New Info Shows Major Differences In Wisconsin & Illinois Girl Scout Cookies

The cookie names aren't the only things different when you buy Girl Scout Cookies from either Illinois or Wisconsin.

For the longest time, I thought that was the only difference. Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, or cookie-berg(?). Not that there's some sort of conspiracy but there's some serious disparity between Girl Scout Cookies purchased in Wisconsin or Illinois.

First, the cookie bakers are completely different in Illinois and Wisconsin.

For example, Girl Scout Cookies bought in Beloit is from ABC Bakers, while cookies purchased in Belvidere are from Little Brownie Bakers.

In fact, every cookie sold in Illinois is from Little Brownie Bakers and almost everywhere in Wisconsin is from ABC Bakers except Sheboygan.

So besides the names of the cookies, and who are manufacturing them, the taste of the cookies are nearly the same, right? Actually, no.

The LA Times outlined the difference between our cookies in Rockford versus cookies purchased in Wisconsin and other states and cities in the U.S.

Thin Mints made in Illinois are "richer smoother" with a "distinct peppermint taste." Wisconsin Thin Mints are "crunchier, with more mint than chocolate."

Caramel deLites in Wisconsin are "more cookie than caramel" while Illinois Samoas have a "heavier caramel layer" and "more toasted coconut."

Peanut Butter Patties and Tagalongs are different, Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Do-si-dos aren't the same either. Even the Shortbread and Trefoils have differences in taste.

However, it shouldn't matter all that much if you've been ordering cookies in the same area over a number of years, but with Rockford very close to the Illinois-Wisconsin border, it's worth mentioning.

At the end of it all, it's for a good cause and a sleeve of Thin Mints frozen and devoured in one sitting will be just as filling and delicious tasting no matter if you bought them in Wisconsin or Illinois.

Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram and like his page on Facebook.