A lot of the nationwide products that got started a century ago were first produced without any artifical ingredients. Until years later as each additive creeped in. I imagine a lot of them under persuasive sales presure from the vendor of the additive.
Doesn't mean they were not yet seriously processed or truly the healthiest to consume.
OTOH there's always vegan Twinkies now:
https://oopsydaisysweets.com/products/vinkies
So attractively priced at only $30.00 a half dozen, they just sold out :(
