From Guilty Pleasure to Iconic Snack: The Story of an Illinois Invention

Illinois is known for many things but let's keep it light (ie: not political).

Off the top of my head, I'd say it's known for being home to The Windy City, where Chicago Style pizza is all the rage.  It's the Land of Lincoln, where our 16th president spent most of his adult life.  Illinois is also known for great cinema (no, really).  The Blues Brothers was filmed here and it doesn't get much better than that.

But forget movies from your childhood....there is one delicious childhood memory you can thank Illinois for.

A Sweet Invention from Illinois

Did you know that one of America's most beloved snack cakes was invented in Illinois? This irresistible treat has been a guilty pleasure for many Americans and can be found in grocery stores and kids' lunchboxes across the country.

According to Oprfmuseum.org, James A. Dewar (1897-1985), who managed the Continental Baking Company plant in River Forest, Illinois invented the calorie-rich and delicious snack in 1931. He had a brilliant idea in the 1930s that would change the company's future forever.

From Strawberry Shortcake to a Year-Round Product

Dewar's invention not only satisfied America's sweet tooth but also solved a problem faced by the baking company. The machinery used to make strawberry shortcakes was idle during the off-season, and the new product provided a year-round solution.

Eventually, the Continental Baking Co. became the Hostess Cake Company, and the new snack cake became a staple in American households.

An Unlikely Snack Food Hero

Dewar was a self-described "chain-smoker" and enjoyed indulging in the creamy-filled snack cake himself. He even credited his sons' athletic success to eating it, with one of them going on to play for the Cleveland Browns.

Today, this beloved snack cake, known as the "Twinkie", (named after a pair of shoes called "Twinkle Toes") sells approximately 500 million units annually, making it one of America's most popular treats.

So, next time you bite into a delicious, creamy-filled snack cake, remember it was invented here in Illinois.