For months, Hostess Brands fans have eagerly awaited the return of Twinkies and their other favorite snack cakes. In just a week, Twinkies and some other familiar favorites made by Hostess Brands will be back. But Twinkies will now have a major difference that is sure to please fans. The new Twinkies have a longer shelf life, though it is expected these cream-filled cakes will be flying off the shelves to be eagerly consumed by fans.

Hostess Brands and No Twinkies

Eaters with a sweet tooth were devastated when Twinkies were pulled from the shelves last November. After they failed to reach an agreement with its second biggest union, Hostess Brands filed for bankruptcy. Now the new owners of Hostess have fewer plants and no company stores. They also eliminated unionized workers. Around 600 Hostess thrift stores closed their doors and will not reopen. Now the products will be sold strictly at convenience and grocery stores.

When Twinkies ceased to be produced, fans needed a fix. Some of them spent big bucks on sites such as eBay to purchase cases of the yellow cakes. Others turned to companies making similar cakes, such as Little Debbie. A special kitchen accessory was created so people could make Twinkies type cakes at home. Even lifestyle television programs such as ABC's “The Chew” offered recipes to make Twinkies style cakes when Hostess Brands shut its doors. But there is nothing like the real thing and actual Twinkies will return to stores next week.

How Twinkies and Other Hostess Products Will Be Different

Concerned eaters wonder if Twinkies will taste different and the company reassures everyone they will taste the same. But there will be one major difference. According to ABC News, the shelf life of these snacks cakes will now be 45 days. In the past, Twinkies stayed fresh for 26 days. After being without Twinkies for so long, it is likely fans will be eating the cakes right away rather than waiting for 45 days. The extended shelf life of Twinkies and other products was actually introduced last November, before the old company's liquidation.

On July 15, Twinkies will be back at local grocery and convenience stores. Other Hostess Brands goodies will also return including Zingers, DingDongs, CupCakes, Donettes, HoHos and the famed fruit pies and mini muffins many people like to grab for breakfast on-the-go. More Hostess Brands favorites will be back in a few months including SuzyQs and SnoBalls. Now kids will have their chosen snack cakes in their lunch boxes in time for back-to-school days in August and September. The new boxes have the tagline, "The sweetest comeback in the history of ever."

There is another minor difference. Now 10 percent of the products will be delivered frozen, at the request of certain customers. The remaining 90 percent will be delivered fresh. According to spokesperson Hannah Arnold, there will be “no impact on the quality or taste of the products.” Only stores that request frozen product will receive it that way. Another change being made is the use of dark cocoa instead of milk chocolate in the CupCakes. Other than these changes, the cakes are promised to offer the same “delicious experience.” They are also retailing at the same price, with Twinkies being sold for $3.99 per box. Are you looking forward to the return of Twinkies after such a long sabbatical? Or do you prefer one of the other sweet treats made by Hostess Brands? Share your preferences in the comments section below!

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