The Girl Scouts of the USA announced Tuesday that the 2026 cookie season will feature two brand‑new products designed to broaden participation. Starting in January, the organization will sell Patch Pals, a blueberry‑muffin‑flavored cookie made especially for dogs, and Sparkables, the first allergy‑friendly cookie for people with multiple food sensitivities.
Patch Pals: a treat for four‑legged friends
Patch Pals were developed in partnership with Bark, a New York‑based company that specializes in dog treats and toys. The cookie is shaped like a small paw and flavored with real blueberry muffin ingredients that are safe for canine consumption. Like all Girl Scout cookies this year, Patch Pals will be sold exclusively online, allowing scouts and supporters nationwide to order them for delivery.
Sparkables: inclusive snacking for allergy‑sensitive families
The Sparkables cookie was created with Partake Foods, a New Jersey‑based brand known for its allergen‑free snacks. It is a crunchy oatmeal cookie that includes chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, but it is manufactured in a facility that avoids nine major allergens: eggs, dairy, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, and shellfish. This makes Sparkables a safe option for families who have struggled to find a Girl Scout cookie that meets their dietary needs.
Why the new cookies matter
Girl Scout leaders said the new offerings reflect a growing desire among scouts to make the cookie program more inclusive. “We want as many people – and even pets – as possible to feel welcome in our tradition,” a spokesperson explained. Since its founding in 1917, the Girl Scouts have sold roughly 200 million cookies each year, raising funds for local troop activities, community service projects, and leadership development.
The cookie season traditionally runs from January through April, with local sales dates varying by council. In addition to Patch Pals and Sparkables, the lineup will still include longtime favorites such as Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs. All products will be available for purchase through the official Girl Scouts website and through participating troop sales portals.
Community impact
Proceeds from cookie sales support a wide range of community initiatives, from STEM workshops to disaster‑relief efforts. By expanding the product line to accommodate dogs and allergy‑sensitive consumers, the organization hopes to attract new supporters and generate additional funding for its mission of empowering girls.
Local councils are encouraged to promote the new cookies through their usual outreach channels – school events, community fairs, and social‑media campaigns – while emphasizing the inclusive nature of the offerings. Parents and pet owners alike can now share in the seasonal excitement, reinforcing the Girl Scouts’ long‑standing role as a unifying force in neighborhoods across the country.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
