Last year, a survey conducted by NPR revealed that 75% of consumers claimed they were eating healthy foods, and similar research yielded comparable findings. However, people still enjoy indulging in treats. A Harris Poll indicated that most individuals prefer to consume their calories through food rather than beverages, with 87% favoring solid food sources for their caloric intake.
Hostess is not completely overlooking the healthy eating trend; it has introduced whole-grain muffins as “smart snacks” for the federal school food program and is actively working to eliminate trans fats from many of its products. Nevertheless, the brand understands what its fans desire, which has resulted in the launch of several indulgent offerings over the past year, such as frozen deep-fried Twinkies and Twinkies ice cream. Additionally, the company is set to unveil an in-store bakery concept that will feature Twinkies and items from its Superior Cake Products in grocery store sections. This in-store bakery is expanding at a rate that surpasses that of the company’s packaged goods found on store shelves, presenting significant growth opportunities.
As Hostess has discovered, while consumers may be leaning towards healthier eating habits, they are not hesitant to enjoy a sweet snack occasionally. Although the public may be moving away from soda, sweets like candies, cookies, cakes, and the iconic Twinkie seem to have found a place in America’s “healthy” diet. Interestingly, just as some individuals are incorporating supplements like calcium citrate softgels into their health routines, they still make room for these delightful treats, illustrating that a balanced approach to eating includes both nutrition and indulgence.