Zookies Cookies is an iconic brand that has been delighting cookie lovers since the 1970s. With their chewy texture and signature flavors like chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and peanut butter, Zookies has earned a loyal following over the decades. However, in recent years, fans have wondered if this classic cookie company is still baking up delicious treats or if they have gone out of business. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Zookies Cookies, look at recent developments with the brand, and determine if you can still enjoy these nostalgic cookies today.
The Origins of Zookies Cookies
Zookies Cookies traces its roots back to 1975 when it was founded by entrepreneur Zachary “Zook” Johnson. Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Zook perfected his chewy cookie recipe and began selling the cookies locally. The cookies were an instant hit, winning over fans with their soft, chewy texture and generous size. By the late 1970s, Zookies Cookies expanded distribution throughout the Midwest in grocery stores. In the 1980s, the brand went national, securing shelf space in major supermarkets across the U.S. Through shrewd marketing and consistent quality, Zookies became one of the leading cookie brands in America by the 1990s.
For over four decades, Zookies Cookies chugged along as a family-owned cookie business. Zachary Johnson eventually passed the company down to his son, who maintained the brand’s signature qualities and nostalgic appeal. Even as competitor brands entered the scene, Zookies maintained strong sales and brand recognition. The iconic blue packaging and indulgent cookie recipes kept fans coming back year after year.
Recent Changes and Developments
In 2016, there was a major change at Zookies Cookies – the Johnson family sold the company to a large commercial bakery conglomerate called Baker’s Bliss Inc. This raised some questions among loyal Zookies fans about what would happen to their beloved cookies under new management. However, Baker’s Bliss promised that Zookies would maintain the same recipes, quality ingredients, and production process. They wanted to preserve the brand’s retro appeal and authenticity.
Since the acquisition, Baker’s Bliss has worked to modestly update aspects of the Zookies brand. They’ve introduced some new package designs and formulations while keeping the core products consistent. For example, Zookies has released some seasonal cookie varieties, like pumpkin spice and gingerbread. They’ve also worked to modernize their e-commerce operations, making it easier for customers to order Zookies Cookies online and have them shipped.
While the brand has gone through changes since the 1970s, Baker’s Bliss insists they are committed to upholding Zookies’ legacy and bringing the iconic cookies to new generations of fans. The company has so far preserved many of the nostalgic brand elements people know and love.
Where to Find Zookies Cookies Today
The good news for cookie lovers is that Zookies Cookies are still widely available today! Here is where you can find the classic treats:
- Grocery Stores – Zookies are still distributed in major supermarkets across the U.S. Check the cookie or bakery aisle for their signature blue packaging.
- Online Store – Zookies now sells many varieties on their website Zookies.com with nationwide shipping.
- Amazon – The cookies are also available on Amazon in packs of 24 and 36.
- Fundraising – Many groups like schools and sports teams sell Zookies for fundraising.
- Specialty Retailers – Some candy shops, gift basket companies, and bakeries also offer specialty packs of Zookies.
Zookies maintains a store locator on their website that allows you to find local retailers near you that stock the cookies. So Zookies fans across the country can likely find a way to satisfy their cookie cravings!
The Zookies Varieties You Can Enjoy
Zookies continues baking up all of their classic cookie flavors that fans have loved for decades. Here are the tasty Zookies varieties you can still enjoy today:
| Zookies Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Chip | Chewy cookies packed with semisweet chocolate chips; likely their most popular flavor |
| Peanut Butter | Cookies with crunchy peanut butter and a classic peanut butter cookie dough |
| Snickerdoodle | Cinnamon sugar cookies with a cake-like texture |
| Oatmeal Raisin | An oatmeal cookie studded with plump, juicy raisins |
| White Chip Macadamia | Buttery cookies with white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts |
| Triple Chocolate | Dark, milk, and white chocolate chips all baked into one cookie |
| Gingerbread | Molasses and ginger spice cookies with a classic gingerbread flavor |
| Pumpkin Spice | A seasonal fall cookie with pumpkin pie-inspired flavors |
Zookies rotates through some limited batch and seasonal flavors as well. But these eight varieties remain their permanent cookie lineup that fans can rely on year after year.
How Zookies Stays Relevant in Today’s Market
One might wonder how Zookies Cookies manages to stay relevant and thrive amid endless new cookie brands and competitors. Here are some of the key factors that help Zookies maintain their strong market position today:
- Brand nostalgia – Zookies evokes happy memories of childhood for generations of cookie lovers. This taps into powerful nostalgia marketing.
- Quality and consistency – Unlike some brands, Zookies quality has stayed consistent over decades.
- Range of flavors – Their lineup has expanded beyond just chocolate chip to offer more variety.
- E-commerce sales – Their online store makes Zookies easily accessible for all fans nationwide.
- Fundraising angle – Selling cookies for school and sports fundraising introduces Zookies to younger generations.
- Limited editions – New seasonal varieties keep the brand from feeling stale.
Zookies also benefits from the lasting power of family-owned food brands. As a classic American cookie company, Zookies touches on enduring nostalgia and comfort food appeal that keeps customers coming back.
Why Fans Still Love Zookies
Nearly 50 years after they first debuted, Zookies Cookies still have a devoted fanbase that raves about their products. Here are some of the reasons Zookies enthusiasts are still loyal to the brand:
- The perfectly chewy, soft texture of the cookies melts in your mouth.
- The cookies have an old-fashioned from-scratch flavor you can taste.
- Each cookie is generously sized for maximum enjoyment.
- The classic flavors and recipes transport you back to childhood.
- Zookies skipping preservatives or artificial ingredients appeals to modern shoppers.
- The comforting, familiar packaging sparks warm nostalgia.
- Quality has remained consistent over the decades.
For many cookie fans, Zookies just epitomizes the perfect cookie experience – indulgent, nostalgic, and crafted with care. That’s why the brand maintains an emotional connection and loyal following after all these years.
Conclusion
Zookies Cookies has certainly evolved since starting out as a small family bakery in Ohio in the 1970s. However, even with an acquisition and gradual modernization, Zookies has retained the nostalgic charm that makes it a classic American cookie brand. Loyal fans can rest assured that Zookies is still baking up the same chewy, decadent cookies today.
While Zookies may have a new owner, their commitment to upholding the original flavors and baking traditions remains. By balancing small brand evolutions with a consistent, craveworthy cookie, Zookies continues delighting generations of cookie lovers. The next time you have a cookie craving, you can feel confident grabbing a pack of these timeless classics off your grocery store shelf or ordering online to enjoy some chewy nostalgia in every bite.