10 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About Marshmallow Peeps
Peeps candy occupies a special place in American food culture. Of all the Easter traditions we enjoy, many people would agree that Sunday morning is just not complete without at least a bite of a marshmallow chick or bunny. The bright confections are staples in kids' Easter baskets and creative Easter treats. Folks eat Peeps even if they don't typically enjoy marshmallows. In fact, they're incomparable to any other marshmallow on the market—they come to us fluffy, sticky, airy, and puffy in the most vibrant neon colors and with delightful sugary flavors. And the outer sanding of sugar gives these chewy treats a unique crunch. With Easter around the corner, we must ask, what makes this marshmallow different from all other marshmallows?
Well, quite a bit, actually! Each Peep comes to consumers from Just Born Quality Confections, which has manufactured them in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania since 1953. "People have such strong feelings about Peeps because they have been an Easter and springtime staple for so many generations!" says Caitlin Servian, Peeps Brand Manager. We talked to Servian about the history of the beloved Easter dessert and the fascinating facts you might not already know.
Peeps production used to look very different.
Way back in the day when Peeps were Just Born (see what we did there 😁), the company was still getting the hang of creating the now classic Peeps shape. "In 1953, it took 27 hours to create one Peeps marshmallow chick," according to their website. "Today, thanks to advances in technology, it takes six minutes." What's more, these chicks didn't always have their instantly recognizable image. Initially, the wings were more pronounced, but in the late 1950s, designers decided to have the wings "clipped" to give the birds a sleek, modern look.
A lot of work goes into a day in the life of a Peeps developer.
There's a lot that goes into developing new peeps products as the company tries to introduce new flavors that hit the sweet spot between tradition and innovation. The process starts with a research and development team, which works closely with flavor houses to create new flavors. Then, as Servian explains, the company has "a variety of associates who serve as our taste testers when they're in development."
Peeps fans start young.
Servian says that most Americans had their first experience with Peeps marshmallow chicks and bunnies by the time they were nine years old. That exposure is probably why 81% of Americans say they associate those candies with Easter, and 57% say Peeps marshmallow chicks and bunnies are the first sign of spring.
Fans play a role in the flavor-making process.
While the company doesn't solicit ideas, fan opinions and the fandom around Peeps play a pretty big role in developing new products. "For example, our classic Peeps chicks and bunnies have been top sellers for years," Servian explains, "and we've been able to grow the Peeps brand through flavors that have even more appeal with a younger audience like party cake, Mike and Ike, and kettle corn."
Peeps are made in the millions every year.
So how many marshmallow candies does it take to fill Easter baskets in every household in America? A whole lot. According to their website's statistics, the company produces enough Peeps marshmallow candies in one year to circle the earth—twice! That's a lot of sugar!
Bonus fact: If you had 8,000 Peeps bunnies and stood them in a straight vertical line, you would reach the top of the iconic Willis Tower in Chicago. (That's theoretically speaking, of course... but what a sweet experiment that would be!)
Aged vs. fresh Peeps is a hot debate.
There's a contingent of Americans who take their Peeps like they take their wine. "Some prefer their marshmallow chicks and bunnies finely aged," Servian says. While these folks enjoy their Peeps a little tougher, "fresh Peeps were preferred by 88% of Americans."
The first Peeps color is still the favorite.
Anyone who's been around long enough may know that yellow and white Peeps chicks and bunnies came first, followed by pink, lavender, blue, green, and orange. The original is still everyone's favorite: yellow is America's best-selling color for the chicks and bunnies, followed by pink and blue!
Celebs, they're just like us! (And they love Peeps.)
Just like the plebeian public, some celebs have professed a love for Peeps. "Celebrity fans who love Peeps, include, but are certainly not limited to, Reese Witherspoon, Cher, Katie Lee, Bethenny Frankel, Justin Bieber, Miranda Cosgrove, Olivia Culpo, Joe Jonas, and Dove Cameron," Servian says.
There's a reason why some people have such a strong Peepsonality.
Servian cites a sense of nostalgia for the marshmallow candy's lasting power. "Since people have received Peeps in their Easter baskets for so many years," as Servian explains, "they continue to make Peeps a special part of Easter celebrations for their children and families."
While many fans love to eat the classic marshmallow, others enjoy creating crafts and recipes with them, too. Plus, who could resist the lovable chick and bunny characters?
America has its very own contest tradition thanks to Peeps.
Imagine an intricate diorama, just a few inches tall, depicting the 1963 March on Washington with a crowd of sugary bunnies holding hand-painted signs. That was the diorama that won the 2014 Washington Post Peeps Diorama Contest, which has become one of the most well-known Peeps diorama contests in the nation! Servian says the Just Born company loves it: "We love to see all the unique and creative ways people use Peeps marshmallow candy to create dazzling displays year after year!"
That's all for now, Peeps! 🐥
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