Yes, Samoas are still called Samoas by Little Brownie Bakers, while ABC Bakers produces the similar cookie known as Caramel deLites.
You walk up to a Girl Scout booth expecting to buy your favorite coconut-caramel treats, only to see a box labeled “Caramel deLites.” It is easy to assume the organization rebranded the cookie or changed the recipe entirely. This leads many loyal fans to ask: Are Samoas still called Samoas?
The confusion stems from the supply chain rather than a nationwide rebranding effort. Two separate bakeries produce cookies for the Girl Scouts of the USA. Depending on which bakery supplies your local council, you will receive either Samoas or Caramel deLites. Both names exist simultaneously in the market today.
We will break down exactly why these names differ, how the recipes compare, and where you can find the specific version you grew up loving.
The Short Answer About The Name Change
The most direct answer to “Are Samoas still called Samoas?” is that the name never actually left. It simply shares the stage with a sibling cookie. The Girl Scout organization licenses its recipes to two licensed bakers: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. Each bakery owns the trademark to the names of the cookies they produce.
Little Brownie Bakers (LBB) owns the rights to the name “Samoas.” If your local troop gets their stock from LBB, your box will say Samoas. These are the cookies famous for their dark chocolate stripes and heavily toasted coconut layer.
ABC Bakers produces a distinct variation. They call their version “Caramel deLites.” While the visual profile is nearly identical—a ring-shaped cookie covered in caramel, coconut, and chocolate—the branding is different because ABC Bakers does not own the Samoa trademark.
This situation creates a regional divide. One town might sell Samoas while a city twenty miles away sells Caramel deLites. It all depends on which bakery the local Girl Scout council chose to contract with for that season.
Why Do Girl Scout Cookies Have Two Names?
Understanding the bakery split explains almost every discrepancy in the cookie lineup. This does not just apply to the coconut varieties; it affects Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs) and Shortbread (Trefoils) as well. The organization maintains this dual-baker system to ensure a steady supply for the massive demand during cookie season.
The Role Of Little Brownie Bakers
Little Brownie Bakers has been baking for the Girl Scouts for over 35 years. They are a subsidiary of Keebler, which is owned by Ferrero. Their naming convention tends to be more abstract and traditional. When you see names like Samoas, Tagalongs, and Do-si-dos, you are looking at LBB products.
The Role Of ABC Bakers
ABC Bakers is the other powerhouse in this equation. They have been a licensed baker for the organization since 1939. Their naming convention is generally more literal and descriptive. Their lineup includes Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties, and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies.
Councils negotiate contracts with these bakers independently. A council might switch from one baker to another between seasons. This is often why a customer might notice a sudden name change in their local area. If a council switches from LBB to ABC, Samoas disappear and Caramel deLites appear, making it seem like the name was retired.
Samoas Vs Caramel deLites – Differences In Taste
While the ingredients lists look similar, the taste and texture profiles differ significantly between the two bakeries. Hardcore fans can often tell the difference in a blind taste test. If you are hunting for a specific flavor, checking the box name is the only way to guarantee satisfaction.
Chocolate Coating And Drizzle
The chocolate usage is the most immediate visual difference. Samoas feature a darker chocolate coating on the bottom and thicker, darker stripes across the top. The chocolate has a distinct snap and a semi-sweet flavor profile that cuts through the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel deLites use a milkier chocolate. The layer on the bottom is often thinner, and the drizzle across the top is lighter. This results in a creamier, sweeter finish that blends more with the caramel rather than contrasting against it.
Coconut Texture And Toast Level
Little Brownie Bakers toasts their coconut heavily. This gives Samoas a golden-brown hue and a nutty, crunchy texture. The coconut flavor is robust and stands out as a primary flavor note.
ABC Bakers uses coconut that is less toasted. Caramel deLites appear lighter in color, often a pale tan. The texture is chewier and less crunchy. This appeals to people who enjoy the flavor of coconut but dislike the hard, fibrous texture of toasted flakes.
The Cookie Base Ratio
The shortbread base varies in density. Samoas tend to have a firmer, crunchier cookie base. The ratio of topping to cookie is higher, making the cookie feel heavier and more substantial.
