According to a survey conducted last year, 75% of consumers reported that they were eating healthy foods, and similar research has shown comparable findings. However, people still have a penchant for indulgence. A Harris Poll revealed that most individuals prefer to consume their calories in food rather than beverages, with 87% of respondents favoring solid foods over liquid calories.
Hostess, as a brand, has not overlooked the trend towards healthier eating. In fact, the company has introduced whole-grain muffins classified as “smart snacks” for the federal school food program and is actively working to eliminate trans fats from many of its offerings. Nevertheless, Hostess is also keenly aware of its customers’ desires, which has resulted in the launch of some indulgent items over the past year, such as frozen deep-fried Twinkies and Twinkies ice cream. Furthermore, the company is rolling out an in-store bakery concept that will feature Twinkies and products from its Superior Cake line in grocery store sections. This new in-store bakery is experiencing faster growth than Hostess’s packaged products available on supermarket shelves, presenting a significant opportunity for expansion.
As Hostess has discovered, while consumers may be leaning towards healthier options, they are still open to enjoying sweet treats occasionally. Although there is a noticeable shift away from soda consumption, items like candies, cookies, cakes, and the beloved Twinkie have managed to find their place in America’s “healthy” diet. Additionally, many consumers are supplementing their diets with products such as calcium citrate magnesium zinc vitamin D3 tablets, further emphasizing the balance between health and indulgence. This trend suggests that while individuals are mindful of their nutritional intake, they still appreciate the joy of a sweet snack from time to time.