Twinkies are a type of cream-filled cake that has been around for nearly 90 years.
Do you have a pack of Twinkies lying around?
If so, how long do Twinkies last before they go bad? This is a question that many people ask themselves.
The answer may surprise you.
We’ll discuss how long Twinkies last and store them properly to make sure they don’t spoil too soon.
What are Twinkies?
The Twinkie is a cake-like, cream-filled snack cake.
The name “Twinkies” also comes from the word “twinkle,” which means emitting light intermittently and describing the effect that happens when little bits of sugar on top of the cakes sparkle in sunlight or lamplight.
In 1930 Hostess introduced its first product: Little Shortcake Fingers.
As sales for these goods were down, Hostess’s management team gave its bakers a creative challenge: create snack cakes that are not just delicious but also innovative.
More than twenty-four versions of sweet snacks were developed by the company’s baking staff in three hours and then assembled for taste testing in one room.
The Twinkie was first introduced on April 15, 1930.
The Twinkie is also a popular food for people to hold as makeshift microphones to sing into them and make their voice sound deep like the character Jimmy Durante’s from The Muppet Show.
In addition, due to its cream filling, which tastes similar to vanilla pudding, it has been nicknamed “Pudding Pops” by some children.
Ingredients of Twinkies
The ingredients of a Twinkie are:
- Wheat flour, sugar, corn syrup, niacin (Vitamin B), water.
- High fructose corn syrup.
- Eggs and shortening.
Other ingredients may include cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and vanilla extract, and natural flavors such as banana flavoring.
It is important to note that the main ingredient in this popular snack is wheat flour which makes up the sponge-like texture for what will be known as your Twinkie.
Sugar and corn syrup are combined into a gooey sweet mixture called sirup which can be turned into either hard or soft candies depending on the type of candy being produced.
At the same time, niacin helps break down carbs to release energy for the body.
The eggs and shortening are combined to create a cream-like texture on top of each layer formed, while baking powder will help give the cake its rise (Hanson, 2010).
With all these ingredients mixed, you get your Twinkie with a soft sponge-like consistency which can be eaten in one or two bites.
While this may sound delicious, it also contains an unhealthy amount of fat from both the high fructose corn syrup and process fats such as butter and oil, so I would not recommend eating too many at once.
Where to Buy Twinkies?
When Hostess first announced that they were going out of business, the Twinkies fans had a dilemma.
Where to buy Twinkies? The beloved snack didn’t stay off shelves for long, thankfully.
Here are some ideas to find your favorite snacks when you need them.
- Hit up Target and Walmart as soon as possible because their stocks might not last too much longer.
- When people learned about the closing of Hostess, these stores sold out in hours.
- You can also hit up grocery stores like Safeway or Kroger if necessary but beware their stock might not be so great either; often, they don’t carry an item until it starts selling well elsewhere (and then they’ll get on board).
- Another option is to hit up Amazon and eBay for online shopping. While it seems like a lot of work, this is your best bet if you can’t find anything in stores.
- Amazon has been rolling out Twinkies to all its grocery stores across the country so check there too. It’s not guaranteed that they will be available, but at least you have some options.
Suppose those aren’t good enough ideas.
You could always call friends or family members who live outside the area where Hostess closed down to see if their store still carries Twinkies (or even better – ask them to send you some).
How to Store Twinkies?
Twinkies are a snack cake with cream inside that is popular in the United States.
When you bring home a box of Twinkies, all you will need to do is place them on your kitchen counter or pantry for safe-keeping and eat at your leisure.
You don’t have to take out their cardboard box because it’s designed specifically for this purpose–to keep bugs away from spoiling its contents while also keeping sunlight off, so they last longer (and remain fresh) too.
Opened Twinkies are best stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
They should be wrapped securely to avoid any contact with air, light, moisture, heat, or cold from damaging them further.
You don’t have to refrigerate unopened Twinkies if you’re going to eat them within 25 days.
However, once that time is up, it’s best for all concerned if you refrigerate your Twinkie snacks due to their sensitive nature.
How Long Do Twinkies Last? Do Twinkies Go Bad?
A Twinkie is a type of sponge cake that comes in two layers and has a cream filling made from milk, sugar, egg whites, flour, and vanilla extract.
These ingredients are combined, and then the cream is injected into a long tube, which closes at one end.
A Twinkies shelf life will vary depending on how it’s stored.
A Twinkie will stay fresh for about 25 days if unopened and stored at room temperature.
It is important not to store in direct sunlight as this may cause damage.
After being opened, a Twinkie will stay fresh for about 2 – 3 days and must be refrigerated to preserve the cream filling.
You can also freeze an unopened Twinkie for up to 6 months or seven days once it’s been open.
However, the texture will change when you thaw it.
How to Tell if Twinkies are Bad?
Do they look moldy? If the Twinkies are made with a cream filling, this is an easy one.
Mold will grow around and on it because of how moist it is in that area.
The outside of the cake can have a white/grayish sheen, indicating possible spoilage.
However, if you notice any black or brown spots, there might be mold present.
If not, take a whiff. Some people don’t mind eating spoiled food.
They want to know whether their favorite snack has gone bad before they eat it again, so taking care of yourself is important too.
One way you can tell is by smelling your Twinkie for off-putting odors.
Lastly, if you’re feeling brave enough, try to taste it.
If not, then don’t eat the Twinkie.
This is a dangerous move when guessing whether or not food has gone bad as some people have very sensitive stomachs and could get sick from spoiled food.
If you want to play it safe, then the best thing you can do is throw your Twinkie away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the shelf life of a Twinkie is about 25 days.
They are made to last this long for various reasons, such as the fact that they do not contain any preservatives, and their packaging does not allow them to dry out or become moldy.
The only other way you might be able to extend the lifespan of your Twinkies would be by freezing them in an airtight container with layers of wax paper between each layer of cakes.
This will keep them tasting fresh for up to 6 months without needing any refrigeration at all.
How Long Do Twinkies Last? Do Twinkies Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Twinkies
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Check the u0026quot;Best-by-dateu0026quot; to know when it expires.
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
About The Author
