A Peep Inside the History of Peeps

Easter is almost here, which means that little Ivy, Bastien’s sweet five-year-old niece from Because You Said Yes, is probably already anticipating what the Easter Bunny might be bringing for her basket. Chances are good that she might get a little package of Peeps, the highly recognizable, colorful, sugar-coated marshmallow confections shaped as chicks and bunnies. After all, there are around two billion Peeps made every year. You always know Easter is approaching when you start seeing Peeps hit the shelves. But do you ever wonder how they got their start? 

You may already know that Peeps are produced by the Just Born candy company (who also makes popular candies like Mike and Ikes and Hot Tamales). Just Born has been producing Peeps in Bethlehem, PA, since 1953. However, many people don’t know that they actually originated with the Rodda candy company in Lancaster, PA, which Just Born acquired in 1953. (Rodda is still recognized for their innovative jelly-bean-manufacturing technology.)

 At the time, the little hand-formed marshmallow chicks manufactured by Rodda took 27 hours — 27 hours — to make. Just Born modernized the process. Their production changes meant that instead of 27 hours, they could make Peeps in just six minutes.

 Today, you can find Peeps not only in many different flavors, but also year-round. Peep trees, anyone?

So, the question is, are you Team Peep, or can you pass?

If you’re Team Peep … or not, there are lots of things you can do with a peep to make them more palatable. Click here to find out.

If you celebrate, I hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful Easter (with or without Peeps)!