The End of an American Icon: Hostess Brands

In 1930, the first Twinkie rolled out of the oven. The "Golden Sponge Cake with Creamy Filling" made it's mark on American snack food history, but it's legacy is coming to an abrupt end today.

Hostess Brands announced that it is ceasing plant operations and laying off most of its 18,500 employees. It stated that it intended to sell off all of its assets, including Twinkies, and liquidate. This is a sad day for America.

Twinkies popularity soared in the 1950's because it sponsored the 'Howdy Doody Show.' It was also relevant in popular culture in the '60s. Archie Bunker from 'All In the Family' got a Twinkie in his lunch everyday. The Twinkie remained a part of television throughout each decade (remember Ghostbusters in the '80s?). Apu from 'The Simpsons' even stated, "You cannot hurt the Twinkie." Well, despite Bill Clinton insisting that it should be in the millenium time capsule alongside a piece of the Berlin Wall, the Twinkie is more than hurt. It's dead. Clinton said that it is an "object of enduring American symbolism." Ironically, it seems the conclusion of this confectionary creation of Hostess symbolizes America and its politics of today quite well.

It took more than 40,000 miles of plastic wrap to wrap a year's production of Twinkies. I always appreciated the little residue of gooey cake that stuck to that clear plastic wrapper. It was my favorite part.

Twinkies have a shelf-life of twenty-five days. The recipe for the Twinkie contains no dairy products, which prolongs its freshness. The rumors of Twinkies lasting forever aren't true. My boys had their first Twinkie today, so even if I were to stock pile, it will likely be their last.