Hostess debuted $TWINKcoin this summer.
There’s a new cryptocurrency in town. But the only crash you’ll experience with this one is from sugar.
Inspired by the recent headlines and discussion around cryptocurrency, Hostess decided to capitalize by debuting their own edible investment: Enter $TWINKcoin, the latest limited-edition Twinkie iteration to hit shelves.
“We saw an opportunity to release a new take on fan-favorite Hostess Twinkies, to create the best investment consumers can make to satisfy their snacking needs,” a Hostess representative told Decrypt. “With more than 12,000 cryptocurrencies already in existence, $TWINKcoin is the first coin-shaped golden sponge cake of its kind. And, what’s more, it’s a currency with a stable value — it’s always delicious!”
Compositionally, $TWINKcoins are indistinguishable from original Twinkies, with the same dense cake and synthetic cream filling; but instead of the classic cylindrical mold, the pecuniary pastries are formed into coin-shaped discs. And while the dollar sign in front of the name is a fun nod to the $Cashtag used to track discussions of a particular asset online, $TWINKcoin has nothing to do with blockchain (and doesn’t require any knowledge of cryptocurrency to enjoy).
Beyond being shamelessly gimmicky, Hostess’ decision to call the product “$TWINKcoin” raised a few internet eyebrows, given the reductive connotation “twink” often holds in queer slang (even if the slur is possibly derived from the treat itself). The moniker is in some ways distastefully reminiscent of the AYDS diet candy campaigns of the 80s, oversight or not.
the least they could have done was made the box rainbow
Cringeworthy names aside, this isn’t the first time that cuisine met crypto. The New York-based beverage maker Long Island Iced Tea changed its name to “Long Blockchain Corp.” in 2017, causing stocks to skyrocket over 200%. In 2021, Taco Bell joined the crypto collectable craze and minted their own non-fungible tokens (NFT) that promptly sold out. Even Pringles hopped on the bandwagon, releasing limited edition CryptoCrisps the same year.
Alas, you won’t be seeing $TWINKcoin on Coinbase anytime soon – only your teeth are guaranteed to strike gold when purchasing these sponge cakes. The crypto confections can be bought exclusively through PopWild for now, but like cybercash, supply is limited: Those hungry for the sweet shekels are restricted to 3 boxes per person, and they’re only available until Aug. 8.
So stock up now in the spirit of laissez faire economics while you have the chance – given the snack’s notorious shelf life, they may even outlast bitcoin.
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