Caramel deLites feature a more vanilla-forward cookie base. It is often described as crispier and lighter. The caramel layer is sometimes thicker to compensate, creating a chewier experience overall. According to the official Girl Scout Cookie lineup, both varieties remain top sellers regardless of these subtle differences.
How To Know Which Cookie Your Council Sells
You do not have to wait until you are standing at a booth to know what is available. Technology makes it easy to track down your preferred bakery’s version. This is particularly useful if you have a strong preference for the dark chocolate of a Samoa or the vanilla notes of a Caramel deLite.
- Check the Cookie Finder App — Download the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app on your phone. Entering your zip code reveals the local council’s sale dates and, implicitly, their baker.
- Look at the troop number — If you have friends in different states, ask for their troop’s selling link. Many people order online from out-of-state troops specifically to get the bakery version not available in their hometown.
- Examine the box shape — Samoas usually come in a red box, while Caramel deLites are often sold in a purple box. This color coding can vary by year, but the name on the front is the definitive indicator.
If you discover your local area switched to Caramel deLites, you can often find a neighboring council that still contracts with Little Brownie Bakers. It is not uncommon for cookie enthusiasts to drive across county lines to secure their preferred box.
History Of The Samoa Name
The name “Samoa” has been part of the cookie lexicon for decades. It was introduced around 1975. The name likely references the tropical island of Samoa, connecting the tropical coconut flavor to the location. Over the years, there has been speculation about whether the name would be retired due to cultural sensitivity, similar to branding changes in sports and other food products.
However, the organization has kept the name. The dual-naming convention protects the brand. If one name ever becomes problematic or encounters legal trademark issues, the organization has a fallback with the alternative baker. For now, the question “Are Samoas still called Samoas?” yields a positive answer because the brand equity in that specific name is immense.
Retiring the name would likely cause a significant dip in sales for Little Brownie Bakers. The nostalgia associated with the name “Samoa” drives purchases just as much as the flavor itself. This is why you see “Samoa” flavored ice creams, donuts, and coffees—the name itself signals a specific flavor combination to consumers.
Nutritional Differences Between The Variations
For those counting calories or managing sugar intake, the difference between the two cookies is minimal but present. The recipes are distinct, leading to slight variations in the nutrition facts panel.
Samoas (Per 2 Cookies):
These typically contain around 150 calories. They have slightly higher fat content due to the heavier chocolate and coconut usage. The sugar content hovers around 11 grams.
Caramel deLites (Per 2 Cookies):
These usually clock in at roughly 130 to 140 calories. They often have slightly less saturated fat but marginally higher sodium levels. The ingredient list for Caramel deLites may also include different preservatives depending on the current recipe formulation by ABC Bakers.
Neither option is a health food, but knowing the count helps with portion control. If you are strictly monitoring caloric density, the Caramel deLite is technically the “lighter” option, though the difference is negligible in the context of a dessert.
Storage And Freezing For Long-Term Stash
Regardless of whether you buy Samoas or Caramel deLites, freezing them is a standard practice for fans. The high sugar and fat content in the caramel and coconut topping allows these cookies to freeze exceptionally well without becoming rock hard.
Freezing Samoas
The darker chocolate on Samoas snaps satisfyingly when frozen. The toasted coconut retains its crunch even after thawing. Many proponents of the LBB version claim that freezing enhances the bitterness of the dark chocolate, creating a better balance against the sweet caramel.
Freezing Caramel deLites
Caramel deLites become very chewy when frozen. The milkier chocolate softens faster upon removal from the freezer. If you prefer a treat that melts in your mouth as it warms up, this version responds better to temperature changes.
Storage tips:
Place the boxes inside a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They will maintain peak quality for about six months. After that, the coconut may begin to absorb freezer odors. Label the bag with the date and the specific bakery name so you know which version you are grabbing later in the year.
Why The Confusion Persists
The confusion regarding “Are Samoas still called Samoas?” persists because of social media. A user on TikTok might post a video of their “Caramel deLites,” sparking panic in comments sections populated by people who only know “Samoas.”
