Popular Girl Scout Cookies Get New Names

St. Louis - In a move aimed at embracing the evolving cultural landscape, the Girl Scouts of America announced today that they will be rebranding two of their most popular cookie varieties. The beloved Samoas will now be known as Samosas, and the iconic Tagalongs will be rebranded as Tagalogs. This change, which reflects the increasing diversity of both the Girl Scouts' membership and its customer base, is part of a broader effort to make the organization’s offerings more inclusive and reflective of the communities they serve.

“We are proud of the rich history our cookies represent, but we recognize that language matters in how we connect with our changing world,” said Sylvia Martinez, Chief Diversity Officer for the Girl Scouts. “By updating these cookie names, we’re honoring the cultural influences that shape who we are today, while keeping the spirit of tradition and community alive.”

The decision to rebrand the cookies comes after extensive feedback from Girl Scout members and their families, as well as market research that indicated the original names no longer resonated with many of the organization’s diverse members. The new names, Samosas and Tagalogs, are inspired by dishes and terms that reflect the diverse heritages of many current and future Girl Scouts.

Samosas—the cookie formerly known as Samoas—are inspired by the popular savory pastry found in Indian cuisine. The cookie, which is coated in chocolate and toasted coconut, will keep its same flavor and texture, but with a name that resonates with members of South Asian descent, who make up a growing portion of the Girl Scout community. Similarly, the rebranded Tagalogs (formerly Tagalongs) take their inspiration from the Filipino term "tagalog," which refers to the native language spoken by millions in the Philippines. While the flavor—a chocolate-covered cookie with peanut butter—remains unchanged, the new name honors the significant Filipino population in the United States and aligns with the Girl Scouts' mission to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.

The decision to rebrand is not without its critics. Some longtime fans of the cookies have voiced concerns over the changes, citing nostalgia for the original names. However, many others have expressed enthusiasm, noting that the updates make the Girl Scouts appear more modern and connected to the cultural diversity that is now a hallmark of the organization. “I think it’s a great move,” said Maria Rodriguez, a former Girl Scout leader from Los Angeles. “The names Samoas and Tagalongs were fun, but these new names make it clear that Girl Scouts is evolving with the times and with the needs of today’s girls.”

The rebranding of these cookies is part of the Girl Scouts’ broader efforts to ensure that their programs and initiatives remain relevant and accessible to young people of all backgrounds. The organization has been working for years to increase its inclusivity, with changes such as the introduction of new badges that celebrate different cultures, the expansion of troop activities to better reflect the interests of a diverse membership, and the addition of more culturally relevant resources for leaders and volunteers.

Some cookie enthusiasts, however, are not as thrilled with the changes. “I’ve been buying Samoas for over a decade, and now I’m supposed to get used to calling them Samosas?” said Tim Reynolds, a longtime customer from Phoenix. “I get that times change, but it just feels weird.”

Despite the mixed reactions, the rebranding is expected to take effect nationwide for the 2025 cookie season. Girl Scouts of America has committed to maintaining the same taste and quality that has made these cookies so popular over the years, and they are confident that the new names will be embraced by both young Scouts and their loyal supporters.

“The cookies may have new names, but they’ll still bring the same joy, unity, and community spirit that they always have,” said Martinez. “This is a celebration of who we are today, and who we will continue to be in the future.” For now, Girl Scout cookie enthusiasts can prepare for the upcoming season by familiarizing themselves with the new names, and possibly savoring the sweet taste of cultural evolution, one bite at a time.