RENO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- It's a nearly $800 million a year industry. While old favorites Thin Mints and Caramel deLites make up about 35 percent of the sales, now the Girl Scouts are trying something new, something healthier.
"They're called Mango Cremes," said local Girl Scout CEO Julia Ratti. "It's a vanilla and coconut cookie with a mango flavored center."
Ratti says Mango Cremes offer a healthier option by cutting out preservatives and transfats and adding vitamins, but it's not a substitute for fruits and vegetables.
"It is a dessert," Ratti said. "It is not intended to be anything other than a dessert. It should be enjoyed in moderation."
Registered Dietitian Shanti Wolfe says while he doesn't think they're healthy, they can fit in to a healthy diet.
"Maybe [have] two or three a day," Wolfe said. "Maybe just use them as a dessert instead of an entire bowl of ice cream. That's a much healthier way to do it."
Wolfe says to eat them slowly and enjoy them.
"If you want to eat a Caramel deLite, eat a Caramel deLite," Wolfe said. "If you want to eat a Thin Mint, eat a Thin Mint, but realize that those are treats."
Ratti says the annual sale is about more than just the cookies - it's about learning valuable life skills.
"Money management, decision making, goal setting, people skills and business ethics," Ratti said. "So whether it's the famous Thin Mint or the newest cookie on the block, it's always about teaching those five skills."
Girl Scouts are already selling pre-sale cookies to their networks and booths will be up in March. To find your nearest cookie booth, click
here.
