National Twinkie Day is celebrated all across America on April 6, but what exactly is a Twinkie? Marketed as the “Golden Sponge Cake with Creamy Filling,” Twinkies are a beloved snack among children and adults alike. They were invented by James Alexander Dewar, a baker for the Continental Baking Company in Schiller Park, Illinois. Like many inventions, Twinkies were a product of necessity, for a strawberry shortage led Dewar to fill his strawberry shortcakes with banana cream instead, which later became their own treat — Twinkies, a wonderfully delicious invention!
History of National Twinkie Day
National Twinkie Day was first celebrated on April 6, 2012, on what is believed to be the anniversary of its invention. The Twinkie was invented in 1930 by James Dewar, who managed the Continental Baking Company in Chicago. He got the inspiration for the snack after seeing a billboard in St. Louis for shoes called Twinkle Toes! The treats were originally filled by hand and made in shortbread pans. They were originally filled with banana cream, but it was changed to vanilla cream during World War II, as the short supply of bananas became an issue. The brand, represented by its iconic mascot Twinkie the Kid, has had many flavors over the years, from the classic banana to blue raspberry, orange cream, and pumpkin spice.
Twinkies have long been considered a staple in the world of American junk food. In a bizarre case, Dan White killed Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk in 1978 and used the infamous “Twinkie defense,” insisting that eating Twinkies and candy bars had altered his mind, making him temporarily insane and prompting him to shoot the victims!
Twinkies are also known for their long shelf life. The oldest Twinkie that remains fresh was made in 1976. Former president Bill Clinton originally put a Twinkie in the Millenium Time Capsule in 1999, which isn’t to be opened until 2100! However, the Twinkie was removed because of fear that mice would eat it. After declaring bankruptcy in 2012, Hostess was purchased by Apollo Global Management in 2013, and Twinkies made a comeback in the market, reprising its role as one of America’s favorite snacks.
National Twinkie Day timeline
The first Twinkie is made by baker James Dewar.
Also known as Tests With Inorganic Noxious Kakes In Extreme Situations, it is a project to subject Twinkies to a variety of experiments.
Bill Clinton puts a Twinkie in the millennium capsule to be opened in 2100.
After the bankruptcy of Hostess, Twinkies return to the market.
National Twinkie Day FAQs
Why did Twinkies get discontinued?
Twinkie production was suspended in 2012 when its then-owner, Hostess Brands, filed for bankruptcy. It was briefly discontinued for six months before production started again in 2013.
Why did they change the filling in Twinkies?
From 1930, when the Twinkie was first invented, to the 1940s, Twinkies were filled solely with banana creme. But a banana shortage during the war made bakers replace it with vanilla flavor.
Are Twinkies good?
Twinkies are far from healthy and have certainly garnered a reputation as classic junk food.
National Twinkie Day Activities
Eat some Twinkies
Celebrate Hostess Twinkie Day by treating yourself and your friends to boxes of Twinkies. Ditch your regular food and have Twinkies for a meal. How delicious!
Attempt to make your own
Ever wondered how Twinkies are made? On Hostess Twinkie Day attempt to make your very own Twinkies. Imagine what the recipe must be or look it up online. It shouldn’t be very hard!
Try new flavors
All of us have a favorite Twinkie flavor but why not try new flavors on Hostess Twinkie Day? Revisit an old favorite flavor or pick up a taste for a new one. You and your friends can also try each other’s favorite flavors.
5 Interesting Facts About Twinkies
The world’s oldest Twinkie is over 40
Made in 1970, the Twinkie is preserved in a glass box.
The Twinkies Law
It prevents candidates from luring their voters with tasty treats such as Twinkies.
Someone went on a Twinkies diet
Mark Haub lost 27 pounds on his Twinkies-only diet.
Twinkies can be huge too
The largest Twinkie was 10 feet tall.
It shares an ingredient with glue
The ingredient is corn dextrin.
Why We Love National Twinkie Day
Everyone loves it
If you love Twinkies, you love Hostess Twinkie Day. But you are not alone in this! Twinkies have been America’s favorite snack for almost a century and continue to be immensely popular.
It has a long history
Twinkies have so many interesting stories and events surrounding them. From the Second World War to a murder trial, Twinkies are truly unique. Hostess Twinkie Day celebrates the long history of the snack.
It features in American culture
From popular movies and odd laws to their inclusion on the Millennium Capsule by the president himself, Twinkies manage to show up everywhere. Hostess Twinkie Day honors the snack that shaped American culture.
National Twinkie Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | April 6 | Sunday |
2026 | April 6 | Monday |
2027 | April 6 | Tuesday |
2028 | April 6 | Thursday |
2029 | April 6 | Friday |