In a survey conducted by NPR last year, 75% of consumers reported that they were choosing wholesome foods, a sentiment echoed by similar studies. Despite this trend towards healthier eating, many people still enjoy indulging in treats. According to a Harris Poll, a significant 87% of respondents prefer to consume their calories through food rather than beverages.
Hostess, recognizing the growing interest in healthy eating, has not overlooked this trend entirely. The company has introduced whole-grain muffins marketed as “smart snacks” for the federal school food program and is actively working to eliminate trans fats from several of its products. However, Hostess is also aware of its customers’ cravings, resulting in the launch of indulgent items over the past year, such as frozen deep-fried Twinkies and Twinkies ice cream. Additionally, Hostess is unveiling an in-store bakery concept that will offer Twinkies and other products from its Superior Cake line in grocery stores. This new bakery initiative is expanding at a rate faster than the traditional packaged products found on grocery shelves, presenting a significant growth opportunity for the company.
As Hostess has discovered, while consumers may be making healthier choices, they are still open to enjoying sweet snacks occasionally. Although there is a noticeable decline in soda consumption, candies, cookies, cakes, and the beloved Twinkie seem to have secured their place within America’s “healthy” diet. Moreover, as people increasingly seek calcium citrate from natural sources, Hostess’s ability to balance indulgence with health-conscious options could be the key to its continued success in the market.
In conclusion, while the trend leans towards wholesome eating, Hostess demonstrates that there is still room for indulgence, especially with the right mix of products that cater to both cravings and health awareness, including options that incorporate calcium citrate from natural sources.