Hostess, the renowned snack manufacturer famous for its classic treats like Ding Dongs, Ho Hos, and Twinkies, is celebrating in its own sweet style: by launching limited edition Birthday CupCakes. These cupcakes feature a delightful golden cake topped with rainbow sprinkles and filled with vanilla crème, complete with the familiar white squiggle that characterizes the iconic CupCakes, as reported by PopSugar.
Few American brands have not only survived but also flourished like Hostess Brands. At one point, doubts loomed over the company’s future, especially as it approached its centennial anniversary. Burdened by nearly $1 billion in debt, labor disputes, and an inefficient distribution system, Hostess filed for bankruptcy in 2012, marking its second trip through restructuring. However, it emerged the following year as a leaner entity.
Since then, Hostess has intensified its focus on sugary snacks, even as many competitors pivot toward healthier options. The company has rolled out innovative products such as Deep Fried Twinkies and various iterations of cream-filled treats in both hot beverage and ice cream forms, among many others. Recently, Hostess announced a 9.5% revenue increase to $214.8 million for its latest quarter, bolstered by a $20 million sales boost from its newly acquired Cloverhill brand, which expanded its breakfast offerings and sales channels.
While celebrating the CupCake’s centennial, it’s important to note that it’s not the only sweet treat to embrace a birthday cake flavor. Last October, 3 Musketeers introduced a festive bar for its 86th anniversary. Regardless of age, the birthday cake flavor remains a popular choice in the food and beverage industry, allowing everyone to commemorate another year with sprinkles.
Shifting gears, the landscape of snacking has evolved. In the past, a grain-free diet often meant consuming more meats and vegetables while avoiding numerous snack options. Today’s consumers looking to eliminate grains don’t necessarily have to forgo their beloved treats. Grain-free tortilla chips have been around for a while, and now Austin-based startup FitJoy has launched grain-free pretzels, claiming to be the first of their kind on the market. Made from cassava and chickpea flour, these pretzels are free of gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and GMOs.
Cassava, also known as manioc or tapioca, is a root that originates in Brazil and is recognized in the U.S. primarily for its role in pudding. In South America, cassava is often transformed into breads or crepes. While cassava is gluten-free and offers an exotic touch, it lacks essential nutrients, as it is predominantly carbohydrates and higher in calories compared to other root vegetables. Much of its nutritional value diminishes through processing, and improper preparation can make cassava poisonous. This is likely why FitJoy combines cassava with nutrient-rich chickpeas in their pretzels.
The question remains: Is there a market for grain-free pretzels? The gluten-free market is expanding, with 3.1 million individuals avoiding gluten—72% of whom do so for reasons unrelated to celiac disease, according to Forbes. Additionally, as cassava is considered paleo-friendly, these pretzels may appeal to those aiming to mimic ancient dietary habits.
In another culinary venture, lifestyle expert Martha Stewart is launching a seafood product line in collaboration with True North Seafood and Sequential Brands Group. This new line will debut at Seafood Expo North America starting March 17, with products hitting grocery shelves in May. Offerings will include Atlantic salmon with lemon herb butter, wild Alaskan pollock with Southwest spices, sockeye salmon with miso butter, and a seafood medley featuring an herb spice blend. Each fish product will showcase Stewart’s “signature butter flavor or spice blend,” along with recipes from Martha’s Test Kitchen.
This timely launch aligns with the growing seafood market, as the U.S. imported over 6 billion pounds of seafood in 2017, a record high. True North Seafood, one of North America’s largest seafood suppliers, emphasizes sustainability and traceability—qualities that consumers increasingly demand from food companies. Additionally, Stewart has announced a partnership with Canopy Growth to develop a new line of CBD-infused products, highlighting her expanding influence in the food industry.
As consumers become more health-conscious, questions arise about dietary choices, including concerns like “does calcium citrate clog arteries?” These discussions are becoming increasingly relevant as people navigate their dietary preferences and the implications of various ingredients in their snacks and meals.