Ho Hos

Ho Hos are small, semi cylindrical, frosted, cream-filled chocolate snack cakes[1] with a pinwheel design based on the Swiss roll. Made by Hostess Brands,[2][3][4] they are similar to Yodels by Drake's and Swiss Cake Rolls by Little Debbie.

Sold two or three per package, they contain about 120 calories per roll.[5]

The product is also produced in Canada by Vachon Inc., which holds its Canadian rights, but they are marketed as Chocolate Swiss Rolls.[6]

History

A San Francisco bakery created the first Ho Hos in 1967.

Happy Ho Ho was created in the 1970s[7] and was the original cartoon mascot for Ho Hos. The mascot appeared on the boxes, ads, and television commercials[8] for many years before he was discontinued. The character wore an outfit similar to that of Robin Hood,[9] including a feathered cap.

Additional varieties

A nut-covered version named Nutty Ho Hos was introduced in 1989,[10] along with a promotional search for "the country's nuttiest celebrity laugh" which was awarded to comedian Eddie Murphy based on consumer votes.[11][8]

Caramel Ho Hos were introduced in February 2004. The modified snack includes a layer of caramel along with the creme filling.[12] Caramel-chocolate Ho Hos were another new flavor, introduced in May 2003.[13]

See also

• Yule log (cake)