yodels

Yodels may refer to two distinct things: a form of vocal music and a brand of snack cakes. As a vocal technique, a yodel is a rapid shift between a speaker’s normal voice and a higher register, producing a distinctive up-and-down effect. Yodeling is most closely associated with Alpine folk traditions but has appeared in various musical genres and popular culture, sometimes in humorous or theatrical contexts. The plural form “yodels” is used mainly to describe performances or pieces that feature this technique.

In the realm of food, Yodels are a brand of snack cakes produced by the American bakery Drake’s. The cakes consist of a chocolate sponge rolled around a cream filling and coated in a chocolate glaze. They are sold as individual servings and have been a familiar item in many American grocery stores, particularly in the mid- to late 20th century and into the present. The product sits within a family of similar Swiss roll–style treats offered by different brands.

The two uses of the word share little connection beyond cultural associations with the Alpine region. The musical sense and the snack brand are distinct in origin and purpose, and the name overlap reflects broader cultural motifs rather than a direct relationship between the two.