Girl Scout Cookies Go Trans Fat Free

Would you like to buy some trans-fat free Girl Scout cookies?

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!"