A Sweet Addition to the Lineup
The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) have announced a delectable new addition to their iconic cookie lineup for the 2026 season. The new cookie, named “Exploremores,” is a Rocky Road-inspired treat designed to capture the adventurous spirit of the organization. Cookie enthusiasts can look forward to a chocolate sandwich cookie filled with a creamy blend of chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond–flavored crème.
This new offering will be available for purchase when the annual cookie season kicks off, typically running from January through April. As with the entire lineup, Exploremores will be sold by nearly 700,000 scouts at in-person booths and through the Digital Cookie online platform. According to a press release, the name and flavor are meant to reflect “the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout.”
A Changing Cookie Roster
The introduction of Exploremores comes as the GSUSA revamps its cookie offerings. Earlier this year, the organization announced that two flavors, S’mores and Toast-Yay!, will be retired at the end of the 2025 season. The S’mores cookie, a graham sandwich with a chocolate and marshmallow filling, was first introduced in 2017, while the French toast-inspired Toast-Yay! made its debut in 2021. This move follows the discontinuation of the Raspberry Rally cookie after its brief, one-year run during the 2023 season.
The 2026 lineup will feature the new Exploremores alongside returning fan favorites, including:
- Thin Mints®
- Caramel deLites® / Samoas®
- Peanut Butter Patties® / Tagalongs®
- Adventurefuls®
- Trefoils®
The Business Behind the Box
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is more than just a beloved annual tradition; it is a critical fundraiser that powers the organization’s activities. According to information available at digitaltrendstoday.com, 100% of the net revenue from cookie sales remains with local councils and troops. These funds are used for everything from community service projects to outdoor adventures and educational programming, helping young members develop essential life skills in goal setting, decision making, and business ethics.
However, the organization has faced financial challenges. The 113-year-old institution projected an operating loss of $5.6 million for 2024. To address this, the National Council recently approved a significant increase in membership dues, which are set to rise by 160% over the next few years. Dues will increase to $45 for the 2026 membership year and again to $65 in 2027. In 2023, membership dues generated $38 million from a base of nearly two million members.
Cookie prices have also seen gradual increases, with local councils setting the final cost. Prices, which were around $4 to $5 a box in 2015, rose to $6 in many areas by 2023, with some councils charging as much as $7 per box. A GSUSA spokesperson noted that while councils try to keep prices steady, increases are sometimes necessary to cover costs and fund scout experiences. As the 2026 cookie season approaches, customers can look forward to trying the new Exploremores while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
