Whether you love them or leave them in the basket, there’s no denying that Peeps have become an iconic part of the Easter holiday. Did you know these fluffy little treats were created right here in Pennsylvania? That’s right—Peeps have a hometown history rooted in the Keystone State! Let’s take a hop down memory lane and explore the history, production, and popularity of the beloved Peep.

 

Where Did Peeps Come From?

The story of Peeps begins way back in 1923, when a Russian immigrant named Sam Born founded a candy company in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The company, aptly named “Just Born,” would go on to become one of the most well-known candy makers in the United States. In 1953, Just Born acquired the Rodda Candy Company, a small operation that was already making hand-crafted marshmallow chicks. At the time, each Peep was made by hand using pastry tubes—a process that took about 27 hours per batch.

 

From Handmade to Mass Production

Thanks to modern candy-making innovation, Just Born revolutionized the Peep-making process. What once took over a day now takes just six minutes! The company developed a machine to automate production, allowing them to create thousands of Peeps per hour. This major improvement not only boosted production but also made Peeps more widely available across the country.

 

Why Are Peeps Associated with Easter?

The chick shape was originally designed to align with spring themes—rebirth, new life, and, of course, baby animals. As Easter is often celebrated with symbols of springtime, chicks fit right in. Over time, the bright colors and fun shapes made Peeps a natural addition to Easter baskets.

While yellow chicks were the original stars, Peeps have since expanded into bunnies, eggs, and even holiday-themed versions for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. But for many families, the classic yellow Peep remains a nostalgic Easter favorite.

 

How Are Peeps Made Today?

The process of making Peeps is pretty simple, but fascinating for candy fans:

 

Mixing: Peeps start with a whipped marshmallow base made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.

Shaping: The fluffy mixture is piped into molds or directly onto conveyor belts into chick or bunny shapes.

Coating: The marshmallows are immediately sprinkled with colorful sugar crystals.

Eyes On: A tiny dot of edible wax creates the signature Peep eyes—no expression needed!

From there, they’re packaged and sent off to stores across the country, ready to bring a smile to candy lovers of all ages.

 

Fun Peeps Facts for the Whole Family

  • - Around 2 billion Peeps are produced each year.

  • - Peeps were once the #1 non-chocolate Easter candy in the U.S.

  • - There are Peeps-flavored products ranging from milk to lip balm!

  • - In Bethlehem, PA, there's even a New Year’s Eve Peeps drop featuring a giant glowing Peep!
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At PA Virtual, we love opportunities to explore the fun side of learning—and the history of Peeps is a perfect mix of tradition, innovation, and sweet treats. So whether you’re decorating eggs, nibbling on jelly beans, or sinking your teeth into a squishy marshmallow chick, take a moment to appreciate the sugary story behind this sugary classic.