NEW YORK — Hostess Brands Inc., the maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, is seeking bankruptcy protection, blaming its pension and medical benefits obligations, increased competition and tough economic conditions.

The Chapter 11 filing today comes just two years after a predecessor company emerged from bankruptcy proceedings.

That company, called Interstate Bakeries and based in Kansas City, Mo., filed for bankruptcy protection in 2004. It emerged in February 2009.

But Hostess said Wednesday that its previous efforts to produce incremental change, including the prior Chapter 11 case, were insufficient.

Hostess President and CEO Brian Driscoll said in a statement the company is working to reach a consensual agreement with its unions to modify its collective bargaining agreements. The company said its current cost structure is not competitive mostly because of legacy pension and medical benefit obligations and restrictive work rules.