued use of a controversial ingredient has led some to question whether their products align with their stated mission.
Counterfeit money scams target cookie sales
Not all the troubles facing Girl Scout cookies involve what’s in them – some problems happen at the point of sale. In Solano County, California, multiple Girl Scout troops have been targeted by scammers using fake money to buy cookies. These scammers have been passing counterfeit $100 bills to purchase cookies from young scouts, often taking real change in return. The scam has happened multiple times, targeting the same troops year after year. It’s a heartbreaking situation that takes advantage of children who are simply trying to learn business skills and raise money for their activities.
The situation has become so serious that the Secret Service is now investigating these incidents. Local police have described the scammers as appearing “extremely genuine” and claiming to want to support the troops. For the Girl Scouts affected, these scams mean lost revenue and potentially having to pay for the cookies out of their own pockets. Parents and troop leaders now must be extra vigilant during sales, adding another layer of stress to what should be a positive experience. This exploitation of young scouts raises questions about the safety and security measures in place to protect children involved in the cookie program.
The controversy over inclusivity
Beyond concerns about what’s in the cookies, the Girl Scouts organization itself has faced backlash over its policies. In recent years, the organization has taken a stance on inclusivity by welcoming transgender girls, stating that if a child identifies as a girl, they’re welcome to join. While many have praised this as a step forward for inclusivity, this policy has sparked controversy with some conservative groups who argue it changes the nature of the “all-girl experience” that the organization has traditionally provided. These groups have called for boycotts of cookie sales in response.
The debate over this policy has been going on for years, with groups like HonestGirlScouts.com calling for boycotts of cookie sales. Despite the controversy, many advocates have spoken out in support of the Girl Scouts’ inclusive policies. The organization has stood firm in its commitment to welcoming all girls, regardless of gender identity. This stance reflects changing societal views on gender, but has alienated some traditional supporters. For consumers, buying Girl Scout cookies has become about more than just getting a sweet treat – it can be seen as taking a position in a cultural debate.
Persistent myths about where the money goes
One of the most persistent controversies surrounding Girl Scout cookies has nothing to do with the cookies themselves, but with rumors about where the money ends up. For years, claims have circulated that cookie sales help fund Planned Parenthood. This rumor has been around since at least 2004, when an anti-abortion activist in Texas called for a cookie boycott based on this alleged connection. The claim continues to resurface every cookie season, despite repeated denials from the Girl Scouts organization. These rumors have impacted sales and created confusion among consumers who aren’t sure what they’re supporting with their purchase.
According to fact-checkers, the national Girl Scouts organization has no relationship or partnership with Planned Parenthood, and there’s no evidence that cookie sale funds go to this organization. While some local Girl Scout councils have partnered with Planned Parenthood for sex education programs, these are separate from cookie sales funding. The Catholic Church has raised concerns about potential local-level collaborations, but hasn’t recommended cutting ties with the scouts. The persistence of this myth shows how the innocent act of buying cookies has become entangled in broader cultural and political debates.
Cookie sales near marijuana dispensaries
Who would have thought that where Girl Scout cookies are sold could create such a stir? In recent years, entrepreneurial scouts have set up shop outside legal marijuana dispensaries, with one California scout selling over 300 boxes in just 6 hours by positioning herself outside a cannabis shop. This sales strategy has sparked debate about whether it’s appropriate for young girls to be selling cookies near businesses that sell mind-altering substances. The Girl Scouts organization doesn’t have a national policy on this issue, leaving it up to local chapters to decide what’s acceptable in their area.
Some parents and local Scout leaders have praised the business savvy of these scouts, noting that they’re simply going where the customers are. Others worry about the message it sends to associate the Girl Scout brand with marijuana. As cannabis legalization spreads across the country, this issue highlights the challenges organizations like the Girl Scouts face in adapting to changing cultural norms. It also raises questions about the values being taught through the cookie program and whether the focus on sales might sometimes overshadow other considerations.
The Girl Scout cookie program has been an American tradition for over 100 years, but today’s consumers are asking tougher questions about what they eat and who they support. Whether it’s concerns about health, sustainability, or values, the simple act of buying these cookies isn’t so simple anymore. While the Girl Scouts continue to defend their products and practices, the growing list of controversies suggests that this iconic program may need to adapt to survive in an era of heightened consumer awareness and expectations.
