I’m probably going to ruin my fit foodie reputation by reviewing these Hostess 100 Calories Cupcakes, but so be it. I think we all want to relive our childhood (albeit in a less caloric way), and this - I thought - was my way of doing so.

Remember the Hostess Cupcakes of your childhood? The moist chocolaty cake, the creamy white filling, the thick fudge icing with the little white swirls on top? I do. So when I saw the new 100 calorie version on the store shelves, how could I resist? Even more impressive -- according to the box you get THREE cupcakes for each 100 calorie serving! It seemed too good to be true!  And unfortunately, it was.

The box said it contained six packages each containing three cupcakes. (The serving size was a package of three). In the picture on the front of the box they look big and plump. I never stopped to wonder how it was that they could fit SO many cupcakes in so small a box. So when I pulled the first package of cupcakes out, I actually shrieked with laughter upon looking at their size. They are TINY. And I MEAN tiny. Each “cupcake” (and I use that term loosely) is about the size of a half dollar and about a ½ inch thick. It takes two bites (small ones) to eat each cupcake. The whole package is six bites (if you’re controlling yourself).

Each miniscule cake is covered with chocolate icing (although not at all like my memory of the rich fudgy coating), and each is filled with cream (although again, not living up to my memory). The cake itself is very sweet with a slightly gummy, somewhat artificial chocolate taste.

Now, to be fair, I had eaten a “real” Drake’s Yodel recently -- so I was probably unfairly comparing the mini cupcakes to the full fat Yodel. And to also be fair, the cupcakes were probably no worse that the Weight Watchers Snack Cakes that I gave a good review to. I guess the difference was that I knew what I was getting with a WW snack cake, but with Hostess, I had unrealistic expectations.

If you are a sweet tooth and need a calorie restricted treat, these may be a solution. The kind that I got (chocolate cake, chocolate frosting) somehow manage to pack 5 grams of fiber into the tiny cakes, making them end up to be a mere 1 point on the Weight Watchers point system. For 1 point, they may be worthwhile. However, if you want an actual indulgence, then have the real thing -- on VERY rare occasions. Sometimes quality is better than quantity. In this case, you don’t even get the quantity.

Fit Foodie bottom line - for 1 WW point, these teeny weeny cakes are okay and might satisfy an occasional sweet craving, but if you are looking to recreate the taste of your childhood… look elsewhere.

Note to Vegetarians - Be warned, these cakes may contain beef fat. If you are a vegetarian (or squeamish) these cakes are not for you.