Twinkies Prices Soaring Online; Are You Biting?

Price gouging on Twinkies? Could be.

It seems that some shoppers across the U.S. have been stocking up on the iconic snack food since Friday (November 16) and then reselling it at a hefty markup online, according to media reports.

Not long after Twinkies maker Hostess announced plans to close its doors, people flocked to stores to fill shopping baskets with boxes of the cream-filled sponge cakes and their companion snacks, such as Ding Dongs, Ho Hos and Zingers, the New York Daily News reported.

Opportunists then took to eBay and Craigslist. They began marketing their stashes to collectors and junk-food lovers for hundreds — and in some cases — thousands of dollars, according to reports. Retail price for a box of 10 Twinkies is about $5.

However, Twinkies don't last forever. Most sold at stores Friday carry an expiration date of early December.

John Stansel of Tampa, Fla., is a health nut.

Yet he rummaged shelves Friday at a neighborhood Walgreens and then again early Saturday at Target and a grocery store, the Daily News reported. He spent about $100 for 20 boxes of Twinkies and Ding Dongs. His goal: Sell them for about $1,000.

"Maybe I will hire a personal trainer for myself or go do some shopping at Whole Foods or donate the money to a charity to fight diabetes," Stansel, 40, said. "No matter what, I figure I am getting sugar off the streets."

So, Hartland-- Are you buying extra Twinkies at the store? Do you know someone who has? Share your thoughts on this development in the comments below.