This time of year, we at Sporked are constantly bombarded with new product releases. Every time I log onto my computer, I am virtually guaranteed to see at least three holiday items that have either just hit the shelves or are about to. To put it mildly, brands are going all out. The holiday season is truly a prime time for food companies to shine, and Hostess is no exception.
Just a few days ago, we caught wind of a brand-new holiday flavor from Hostess: the Snickerdoodle Twinkie. Say what you will about snack cakes, but they will always hold a place of nostalgic affection in my heart, dating back to the days of sneaking into my grandmother’s basement refrigerator for one more Zebra Cake. So, when we heard that this seasonal Twinkie variety was paying tribute to one of the greatest cookies of all time, we knew we had to test it out for you. Without further ado, here is our official Sporked review.
Pros — Of all the snack cakes on the market, I would say that Twinkies are far from my personal favorite. However, I respect them for what they are and could still polish one off in a few bites with genuine enjoyment. These Twinkies are no different. The cinnamon profile is interesting in a positive way, as it introduces a layer of nuance to the Twinkie without compromising its signature identity. It tastes as if the classic Twinkie matured a bit and started sipping tea before bed. It remains the same treat at its core, just with an added touch of intrigue.
The cinnamon-infused cream itself is also quite pleasant. It is effortlessly fluffy and light, featuring a brown sugar-cinnamon profile that is not unlike the taste of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts—another iconic childhood staple. Furthermore, the fact that it avoids a one-dimensional cinnamon flavor and leans more toward a true cinnamon confection is something I really appreciated, as it made the product feel appropriately named.
Cons — Look, I am not going to sit here and bash Twinkies. But regardless of any new flavor introduction, the reality remains that this is still a Twinkie. It is incredibly sweet, the cake is always a bit rubbery, and it possesses a distinctly processed flavor. If the qualities that define a Twinkie aren’t your cup of tea, you aren’t going to enjoy this version, as it doesn’t fundamentally change anything beyond adding cinnamon to the filling. I don’t believe this flavor is unique or well-executed enough to convert a dedicated Twinkie hater.
