Limited-Time Offerings Drive Big Wins & Hostess® Is Ready for 2026

Limited-time offerings (LTOs) aren’t just eye-catching, they’re proven traffic and basket builders. In fact, 64% of spring LTO sweet baked good purchases are impulse-driven*, and more than half of shoppers buy seasonal treats multiple times throughout the season*, according to Hostess®. For IGA retailers, that makes LTOs a powerful way to increase trips, ring, and excitement — especially when paired with the right brand.

For Spring and Summer 2026, Hostess® is delivering a full slate of limited-time programs designed to help independent grocers and wholesalers capitalize on seasonal moments, from Easter through peak summer celebrations.

Below is a breakdown of each Hostess® LTO program, including order deadlines, what each store receives, and key selling points.

Spring 2026 Hostess LTO Program

Ship Window: February 2, 2026 – March 15, 2026

Spring is one of the strongest seasonal selling periods for sweet baked goods, driven by Easter and family gatherings. Hostess® Spring LTOs are built to capture impulse, basket-building, and repeat purchase occasions.

Featured Spring LTO Products

• Hostess® x PEEPS® Cupcakes (8ct Multipack)
  Fluffy golden cupcakes with marshmallow-flavored filling and icing, topped with festive sprinkles.
  Why it wins: Two iconic brands, strong year-over-year PEEPS growth, and heavy media support that fuels shopper excitement.
  
  
• Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cakes (8ct Multipack)
  A bright seasonal twist with blueberry flavor, lemon notes, and signature streusel topping.
  Why it wins: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, and spring entertaining.
  
  
• Carrot Cake Donettes® (9ct Bag)
  Soft carrot cake donuts with a golden outer crumble.
  Why it wins: Seasonal flavor consumers actively seek in spring.
  
  
• Strawberry Cream Twinkies® (8ct Multipack)
  Golden sponge cake filled with strawberry-flavored creme.
  Why it wins: Familiar brand with a seasonal flavor refresh.

Display & Pack Options

• 192 ct Half Pallet Display
  Includes Lemon Blueberry Coffee Cakes, PEEPS Cupcakes, and Strawberry Twinkies
• 48 ct Multipack Case Stacker
• 45 ct Donut Case Stacker
• Display Ready Cases (DRCs) for easy endcap or seasonal aisle placement

Order Deadline:

• Fresh programs: March 8, 2026
• Frozen programs: January 29, 2026 (varies by item)

Summer 2026 Baseball LTO Program

Ship Window: June 8, 2026 – June 28, 2026

Baseball season brings built-in excitement across generations. In fact, the 2025 MLB viewership was up 10% on Fox and up 22% on ESPN compared to 2024, according to MLB.com. Hostess® Baseball LTOs are designed to turn that excitement into incremental sales.

Featured Baseball LTO Products

• Hostess® Baseball Cupcakes – Vanilla & Chocolate (8ct Multipacks)
  Seasonal baseball-themed icing with Hostess’ iconic squiggle.
  Why it wins: Appeals to families, team celebrations, and post-game snacking.

Display & Pack Options

• 48 ct Multipack Case Stacker Display
  Includes equal mix of “Day Game” Vanilla and “Night Game” Chocolate Cupcakes
• 12 ct Display Ready Cases for vanilla or chocolate baseball cupcakes

Left: 48 ct Multipack Case Stacker Display; Right Top: 12 ct Display Case Vanilla; Right Bottom: 12 ct Display Case Chocolate

Order Deadline:

• Fresh: June 21, 2026
• Frozen: May 14, 2026 (by item)

Summer 2026 Patriotic Red, White & Blue LTO Program

Ship Windows: April–June 2026 (varies by item)

With nearly 86% of Americans celebrating the Fourth of July, according to the National Retail Foundation, and billions spent on food, patriotic LTOs are a proven way to drive emotional connection and bigger baskets. This summer matters even more, as we'll be celebrating America's 250th birthday!

Featured Patriotic LTO Products

• Patriotic Cupcakes (8ct Multipack)
  Light vanilla cake with festive sprinkles and seasonal packaging.
  
  
• Red, White & Blue Twinkies® (8ct Multipack)
  Classic Twinkies with patriotic inclusions baked into the cake.
  
  
• Strawberry Donettes® (9ct or 10oz Bags)
  Bright strawberry flavor ideal for summer snacking.

Display & Pack Options

• 192 ct Patriotic Half Pallet Display
  Cupcakes and Twinkies
• 48 ct Multipack Case Stackers
• 45 ct Bagged Donut Case Stackers
• Multiple Display Ready Cases for flexible placement

Order Deadlines:

• Fresh programs: May–June 2026 (varies by item)
• Frozen programs: March 26, 2026 for most displays

Why Hostess® LTOs Work for IGA Retailers

• Drive impulse purchases and repeat trips
• Leverage trusted, high-penetration brands
• Offer flexible display solutions for stores of all sizes
• Align perfectly with seasonal shopping behaviors

If you’re looking to boost excitement, ring, and shopper engagement in 2026, Hostess® Limited-time Offerings deliver the right products at the right moments.

For ordering details and program recommendations, connect with your IGA wholesaler.

*AYTM Season Exploratory | 2024