Identifying whether a product like Adventurefuls Girl Scouts Cookie is vegan can be challenging.
It’s especially difficult because Girl Scout Cookies are made by two different companies, each with their own ingredients.
However, this article will reveal the truth and help our readers maintain their commitment to a compassionate, vegan lifestyle.
Are Adventurefuls Vegan?
No, Adventurefuls, a type of Girl Scout Cookies, are not vegan. However, the Adventurefuls made by ABC Baker could possibly be vegan, while the Adventurefuls from Little Brownie Baker are definitely not vegan.
The ABC Baker Adventurefuls contain no animal products or by-products at all. However, they do contain sugar that might be processed with animal bone char, as well as vague artificial and natural flavors. However, the use of bone char is waning in favor of animal-friendly sugar-filtering methods, so this brand of Adventurefuls might very well be vegan.
The Little Brownie Baker version, though, contains dairy. This is due to the inclusion of sweetened condensed milk, which is animal derived and, therefore, not vegan.
Are Adventurefuls Cruelty-Free?
Unfortunately, neither brand of Adventurefuls can be classified as cruelty-free. All Girl Scout Cookies are currently made with GMO ingredients, which are tested on animals.
What Are Adventurefuls Made Of?
Adventurefuls are crafted with a unique blend of ingredients to create a flavorful treat. Here’s a list of some key components of ABC Bakers Adventurefuls:
- Enriched flour
- Sugar
- Vegetable oils
- Cocoa
- Cornstarch
- Caramel color
- Molasses
- Corn syrup
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Soy lecithin
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Paprika
And here are the ingredients for Little Brownie Bakers Adventurefuls:
- Sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Enriched flour
- Corn syrup
- Coconut
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Sorbitol
- Cocoa
- Glycerin
- Invert sugar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Caramel color
- Dextrose
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Soy lecithin
- Sorbitan tristearate
- Leavening
- Carrageenan
Enriched flour
Enriched flour is wheat flour that has been fortified with vitamins, such as folic acid and reduced iron. It’s vegan-friendly as it comes from wheat, a plant source.
Sugar
Sugar is derived from plants like sugar cane or beet. However, some sugars are processed using bone char, which is animal-derived, making it a contentious ingredient among vegans.
Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils, like palm oil and canola oil, are plant-derived and therefore vegan. However, some environmentalists raise concerns about the sustainability of certain oils, such as palm oil.
Cocoa
Cocoa is derived from the cocoa bean and is vegan.
Caramel color
It is not clear where the caramel color comes from, but in all likelihood it is vegan unless it comes from sugar processed with bone char. The decision to risk eating sugar products that may have been processed with bone char is up to each individual vegan.
Molasses
Molasses is a by-product of sugar production and is vegan.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a sweetener derived from corn and is vegan.
Natural and artificial flavor
The source of these flavors can vary, and while many are vegan, some might be derived from animal sources.
Salt
Sea salt is derived from the evaporation of seawater and is vegan.
Baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a leavening agent and is vegan.
Soy lecithin
Soy lecithin is a plant-derived emulsifier, making it vegan-friendly. It helps keep the cookie dough consistent.
Paprika
Paprika is a spice derived from ground peppers and is vegan. It’s often used for color.
Coconut
Coconut is a tropical fruit and is vegan.
Sweetened condensed milk
Sweetened condensed milk is made from milk and sugar, making it non-vegan.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and is vegan.
Glycerin
Glycerin can be derived from both plant and animal sources. Without specific information, it’s unclear if it’s vegan.
Invert sugar
Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose and is vegan.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a starch extracted from corn. It is vegan, though it’s generally GMO.
Dextrose
Dextrose is a simple sugar derived from corn and is vegan.
Sorbitan tristearate
Sorbitan tristearate is an emulsifier. Its vegan status can vary depending on its origin.
Leavening
Leavening agents, like baking powder or baking soda, are used to make baked goods rise. They are typically vegan.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from red seaweed and is vegan.
Vegan Alternatives to Adventurefuls
While the Little Brownie Baker Adventurefuls may not meet vegan food criteria, several other Girl Scout Cookies do. ABC Bakers, one of the main producers of Girl Scout Cookies, have ensured some of their products are vegan friendly (if you don’t mind the possibility of bone char):
- Thin Mints
- Peanut Butter Patties
- Lemonades
- Toast-Yay!
- S’mores (only the ones by ABC Bakers)
These cookies don’t contain any animal products, dairy, or egg ingredients, making them a delightful choice for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Conclusion
Though Adventurefuls provide a unique taste sensation, the Little Brownie Bakers version falls short of vegan and cruelty-free standards due to the presence of dairy ingredients, and both versions contain GMO.
Nevertheless, Girl Scouts and partner brands like ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers offer an array of other options that align with a vegan lifestyle, like Thin Mints and Lemonades.
So, during the Girl Scout cookie season, you can still enjoy these delectable treats guilt-free while protecting animals and our planet.