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