Introduction to Peeps

Peeps are a type of marshmallow candy that come in a variety of bright colors and flavors, and are often associated with the Easter holiday. They are made by Just Born Quality Confections, a family-owned candy manufacturer based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Peeps are one of the most recognizable and iconic candies in the United States, with a loyal following of fans who love them, and a equally dedicated group of haters who despise them.

History of Peeps

The first Peeps were made in the 1920s, and were originally made by hand, a process that took 27 hours. In the 1950s, Bob Born, the son of the company’s founder, developed a machine that could make Peeps in just six minutes. This machine is still used today to make the iconic candies.

How Many Peeps are Made Each Year?

On average, about 5.5 million Peeps are made every day, which adds up to around 2 billion Peeps per year. This works out to roughly 6 Peeps for every person in the United States.

Peeps Manufacturing Process

The process of making Peeps involves combining sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin to create a marshmallow mixture, which is then shaped and sent through a "sugar shower" to give it its signature color and texture. A whopping 400 pounds of sugar is used per batch to make the colored sugars that coat the Peeps.

By TASSANEE VEJPONGSA and JOHN SEEWER

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday.

Millions are made daily in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Just Born Quality Confections, a family-owned candy manufacturer that also churns out Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.

Peeps is Just Born’s most recognizable brand and one of a handful of candies that evoke strong reactions — good and bad. Some say an Easter basket isn’t complete without Peeps while others deride them as being indestructible. Some use them in recipes or even artwork.

“Even if you’re not usually one to gravitate to eating the Peeps, there’s always so many other fun ways to include them in your celebrations,” said Caitlin Servian, brand manager for Peeps.

How Many Different Varieties and Colors are There?

Peeps come in a variety of colors and flavors, with nine different colors available for Easter, including pink, blue, and lavender. There are also 14 different flavors available for Easter, including cookies and cream, fruit punch, and sour watermelon. The varieties and colors vary throughout the year to match different holiday seasons.

How Long Does it Take to Make a Peep?

Thanks to the machine developed by Bob Born, Peeps can now be made in just six minutes. This is a significant reduction from the 27 hours it took to make them by hand.

Peeps Manufacturing

The main ingredients — sugar, corn syrup and gelatin — are cooked and combined to create marshmallows, which are then shaped and sent through a “sugar shower.”
A whopping 400 pounds of sugar is used per batch for Peeps’ colored sugars.
Freshly made Peeps — each chick weighs one-third of an ounce — then move along a conveyor so that they can cool before being packaged.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peeps are a beloved and iconic candy that have been a part of American culture for nearly a century. With their bright colors, variety of flavors, and nostalgic appeal, it’s no wonder that they remain a popular treat for many people. Whether you love them or hate them, Peeps are undeniably a part of the Easter holiday tradition.

FAQs

Q: How many Peeps are made each year?
A: Approximately 2 billion Peeps are made each year.
Q: How long does it take to make a Peep?
A: Thanks to the machine developed by Bob Born, Peeps can now be made in just six minutes.
Q: What are the main ingredients in Peeps?
A: The main ingredients in Peeps are sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.
Q: How many different colors and flavors of Peeps are there?
A: Peeps come in a variety of colors and flavors, with nine different colors and 14 different flavors available for Easter.
Q: Who makes Peeps?
A: Peeps are made by Just Born Quality Confections, a family-owned candy manufacturer based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.