I have not eaten a Twinkie in, well, honestly, I cannot remember the last time I ate a Twinkie! I really think it’s probably been since middle school. Maybe even elementary school.
So last week when I was shopping with the girls and spotted a box of Twinkies at the store, it’s not surprising a little nostalgia kicked in. And I actually bought a box. I couldn’t believe it myself. The girls hadn’t even heard of Twinkies and for some reason I just felt like I had to introduce them to this childhood treat.
Two things happened.
- The Twinkies are still sitting in the box. (The girls are totally uninterested.)
- Hostess declared bankruptcy.
Okay, I admit, I doubt the fact that I purchased a box of Twinkies for the first time ever jinxed the company. BUT…it does seem like a strange coincidence, no?
Here’s the thing. When I bought the Twinkies, I actually felt guilty. They represent for me everything that is wrong with our broken food system. It’s processed food, packed with sugar and corn syrup and filled with something that can be described as “creamy” but not as actual “cream.” On top of that, each Twinkie is individually wrapped in plastic and then thrown into a cardboard box. So, yes, I felt guilty buying those Twinkies and I don’t think that guilt was necessarily misplaced. I mean, it certainly wasn’t supporting my New Year’s resolution.
When I read a bit about Hostess’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy last night, I learned this is the second time in a decade that the company has declared bankruptcy. So, after failing once and having debts restructured and forgiven, they are doing it again. While I don’t want 19,000 people to suddenly lose their benefits or their jobs, I’m wondering if this is a sinking ship that should be saved. Their problems appear to stem more from labor costs rather than poor sales, so I don’t think this is a statement that people have exhibited less demand for their product. BUT STILL…something isn’t working at Hostess. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
So, you may be wondering, was the Twinkie I ate after shooting this photograph any good? It was just how I remembered it. Which means it was okay. 😉 And for those of you who are interested, Nate and I are taking bids on our Twinkies. We will entertain offers of at least $100 per Twinkie. Okay, okay, you can still get Twinkies. But given their long shelf life, I think we’ll hang onto these puppies and cash in at a later date! 😉
Update on our ‘Twinkies For Sale’ – Nate has decided that he’s not good at timing the peak, so he will be auctioning off 1 Twinkie every 10 years. Mark your calendars!
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Wow, you did jinx them. I personally have always hated their taste but loved their texture. I was in a low budget movie where my character had to eat a lot of them…painful sugar rush followed…I might have flash backs if I eat one again. All of this Twinkies news did remind me a lot of http://www.twinkiesproject.com/ from early web days.
From what I heard on the news it sounds like their biggest problem was less labor costs (though a part of it) and more the fact that they didn’t notice the move to whole wheat products and missed the boat.
that website is hilarious – love it – hadn’t seen it!
yes, I think their biggest problem is labor costs…totally. sounds like some strong unions? not sure of specifics, but I think that’s what led to bankruptcy both times…interesting…
they have definitely missed the whole wheat boat for SURE.
I agree that it is sad that people will lose their jobs, but I don’t think Hostess creates anything that resembles actual food. Every decade or so, I buy something like Swiss Cake rolls and then think to myself, “Hey! Chocolate isn’t supposed to be waxy!”
ha ha…woman after my own heart. 🙂
I agree about the waxy. The only Little Debbie thing I like are their oatmeal pies.
Dangit! Now all I can think about is eating a Twinkie-and I haven’t had one in 10 years.
lol…maybe you should just go indulge! 😉
Um… yeah… I actually love all things Hostess, including Twinkies. It is a guilty pleasure of mine. I can’t even buy them by the box or I will eat them all in one day. So, I have to buy them in the individual packages sold on store endcaps, for self-control reasons. I don’t do it often (whole wheat, cook from scratch kind-a-girl here!) and I have yet to introduce my kids to them. But, yes, I purchase them from time to time and relish every bite! Feels good to talk about it. 🙂
I LOVE this comment. true confessions. 😉 glad it was therapeutic for you!
Mmm…a Twinkie…that sounds good. I think…I haven’t had one in many many years. I think the last Hostess treat I had was a Ding Dong in elementary school. I was made fun of by a boy for having something called a Ding Dong. Apparently to 5th grade boys this is a funny name. I was so embarrassed I never took a Ding Dong to school in my lunch box again. I must have broke the habit because that was over 20 years ago.
that is so funny…and I will never look at a ding dong the same way again. thank you to all the 5th grade boys out there. 😉
Kelly Rippa was talking about the Hostess bankruptcy. She asked Jesse Palmer if he had ever had a chocolate covered Twinkie. She said it was heaven. They had a 5 minute conversation about the wonders of Twinkies.
My brother loved Twinkees. I loved the chocolate cupcakes and Suzy Qs.
even though i’m not really into hostess/little debbie type products… i think i would be really sad if either company went out of business. i really have never liked twinkies, but nutty bars are where it’s at! 🙂