Hostess snacks were just always there—in lunchboxes, vending machines, gas stations, you name it. If you grew up in the U.S., chances are you had a Twinkie or a HoHo tucked into your backpack at some point. The brand’s been around since 1919, and for decades, it cranked out some of the most recognizable snacks on the planet. But in 2012, Hostess went under. For a while, it looked like the party was over. In 2013, they miraculously rebooted after being acquired, and Twinkies came back, yeah—but a bunch of other treats didn’t. And if you remember them, you probably still miss them.
Join us as we take a nostalgic look back at the Hostess snacks that are gone but not forgotten.
1. Chocodiles
Introduced in 1977, Chocodiles were essentially a chocolate-covered version of the beloved Twinkie, and they were a massive fan favorite for years. Despite their devoted following, Chocodiles disappeared from shelves in 2012 due to Hostess’s 2012 bankruptcy, only to reappear briefly in 2014. The re-release featured an updated recipe, but many fans argued it didn’t match the original’s charm.
As of 2025, Chocodiles remain retired.
2. Hostess Pudding Pies
Hostess Pudding Pies were a rich, indulgent treat with creamy filling encased in a flaky crust. They debuted in 1986 with flavors like creamy vanilla and chocolate. Despite their popularity, Pudding Pies vanished after just a year.
3. Hostess Banana Dream (aka Banana Flips)
Banana Dream was an individually wrapped banana-flavored cake shaped like a taco. They were a lunchbox staple in the 1970s and 1980s. Hostess, Dolly Madison, and Nickels Bakery all produced versions, but the snack was discontinued around 2000. Nickels briefly resurrected Banana Flips in limited distribution, but they remain hard to find.
If you’re a banana lover like me who either misses these or would love to try them, TidyMom has a great, easy-to-follow banana flip recipe.
4. Suzy Q’s (Original Recipe)
The Suzy Q, a beloved oblong snack cake filled with white cream and made with either banana or devil’s food cake, has had a tumultuous history. Hostess first discontinued it in 2012 during its bankruptcy, but it returned in 2015 with a new look that didn’t sit well with fans. In 2018, the original recipe was brought back after public demand, only for the Suzy Q to be quietly discontinued again in 2020 during the pandemic. Despite its ups and downs, this iconic treat remains a nostalgic favorite for many.
Editor’s note (8/2/25): According to reporting by Sporked.com back in February, Suzy Q’s are back! Fans spoke, and Hostess listened.
5. Hostess Donettes (Seasonal Flavors)
Classic powdered and chocolate-covered Donettes are still popular, but seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, strawberry, and lemon were discontinued. Collectors occasionally spot vintage packaging, but Hostess hasn’t announced any plans to bring these flavors back.
Editor’s note (9/19/25): As with all seasonal and limited edition flavors, they tend to come and go. As of today, I see on Walmart’s website that Strawberry donuts are back for a limited time only. So if you’re missing a particular donette favor, be sure to check to see if they happen to be available.
6. Deep-Fried Twinkies
The deep-fried Twinkie phenomenon began at a Brooklyn restaurant named Chip Shop, born out of trying to find a use for a surplus of Twinkies. It eventually made its way to the state and county fair circuit.
In 2016, Hostess partnered with Walmart to sell pre-fried, frozen Twinkies. Fans loved the fairground nostalgia, but the treats quietly disappeared from freezers soon after.
7. Hostess Ding Dongs (Foil-Wrapped Era)
For decades, Ding Dongs were wrapped in foil, a packaging choice that kept the cakes moist and created a premium feel. In the 1990s, Hostess shifted to plastic wrappers, and fans still miss the srinkly foil that felt like unwrapping a present.
8. Hostess Zingers (Certain Flavors)
Zingers, with their signature frosting and filling, came in a variety of flavors, but some, like raspberry coconut, have vanished. Fans of this unique snack still reminisce about its texture and taste. Hostess has not announced plans to revive the discontinued varieties.
9. Hostess Choco-Bliss
Choco-Bliss was a decadent treat made of moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate frosting, and creamy filling. Introduced in the 1980s, it quickly gained a cult following. Unfortunately, the company discontinued it in the 1990s, leaving chocoholics searching for a replacement. As far as discontinued Hostess snacks go, this one is legendary.
10. Tiger Tails
A unique twist on the classic Twinkie, Tiger Tails featured coconut and raspberry stripes. Originally introduced in the 1960s and later revived in the 1980s, they were beloved for their bold flavors and striped design. Unfortunately, these jungle-themed snacks have been permanently retired.
