Peeps

Peeps are marshmallow candies, sold in the United States and Canada, that are shaped into chicks, bunnies, and other animals. They are produced by Just Born, a candy manufacturer based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Peeps are used primarily to fill Easter baskets, though recent advertising campaigns market the candy as "Peeps - Always in Season", as Peeps has since expanded to include Halloween, Christmas and Valentine's Day; since 2014 it has been available year-round with the introduction of Peeps Minis.

History

Peeps were first manufactured by the Rodda Candy Company in the 1920s, but Just Born acquired the company in 1953. The original Peeps were handmade, formed by a pastry tube and took 27 hours to create. In 1954, Just Born mechanized the process, speeding it up to six minutes.

Varieties

There are many different types of Peeps available, including the original chick and bunny shapes, as well as pumpkins, ghosts, Christmas trees, hearts, and more. They also come in a variety of flavors, including the original plain marshmallow, chocolate mousse, strawberry, vanilla, and others. In addition to the standard size, Peeps also come in a smaller, bite-sized version called Peeps Minis.

Cultural impact

Peeps have become a popular cultural phenomenon in the United States. They are often used in arts and crafts projects and recipe creations, and there are even annual contests for Peeps dioramas. They have also been the subject of numerous scientific experiments due to their unique physical properties.

See also

• Marshmallow
• Just Born
• Rodda Candy Company