Are you a fan of the marshmallow goodness known as Peeps?
If so, you’ll be happy to know that National Peeps Day is just around the corner!
This sweet holiday is celebrated on April 5th every year, and it’s the perfect excuse to give in to that sweet tooth craving.
Whether you prefer the classic yellow chicks or the newer flavors and shapes, National Peeps Day is the perfect time to stock up on these marshmallow goodies.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Peeps and how they became such a beloved treat.
We’ll also share some fun ideas for celebrating National Peeps Day, from baking delicious treats to creating fun crafts.
So whether you’re a die-hard Peeps fan or just looking for a fun way to celebrate a sweet holiday, keep reading to learn more about National Peeps Day!
History of Peeps
As mentioned earlier, National Peeps Day is celebrated every year on April 5th. This day is dedicated to the iconic marshmallow candy which has been an American favorite since for over half a century!
Back in 1953, Just Born, a candy manufacturer established by Sam Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, acquired the Rodda Candy Company. This strategic move paved the way for Just Born to revolutionize the production of marshmallow chicks by replacing the traditional hand-forming process with more efficient mass production techniques. As a result, Just Born’s rise to the top was inevitable, with the company ultimately becoming the world’s largest marshmallow candy manufacturer.
During the 1960s, Just Born started creating Peeps in various shapes and flavors, including the famous Marshmallow Peeps Bunny. The colors of these delightful treats ranged from yellow, pink, white, lavender, and blue. Then, between 1999 and 2002, Just Born expanded its range of flavors, introducing vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate Peeps to the mix.
In 2009, Just Born took the Peeps brand to new heights by introducing lip balm and other fun accessories. The popularity of Peeps also led other companies to produce items with a Peeps theme, such as pillows and costumes. Peeps & Co. stores even started popping up in Maryland, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Then, in 2014, Just Born introduced Peeps Minis to the delight of fans everywhere.
An annual Peeps Eating contest is held at National Harbor, California and Maryland, with the 2017 winner eating 255 Peeps in 5 minutes!
Newspapers and various organizations hold annual contests related to Peeps, usually around Easter.
Over the years, Peeps have become synonymous with Easter and have become a staple in Easter baskets across America. However, their popularity has grown beyond just Easter, with Peeps now available in a variety of shapes and flavors for different holidays and occasions.
| Aspect | History of Peeps |
|---|---|
| Origin | Just Born, a candy manufacturer in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, acquired the Rodda Candy Company in 1953. |
| Production Technique | Traditional hand-forming process was replaced by mass production techniques. |
| Varieties | Peeps were produced in different shapes and flavors including bunnies, chicks, and various colors. |
| Expansion | Just Born expanded its range of flavors, introduced lip balm, accessories, and even Peeps Minis. |
| Popularity | Peeps have become synonymous with Easter and are now available in a variety of shapes and flavors. |
| Contests | Peeps Eating contest is held annually in California and Maryland. Newspapers and organizations also hold contests related to Peeps. |
Celebrating National Peeps Day
Crafts and Decorating with Peeps
One fun way to celebrate National Peeps Day is by decorating your home with Peeps. You can use Peeps to create a colorful and festive atmosphere. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Hang Peeps garlands around your home
- Create Peeps centerpieces for your table
- Add Peeps to your Easter baskets or gift bags
Variations of Peeps
If you thought Peeps only came in the classic yellow chick shape, think again! The company that makes Peeps, has been expanding their flavor and shape offerings in recent years.
Here are some of the variations of Peeps that you can find:
- Flavors: Peeps now come in a variety of flavors, including Dr. Pepper, cotton candy, and root beer float. They even have a hot tamale flavor for those who like a spicy kick!
- Shapes: In addition to the classic chick shape, Peeps now come in a variety of shapes for different holidays. For Halloween, you can find Peeps shaped like ghosts, pumpkins, and monsters! For Christmas, there are trees and snowmen!
- Colors: Peeps are no longer just yellow! You can find them in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, and green.
- Dipped: Some Peeps are dipped in chocolate or other coatings for an extra layer of sweetness.
Whether you prefer the classic yellow chick or want to try one of the newer flavors and shapes, there’s a Peep out there for everyone. So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth on National Peeps Day!
| Aspect | Variations of Peeps |
|---|---|
| Flavors | Peeps are available in various flavors like Dr. Pepper, cotton candy, root beer float, and hot tamale. |
| Shapes | Peeps now come in different shapes for various holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. |
| Colors | Peeps are available in a variety of colors including pink, blue, and green. |
| Dipped | Some Peeps are dipped in chocolate or other coatings for an extra layer of sweetness. |
Recipes Using Peeps
If you have leftover Peeps after National Peeps Day, don’t worry! There are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use them up. Here are a few recipes to try:
- Peeps S’mores: Swap out the traditional marshmallow for a Peep and make s’mores with a twist. Toast the Peep over an open flame until it’s golden brown and sandwich it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.
- Peeps Rice Krispie Treats: Add some color and sweetness to your classic Rice Krispie treats by mixing in some chopped up Peeps. The marshmallow flavor will complement the crispy cereal and make for a fun and festive treat.
- Peeps Milkshake: Blend together vanilla ice cream, milk, and a few Peeps for a creamy and colorful milkshake. Top it off with whipped cream and some extra Peeps for a fun and indulgent dessert.
- Peeps Popcorn: Melt some butter and marshmallows in a saucepan and stir in some popped popcorn and chopped up Peeps. Spread the mixture out on a baking sheet and let it cool before breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
| Aspect | Recipes Using Peeps |
|---|---|
| Peeps S’mores | Toast Peeps over an open flame and sandwich them between graham crackers with chocolate. |
| Peeps Rice Krispie Treats | Mix chopped up Peeps with classic Rice Krispie treats for a colorful and sweet twist. |
| Peeps Milkshake | Blend vanilla ice cream, milk, and Peeps for a creamy and indulgent dessert. |
| Peeps Popcorn | Melt butter, marshmallows, and chopped Peeps, mix with popcorn, and let cool for a bite-sized treat. |
Fun Facts About Peeps
Peeps are a beloved Easter candy that has been around for over 60 years. Here are some fun facts about Peeps that you may not know:
- Peeps were originally made by hand, taking 27 hours to create just one Peep. Today, it only takes six minutes to make a Peep!
- Every day, around 5.5 million Peeps are produced.
- A single Peep contains only 28 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie treat.
Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that Peeps have become a staple of the Easter season.
So why not celebrate National Peeps Day on April 5th by indulging in a few of these sweet treats?
Hey there, I’m Melody! I’m a lifelong foodie and love talking about it to anyone who’s willing to listen (or read!) about my opinions. My favorite pastimes include cooking, eating my cooking and thinking about what I’m going to make next!