11. Hostess Big Wheels
Big Wheels were essentially the predecessor to Ding Dongs. They replaced the classic Ding Dongs by wrapping them in foil and using a different recipe. However, fans of the original still remember its unique flavor.
12. Peanut Butter Totally Nutty!
Introduced in 2018, Peanut Butter Totally Nutty! bars were Hostess’s answer to Little Debbie’s Nutty Buddy. Featuring a zebra-striped fudge coating and layers of wafer and peanut butter, they had a short shelf life before being discontinued.
13. Hostess Grizzly Chomps
Grizzly Chomps were hearty, oversized cookies filled with chocolate chips, oats, and other bold ingredients. Known for their dense, chewy texture, they offered a more rugged alternative to Hostess’s sweeter snacks. Introduced in the 1990s, they were discontinued in the early 2000s, leaving fans craving their distinctive flavor.
Related: 25 Discontinued Snacks From The 90s That We Still Miss
14. Hostess Fruit Pies (Discontinued Flavors)
Hostess Fruit Pies are famous for their flaky crust and sweet glaze. They used to come in many flavors, like lemon, blackberry, and pineapple. While apple and cherry remain, many of these unique flavors have retired.
15. Leopards
Leopards were essentially chocolate chip Twinkies, featuring soft chocolate chips embedded in the yellow sponge cake. Introduced in the late 1990s, they were a hit with kids but eventually went extinct, much to the disappointment of snack lovers.
16. Hostess Ninja Turtles Pudding Pies
Hostess Ninja Turtles Pudding Pies were a 1990s favorite, featuring a green crust filled with creamy vanilla pudding. Packaged with collectible Ninja Turtles stickers, these pies were a hit during the TMNT craze. Discontinued in the mid-1990s, they remain a nostalgic treat for fans of both Hostess and the Turtles.
17. Bakery Petites
Hostess tried to jump into the “fancy snacks” market with its Bakery Petites line in 2018. These bite-sized treats included indulgent options like Brownie Delights, Cake Delights, and Crispi Thins in flavors like strawberries & crème, lemon buttercream, and double chocolate.
Despite winning “Best in Show” at the 2018 Sweet & Snacks Expo, the Bakery Petites didn’t stick around for long. Hostess admitted they didn’t market them well, and by 2019, they quietly disappeared from store shelves, leaving fans craving one last bite.
18. Brownies Made With Candy Bars
In 2016, Hostess teamed up with candy giants like M&M’s, Milky Way, and Butterfinger to create a line of candy-stuffed brownies. These fudgy squares came packed with candy pieces and promised to be a “chocolate lover’s dream.” Fans loved the M&M’s version, but reviews for the Butterfinger and Milky Way brownies were less kind, with some calling the flavors weak. Hostess stopped production a year later, leaving snackers wondering why they didn’t just stick with M&M’s.
19. CupCake Cookies
Hostess took everything people loved about their iconic CupCakes — chocolate, cream, and those signature squiggles — and turned it into a crunchy cookie. Released in 2017 under the “Hostess Bake Shop” label, CupCake Cookies came in chocolate, strawberry, and lemon. They sat on store shelves next to Decorated Twinkies and Triple Fudge Ding Dongs as part of a short-lived premium line. By 2018, the Bake Shop brand quietly vanished, taking the CupCake Cookies with it. Fans still miss the crunchy twist on a classic treat.
20. Munster Pack
In 1992, Hostess got into the Halloween spirit with the Munster Pack, featuring cupcakes topped with orange icing and brown sprinkles. But the real stars were The Munsters masks printed on the back of the box, letting kids transform into Herman, Lily, or Grandpa Munster.
Hungry for more nostalgia?
- 15 Discontinued Candies That Are a Taste Bud Time Machine — Sugary treats from school cafeterias and movie nights that shaped entire decades
- 32 Discontinued Breakfast Cereals That Deserve To Be Remembered — Sugary cereals that turned Saturday mornings into full‑blown events.
- 20 Discontinued Pop‑Tart Flavors That Fans Absolutely Crave — Quirky toaster‑pastry experiments that fans still petition for.
- 12 Discontinued Eggo Flavors We Just Can’t L’Eggo — Fruity and dessert‑inspired waffles we’d love to see in freezers again.
- 15 Discontinued Little Debbie Snacks We Can Almost Still Taste — Grade‑school lunchbox staples and seasonal treats that quietly slipped away.
