Nostalgic Snacks That Deserve a Comeback

BOSTON (MainStreet) -- Whither the Twinkie?

There was bad news for snack-obsessed Americans.

Hostess Brands, a privately held company, announced this week that for the second time in less than a decade it would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Among the reasons: increased competition, the rising cost of ingredients and that Americans, increasingly turning to healthier snack options, are buying fewer food indulgences.

"The company's current cost structure is not competitive, primarily due to legacy pension and medical benefit obligations and restrictive work rules," adds an official statement on the matter. "Those issues, combined with the economic downturn and a more difficult competitive landscape, created a worsening liquidity situation that prompted the need for reorganization."

There is at least some good news, in that during the Chapter 11 proceeding, the company will continue operating its bakeries, outlet stores and distribution centers. That means you'll still be able to buy Wonder Bread and that Twinkie the Kid and Fruitpie the Magician are not headed to the unemployment line just yet.

Could the iconic sponge cake be in jeopardy if the company can't get its act together? Probably not, as we'd expect public outcry and demand to inspire some other entity to take over the rights to the brand. Nevertheless, it isn't unheard of for popular snacks to disappear from shelves.

The following are just some of the once-popular items that have either faded into oblivion or become rare enough that nostalgic cravings can likely be satisfied only by either finding a regional seller or resorting to an online specialist in nostalgic cravings such as OldTimeCandy.com, HometownFavorites.com and Vermont Country Store.

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