What Happens to Unsold Girl Scout Cookies?

Every year, people rush to stock up on their favorite Girl Scout cookies. But believe it or not… not every box gets sold. So what actually happens to those leftover Thin Mints and Samoas when the season ends?

Why Some Cookies Don’t Sell

It might sound shocking, but some Girl Scout troops do end up with unsold boxes. There are a few reasons why.

Rising prices and inflation have made it harder for some families to spend extra money on cookies. Bad weather can also hurt sales, especially when girls rely on in-person booths. On top of that, grocery stores now carry cheaper “copycat” versions of popular flavors, which can take away potential customers.

“People just don’t have the funds,” one self-identified troop leader wrote in a Facebook post earlier this year. “In past years, we would send our marketing email out and typically sell 100 boxes in the first 24 [hours]. This year, it was just 20 boxes.”

“There’s so many Girl Scout cookie dupes at grocery stores now which is a real bummer,” another added.

Where the Leftover Cookies Go

The good news? Those extra cookies don’t go to waste.

According to guidance from the Girl Scouts of the USA, troops are encouraged to donate unsold cookies to local food pantries and charities. That means families in need, first responders, veterans, and seniors often get to enjoy them as a special treat.

There are also organized programs like “Care to Share,” “Cookie Share,” and “Gift of Caring.” These allow customers to buy cookies specifically to be donated. In recent years, some councils have donated hundreds of thousands of boxes through these programs.

Behind the scenes, licensed bakers like ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers also have plans in place to manage any leftover inventory responsibly.

What Happens If They Still Don’t Get Used?

If cookies still can’t be sold or donated, troops sometimes get creative.

Some may use them in recipes, save them for later, or yes… just eat them.

“I think it varies,” one Reddit user wrote in a post discussing the uses for leftover treats. “My leader has stated numerous times that she has a whole closet full of cookies from last year that her kids eat.”

At the end of the day, while it’s rare, unsold Girl Scout cookies do happen. But whether they’re donated, shared, or enjoyed at home, those iconic treats almost never go to waste.