This viral cycle repeats every cookie season. It acts as accidental marketing. The debate over which name is correct and which cookie tastes better drives engagement and awareness. It encourages people to hunt down both varieties to compare them side-by-side.
Furthermore, generic store brands complicate the issue. Keebler sells a “Coconut Dreams” cookie that is visually identical to the Samoa (which makes sense, given their corporate ownership). Walmart and Aldi sell “Caramel Coconut” generic versions. These knock-offs dilute the brand recognition, making consumers unsure of the official name when they finally encounter a real Girl Scout troop.
Supporting The Troops Regardless Of The Name
While the debate over names and bakeries is fun for foodies, the mission remains the same. Proceeds from both Samoas and Caramel deLites stay with the local council and the specific troop. This funding supports camps, badges, and community service projects.
When you purchase a box, you are supporting the entrepreneurship program for girls in your community. Whether the box says Samoa or Caramel deLite is secondary to the impact of the sale. If you feel strongly about the name, you can always use the Cookie Finder tool to locate a specific version, but buying from your local troop is the most direct way to support your neighborhood.
Regional Availability Patterns
There is no strict state-by-state map that stays permanent. However, historical data shows some trends. ABC Bakers has often had a strong foothold in parts of California, the Midwest, and New England. Little Brownie Bakers frequently supplies large swathes of the South and the Pacific Northwest.
These contracts are fluid. A council that has sold Samoas for ten years might switch to Caramel deLites next year to secure better wholesale pricing or distribution logistics. This is why the question “Are Samoas still called Samoas?” keeps coming up—because for some people, the answer changes overnight based on a business decision made at the council headquarters.
If you move to a new city, do not be surprised if the cookies have different names. It is a common rite of passage for people relocating within the United States to discover that their beloved Samoa is now a Caramel deLite, or vice versa.
Key Takeaways: Are Samoas Still Called Samoas?
➤ Samoas are still produced and sold by Little Brownie Bakers.
➤ ABC Bakers produces a similar cookie called Caramel deLites.
➤ Your local council determines which bakery (and name) you get.
➤ Samoas have dark chocolate; Caramel deLites use milk chocolate.
➤ Both names exist simultaneously across different U.S. regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Samoas Still Called Samoas?
Yes, the name remains active. If your local Girl Scout council contracts with Little Brownie Bakers, the boxes will still be labeled Samoas. The name Caramel deLites is used only for the version baked by ABC Bakers.
Can I Order Samoas Online If My Area Has Caramel deLites?
Yes, you can buy them online. You need to find a troop selling link (Digital Cookie) from a council that uses Little Brownie Bakers. Many troops share these links on social media during cookie season to reach out-of-state buyers.
Did The Recipe For Samoas Change Recently?
The official Samoa recipe has remained largely consistent under Little Brownie Bakers. However, if your council switched bakers, it will taste different because you are technically eating a Caramel deLite, which uses a different recipe entirely.
Which Baker Makes The Vegan Girl Scout Cookies?
ABC Bakers is generally known for having more vegan options, such as their Lemonades and Toast-Yays. However, neither Samoas nor Caramel deLites are vegan, as both contain milk ingredients in the caramel and chocolate components.
Why Are Samoas More Expensive In Some Areas?
Each of the 111 local Girl Scout councils sets its own pricing. The price per box is determined by the cost of logistics, bakery contracts, and funding needs for that specific region, not by the specific name of the cookie.
Wrapping It Up – Are Samoas Still Called Samoas?
The panic over the name change is largely a misunderstanding of how the cookie supply chain works. Are Samoas still called Samoas? Absolutely. They have not been discontinued, renamed, or rebranded on a national level. They simply share the spotlight with their counterpart, the Caramel deLite.
Your experience depends entirely on your geography. If you prefer the dark chocolate and toasted coconut of the original Samoa, you might need to hunt for a troop supplied by Little Brownie Bakers. If you prefer the sweeter, vanilla-forward profile of the Caramel deLite, look for ABC Bakers troops. In either case, the classic combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate remains a staple of the season, regardless of the text printed on the box.