In a world turned post-apocalyptic, where the remnants of society struggle for survival amidst the ruins, envision stumbling upon a relic of the past – a Hostess Twinkie. It’s a surreal encounter, as you, along with your trusty dog, forage the wasteland for sustenance. With a hint of nostalgia, you unwrap this golden snack and take a bite, transported back to a simpler time. But beneath the sponge cake and sweet crème, lies a mystery that begs to be unraveled.
The Legend of the Twinkie
The Twinkie, that golden, cream-filled snack cake, occupies a unique place in the hearts and minds of Americans. It’s more than just a treat; it’s a cultural icon. Few snacks in the annals of American culinary history have achieved such legendary status, and the Twinkie’s reputation has been propelled into the realm of myth and humor.
One of the most enduring jokes about Twinkies is their supposed indestructibility. It’s often said that Twinkies, along with cockroaches, will be the last survivors of a nuclear apocalypse. This humorous notion has been perpetuated in books, movies, and countless conversations. But behind the laughter lies a genuine curiosity: could there be any truth to this culinary myth?
The Twinkie tale commences in the 1930s when the Continental Baking Company faced a logistical challenge due to the seasonal availability of fruit, particularly strawberries. James Dewar, the company’s resourceful manager, ingeniously modified the production process. He transformed the equipment used for preparing strawberry shortcakes into machines that crafted sponge cakes filled with banana cream. Thus, the Twinkie’s iconic shape and color were born. It wasn’t until World War II, during the rationing of bananas, that the shift to vanilla flavoring occurred, cementing the Twinkie’s identity.
Twinkies and Controversy
Despite its popularity, the Twinkie soon garnered a reputation as an unhealthy source of empty calories. It even played a peculiar role in a notorious legal defense. In the trial of Dan White, a former San Francisco City Supervisor who assassinated Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, his lawyers famously claimed the “Twinkie Defense.” They argued that White’s increased consumption of junk food, particularly Twinkies, was indicative of his impaired mental state. This defense added a layer of notoriety to the Twinkie.
The notion that Twinkies defy decomposition due to their synthetic composition is a common misconception. In reality, Twinkies are a blend of both natural and artificial ingredients. While they incorporate various chemical components, only sorbic acid strictly qualifies as a “preservative.” Contrary to the belief that Twinkies are created from expanding foam, they are, in fact, baked like any other cake, filled with crème, and sealed in individual cellophane wrappers.
Decoding the Ingredients
To delve deeper into the composition of a Twinkie, let’s explore its ingredients:
Sponge Cake
- Flour
- Sugar
- Water
- Eggs
- Shortening
- Milk
- Leavenings
- Salt
Filling
- Water
- High fructose corn syrup
- Sugar
- Polysorbate 60
- Modified corn starch
- Hydrogenated vegetable oil
- Cellulose gum
- Sodium acid pyrophosphate
- Sodium citrate
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Salt
- Soy lecithin
- Yellow #5
Shelf Life
While Twinkies do possess a lengthy shelf life, it is not infinite. Initially, in the 1930s, Twinkies had a shelf life of merely one to two days due to their natural ingredients. However, over the decades, Hostess made strategic modifications to extend their freshness. The removal of perishable items such as dairy and eggs paved the way for palm oil, corn syrup, and emulsifiers like sodium sterol lactylate and ethylene oxide. Despite over thirty chemical components, only sorbic acid holds the title of “preservative.” Thus, Twinkies, though chemically complex, are not immune to spoilage.
Shelf Life Evolution
The evolution of Twinkie shelf life can be divided into distinct eras:
Original Recipe (1930s)
- Natural ingredients
- Shelf life of one to two days
Post-War (Vanilla Flavoring)
- Vanilla flavoring due to banana rationing
- The beginning of the Twinkie legend
Modern Era (No Eggs, Dairy)
- Removal of perishable ingredients
- Introduction of emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives
- Shelf life extended to 26 days (2012)
Revival (Post-Bankruptcy)
- Purchase by Apollo Global Management and Metropoulos & Company
- Further recipe modifications
- Shelf life extended to a remarkable 45 days
Unofficial Twinkie Experiments
While there have been no official scientific studies on the longevity of Twinkies, unofficial experiments have offered intriguing insights. One of the most extended experiments was initiated by Roger Benatti, a science teacher at George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill, Maine, in 1976. In an interview with National Public Radio in 2005, he recounted the genesis of the experiment:
“It just so happened that we were talking about food additives and the various chemicals that would be added to meals for a variety of reasons, and we were also talking about food preservatives. On the other hand, a student approached me with the question, ‘How long would a Twinkie last?’ When asked about it, I responded by saying, ‘Well, I have no idea, but let’s do an experiment.’ Therefore, I dispatched a student to the general store, which was located directly across the street from our school, and he went there to purchase a package of two Twinkies. The topic was brought up in the classroom by him. The Twinkies were unwrapped, and I wasted no time in devouring one of them. In addition, I merely positioned the second Twinkie on top of the chalkboard, and then we started our experiment.”
The experiment, initiated in 1976, sought to answer a simple yet perplexing question: How long would a Twinkie last? Unbeknownst to them, this undertaking would extend for decades, providing valuable insights into the snack’s resilience.
Contrary to the portrayal in popular culture, Twinkies do have a limited shelf life. While they may endure for weeks, they fall short of the indestructible, everlasting snack often depicted in media. The notion that Twinkies can outlast the ravages of time and catastrophe is, indeed, a myth.
In conclusion, the Twinkie, with its intriguing history and enigmatic shelf life, remains a cherished and unique treat in American culture. While it may not survive a nuclear apocalypse, its enduring appeal continues to captivate snack enthusiasts across generations. So, the next time you savor a Twinkie, relish not only its taste but also the journey of discovery behind this iconic confection.