The T.W.I.N.K.I.E.S Maximum Density Test


Test Information:
	Test Subject: Standard Twinkie Control Subject: Standard Twinkie Blender Model: Unknown Test Location: 4th floor bathroom, Lovett College, Rice University Start Time: Monday, May 8, 1995 20:24 CST Stop Time: Monday, May 8, 1995 20:47 CST


Test Description:
	This test involved a series of measurements and calculations designed to determine the density of a Twinkie.

Observations:

Figure 1:These before and after photographs clearly show a normal Twinkie (left), and a much denser Twinkie that has succumbed to "liquification" (right)

Before Test:
Before the test, both the control and the experimental Twinkies appeared within the range that would be described as a "normal" Twinkie.

Immediate Results:
Our first task was to remove as much of the air from the Twinkie as possible. To do this, two Twinkies were fed into a blender and "liquified" (see Fig. 1).

Next, the resulting goo was packed as tightly as possible into a 50 mL beaker. The total volume of the two blended Twinkies was 65 mL. Using the dimensions of a Twinkie (2.7 cm x 9.9 cm x 3.8 cm), we were able to calculate the total volume of 101.6 cubic centimeters (see Fig.2).

Using a little simple math (applied by magic marker to the bathroom mirror and duplicated for your convenience below), we were able to calculate that a Twinkie is 68% air and only 32% Twinkie stuff.

Figure 2:Twinkie scientist Chris Gouge correctly and safely measures the length of a Twinkie with a "shatter resistant" ruler. Safety first!

Normal               2.7 cm 
Twinkie              9.9 cm 
volume:            x 3.8 cm 
                   -------- 
                   101.6 cmł
                
Compressed          65   mL
Twinkie            ÷ 2   Tw
volume:            --------
                    32.5 mL/Tw
                  = 32.5 cmł
                  
Compressed/         32.5 cmł
normal           ÷ 101.6 cmł
ratio:           ----------
                    31.99 %

Therefore, Twinkies are 68% air
by volume.

Once again, nothing happened to the control during the experiment.

Long Term Results:
Neither the Twinkie goo nor the control changed any in the period after the end of the experiment.


Conclusions:
	Twinkies sure taste good for something that is 68% air.


Possible Applications:
	If you're packing for a trip and want to take 100 Twinkies but only have room for 32, then you can compress your Twinkies as we did and then you will have room for all of the Twinkies. Trust me, they still taste just as good when compressed. This application can be repeated with similar ratios of Twinkies to space. Don't forget to pack clothes as well, though.

Last edited July 24, 1999