Ho Hos are small, 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 YodelsbyDrake's and Swiss Cake RollsbyLittle Debbie.
Sold two or three per package, they contain about 120 calories per roll.[5]
The product is also produced in CanadabyVachon Inc., which holds its Canadian rights, but they are marketed as Chocolate Swiss Rolls.[6]
A San Francisco bakery created the first Ho Hos in 1967.[7]
Happy Ho Ho was created in the 1970s[8] and was the original cartoon mascot for Ho Hos. The mascot appeared on the boxes, ads, and television commercials[9] for many years before he was discontinued. The character wore an outfit similar to that of Robin Hood,[10] including a feathered cap.
Anut-covered version named Nutty Ho Hos was introduced in 1989,[11] along with a promotional search for "the country's nuttiest celebrity laugh" which was awarded to comedian Eddie Murphy based on consumer votes.[7][9]
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]
