No matter which way you slice it, “Healthy Cookie” is an oxymoron.  Sorry Girl Scouts.

As part of the 2013 cookie season, the Girl Scouts have unveiled an new “healthy” cookie called the Mango Creme.   What is it about this cookie that makes it “healthy”?  Is it the mango?  Nope.  In fact the only mango in this cookie is mango flavoring.  It’s something called Nutrifusion.

When I visited their website to find out what NutriFusion was, I was intrigued by this posted factoid –  Only 21% of shoppers are satisfied that manufacturers and retailers are offering enough enhanced foods.  Enhanced food?  I didn’t know food (as in REAL food) needed enhancement.  Anyway, I digress.  According to its website NutriFusion is a “product using a unique scientific process that allows for the preservation of all-natural nutrients, that when added to foods and beverages, supercharges their nutritional value.”  A patented process is used to extract vitamins and antioxidants from  apples, oranges, cranberries, pomegranate, limes, strawberries and shiitake mushrooms.  In addition to enhancing the nutritive value of the food it is added to, NutriFusion is used to extend the shelf life of that food.  Yup, you read that right…extend the shelf life.  Yummy!

So, what does NutriFusion offer as a nutritional boost?  According to the cookie’s label the new Mango Creme cookies offer 15 percent Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin B1 and 5 percent RDI of Vitamins A, C, D, E, and B6 per serving (3 cookies).  Since when does 5% of the minimum daily recommended intake count as a boost?  Especially when that “boost” will cost 180 calories, and whose ingredient list names sugar as the second ingredient and includes palm oil, corn syrup, artificial flavor.

Check out the quote at the top left of the box. Does this quote seem ironic to anyone else?

Here’s my idea for the 2013 Girl Scout cookie season.  Why don’t we do our pancreases a favor.  Instead of getting one box of cookies – or seven – this season, why don’t we  just donate the $4 per box we would normally spend directly to the organization.  Help the Girl Scouts and help yourself…what could be better than that!