The TWINKIE Experiments

[Charean]

In an effort to clarify questions about the purported durability and unusual physical characteristics of Twinkies, we subjected the Hostess snack food to the following experiments:

Exposure

A Twinkie was left on a window ledge for four days, during which time an inch and a half of rain fell. Many flies were observed crawling across the Twinkie's surface, but contrary to hypothesis, birds -- even pigeons -- avoided this potential source of sustenance.

Despite the rain and prolonged exposure to the sun, the Twinkie retained its original color and form. When removed, the Twinkie was found to be substantially dehydrated. Cracked open, it was observed to have taken on the consistency of industrial foam insulation; the filling, however, retained its advertised "creaminess."

Radiation

A Twinkie was placed in a conventional microwave oven, which was set for precisely 4 minutes -- the approximate cooking time of bacon. After 20 seconds, the oven began to emit the Twinkie's rich, characteristic aroma of artificial butter. After 1 minute, this aroma began to resemble the acrid smell of burning rubber. The experiment was aborted after 2 minutes, 10 seconds, when thick, foul smoke began billowing from the top of the oven. A second Twinkie was subjected to the same experiment. This Twinkie leaked molten white filling. When cooled, this now epoxylike filling bonded the Twinkie to its plate, defying gravity; it was removed only upon application of a butter knife.

Extreme Force

A Twinkie was dropped from a ninth-floor window, a fall of approximately 120 feet. It landed right side up, then bounced onto its back. The expected "splatter" effect was not observed. Indeed, the only discernible damage to the Twinkie was a narrow fissure on its underside. Otherwise, the Twinkie remained structurally intact.

Extreme Cold

A Twinkie was placed in a conventional freezer for 24 hours. Upon removal, the Twinkie was not found to be frozen solid, but its physical properties had noticeably "slowed": the filling was found to be the approximate consistency of acrylic paint, while exhibiting the mercurylike property of not adhering to practically any surface. It was noticed that the Twinkie had generously absorbed freezer odors.

Extreme Heat

A Twinkie was exposed to a gas flame for 2 minutes. While the Twinkie smoked and blackened and the filling in one of its "cream holes" boiled, the Twinkie did not catch fire. It did, however, produce the same "burning rubber" aroma noticed during the radiation experiment.

Immersion

A Twinkie was dropped into a large beaker filled with tap water. The Twinkie floated momentarily, began to list and sink, and viscous yellow tendrils ran off its lower half, possibly consisting of a water-soluble artificial coloring. After 2 hours, the Twinkie had bloated substantially. Its coloring was now a very pale tan -- in contrast to the yellow water that surrounded it. The Twinkie bobbed when touched, and had a gelatinous texture. After 72 hours, the Twinkie was found to have bloated to roughly 200 percent of its original size, the water had turned opaque, and a small, fan-shaped spray of filling had leaked from one of the "cream holes." Unfortunately, efforts to remove the Twinkie for further analysis were abandoned when, under light pressure, the Twinkie disintegrated into an amorphous cloud of debris. A distinctly sour odor was noted.

Summary of Results

The Twinkie's survival of a 120-foot drop, along with some of the unusual phenomena associated with the "creamy filling" and artificial coloring, should give pause to those observers who would unequivocally categorize the Twinkie as "food." Further clinical inquiry is required before any definite conclusions can be drawn.

[Timber Loftis]

How very very scientific. Any experiments in the works for marshmallow puff?

[AliCat]

I've also heard that Twinkies are not baked in an oven; they're chemically "baked". Also, while still wrapped, they've been found to have a shelf life of at least fifteen years.

[Sir Goulum]

I see the headlines now....

*PUPLIC ANNOUNCEMENT*

Twinkies have been found to be a dangerous substance due to experiments done 3 weeks ago. It survived a 120 meter fall, and therefore shouldn't be consumed by humans

[The Hunter of Jahanna]

If you crust them with hazel nuts and deep fry them Twinkies become a lovely treat!!

[/)eathKiller]

ROTFLMAO! did you know that a 90+ year old man is living off of nothing but a twinky and a banana a day... i saw him on the discovery channel once [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Eudoxus]

Charean, pardon my ignorance, but what sort of alien being is a Twinky & does it object to TTD (testing to destruction)?

[Bruce The Aussie]

well at least the twinkys weakness was finally found. prolonged exposure to water [img]smile.gif[/img] .
shame you can't get twinkeys in england .

[Charean]

Twinkies are supposedly yellow cake with creamy filling.
You can only get them in the US - and thank your lucky stars for that.

Twinkies - when they were first made, were actually halfway decent. They were indeed yellow cake with a sugary cream frosting center. Over the years, they have become TOTALLY chemically made. There are no natural ingredients in Twinkies.

Because of this, you will see many jokes about this snack.

Aren't you sorry you asked? [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Neb]

I suddenly feel tempted to go to the US, buy some Twinkies, and perform these experiments with them Heheheh.... And yes, I find it fun to do those sort of things to stuff and watch the effects