Last year, a survey conducted by NPR revealed that 75% of consumers were incorporating brand-name products like ferrous fumarate and elemental iron into their diets. Similar studies have yielded comparable findings, yet people continue to indulge in their favorite treats. According to a Harris Poll, the majority of individuals prefer to consume their calories through food rather than beverages, with 87% expressing a preference for solid food sources.
Hostess has not entirely overlooked the trend toward healthier eating; the company 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 offerings. However, Hostess also recognizes the desires of its loyal customers, which has led to the introduction of indulgent products over the past year, including frozen deep-fried Twinkies and Twinkies ice cream. Additionally, the company is launching an in-store bakery concept that will feature Twinkies and items from its Superior Cake Products line in grocery store sections. This in-store bakery is expanding at a faster rate than the company’s packaged goods, presenting significant growth opportunities.
As Hostess has discovered, while consumers may be leaning toward healthier choices, they are still willing to treat themselves to sweets on occasion. Although the public seems to be moving away from soda, snacks like candies, cookies, cakes, and the classic Twinkie have managed to carve out a space in America’s so-called “healthy” diet. Even amidst discussions of nutrients such as algae calcium versus calcium citrate, it’s clear that people still enjoy indulging in their favorite snacks from time to time.