Moonberry Twinkies Review

Let’s take a look at the history of one of America’s most iconic treats – the Twinkie. It was created way back in 1930 by a baker that filled shortcake with a sugar/cream mixture. He got the inspiration to name them Twinkies from an ad for Twinkle Toe Shoes. Then blah blah blah, a bunch of boring stuff, the Great Depression, blah blah blah…. November 2012. The day America’s heart broke.

November 16, 2012, Hostess announced to its beloved public that it would officially be winding down operations and that they filed for bankruptcy. That meant they would have to close up shop, and sell ALL assets – including the brands, like Twinkies. November 21st, 2012, production of Twinkies ended. And America wept. Silent tears streamed down the faces of Twinkie loving adults in slow motion.

Ebay sellers were going nuts, getting their hands on as many boxes as they could. Collectors and fans were buying out stores like it was some apocalyptic necessity. And then… just 4 months later, on March 18th, 2013, Twinkies announced that they were coming back that July. A confused and stunned America didn’t know whether to be relieved and celebrate, or pissed off and ban them.

I’m glad they are back, and pretty happy that Hostess worked out their financial and union issues. Twinkies aren’t my favorite treats, but they definitely do the trick when my sweet tooth is screaming.

Fast forward to August 2019. Twinkies introduces something truly unique in their line of cakes – Moonberry Twinkies! These are a limited edition, and only sold in Walmart stores, so you’ll have to hurry to get your hands on them this year.

The cake is described as a dark blue, but I see purple. I also heard “Laurel,” not “Yanny,” and think the dress is obviously blue and black. So take my color interpretation as you will. I actually like it, because it’s different, bold and really fun. It’s supposed to mimic outer-space or the night sky. Whatever. It mimics purple to me.

The cake is still that spongecake vanilla stuff that IS Twinkies. But the cream filling is different. That’s where the Moonberry comes in. It’s basically the same cream as a classic Twinkie, with a slight berry flavor added. My first bite, I honestly was disappointed. I got berry undertones at best. It was the aftertaste of Crunchberries. But after I kept eating it, I started picking up on that berry a lot more. I actually taste Wild Berry Skittles in this… that’s the berry flavor I am getting. And it’s freaking delicious.

Honestly, the more I ate, the more flavor burst out. I’m totally a Moonberry fan, and love this new flavor. Plus, the purple color definitely makes these stand out!

Over the last 6 years, Hostess has really stepped it up, and made up for its stupid bankruptcy BS. They’ve released new flavor after new flavor, always something new and exciting. I’ve long since forgiven Hostess. I don’t know that the hoarders from 2012 that packed their garages and attics with Twinkies are so forgiving, though… especially since (contrary to urban legend), they only carry a 45 day shelf life.