Girl Scouts Retire S’mores and Toast-Yay Cookies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Girl Scouts of the USA announced the retirement of two cookie flavors, “S’mores” and “Toast-Yay!,” after this season. Rising production costs have also led to potential price increases, with some boxes now costing up to $7. Despite the shakeup, favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas will be available at booths and online starting February 21.
Cookie Retirement and Price Hike: Quick Looks
- Retired Flavors: “S’mores” (introduced in 2017) and “Toast-Yay!” (launched in 2021) will be discontinued.
- Cookie Prices: Some boxes may now cost $7 due to inflation.
- National Sales: Cookies will be available at booths and online from February 21 through April.
- Membership Dues: The Girl Scouts recently approved membership fee increases for 2026 and 2027.
- Organization’s Challenges: The 112-year-old group faces financial strain, with projected operating losses in 2024.
Girl Scouts Retire S’mores and Toast-Yay Cookies
Deep Look
The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced this week that two cookie flavors, “S’mores” and “Toast-Yay!,” will be retired after this season. This move follows the earlier discontinuation of the limited-edition “Raspberry Rally” flavor, which caused an online frenzy when it sold out quickly two years ago.
Cookie Retirement Details
- S’mores: Launched in 2017, the cookie honored the classic campfire treat.
- Toast-Yay!: Introduced in 2021, the French toast-inspired cookie became a favorite for its unique flavor.
GSUSA did not specify the reasons for retiring these cookies, though the organization often refreshes its lineup to keep the product offerings dynamic.
Rising Prices
This year’s cookie season also comes with a price hike for some flavors, with boxes potentially costing up to $7. The increase reflects rising production and material costs, a trend that began in 2023 when prices rose from $6 per box. Specialty items, like gluten-free cookies, may be priced even higher due to production expenses.
“Councils are faced with tough decisions to raise prices in some areas,” a GSUSA spokesperson told CNN, noting that prices are set locally and vary across the country.
Cookie Sales Details
Girl Scout cookies, including iconic staples like Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, will be available at booths starting this week. Online sales begin February 21 and run through April. Proceeds from cookie sales stay with local troops, supporting community projects and troop activities.
Financial Challenges and Membership Dues
The Girl Scouts organization has been navigating financial difficulties, recently voting to raise membership dues by 160% over the next two years. Membership fees, a critical revenue source, generated $38 million in 2023 from nearly 2 million members.
Dues will rise to $45 in 2026 and $65 in 2027, a smaller increase than the $85 originally proposed. Despite these measures, GSUSA projects operating losses of $5.6 million in 2024, underscoring the financial strain on the 112-year-old organization.
Looking Ahead
As cookie season kicks off, the retirement of “S’mores” and “Toast-Yay!” marks a bittersweet moment for fans. However, favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas will continue to delight customers, ensuring the enduring appeal of this iconic annual tradition.
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