Peeps are a classic American candy that has been a staple in many households, especially during the Easter season. These small, chewy marshmallow treats have been delighting people of all ages with their vibrant colors, adorable shapes, and sweet flavors. But have you ever wondered how many types of Peeps are out there? In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the diverse world of Peeps and discover the many varieties that exist.
A Brief History of Peeps
Before we dive into the different types of Peeps, let’s take a brief look at their history. Peeps were first introduced by the Rodda Candy Company in 1923. The company was founded by Russian immigrant Sam Born, who had a passion for creating innovative candies. Initially, Peeps were made by hand, with each marshmallow treat taking about 27 hours to create. However, with the introduction of new machinery and manufacturing techniques, the production time was significantly reduced, making Peeps more accessible to the masses.
The Classic Peeps
The classic Peeps are the original and most well-known type of Peeps. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, blue, and white, and are shaped like chicks, bunnies, and other Easter-themed characters. These Peeps are made with sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, and are coated with a layer of colored sugar.
Seasonal Peeps
While the classic Peeps are available year-round, there are also seasonal varieties that are released during specific holidays. For example:
- Easter Peeps: These are the classic Peeps, but with Easter-themed shapes and colors.
- Christmas Peeps: These Peeps are shaped like trees, snowmen, and other Christmas characters, and are available in festive colors like red and green.
- Halloween Peeps: These Peeps are shaped like ghosts, bats, and other spooky characters, and are available in orange and black.
- Valentine’s Day Peeps: These Peeps are shaped like hearts and other Valentine’s Day-themed characters, and are available in pink and red.
Flavored Peeps
In addition to the classic Peeps, there are also a variety of flavored Peeps available. Some popular flavors include:
- Strawberry Peeps: These Peeps have a sweet strawberry flavor and are pink in color.
- Blue Raspberry Peeps: These Peeps have a tart blue raspberry flavor and are blue in color.
- Lemon Peeps: These Peeps have a sour lemon flavor and are yellow in color.
- Orange Peeps: These Peeps have a sweet orange flavor and are orange in color.
Sour Peeps
For those who love sour candies, there are also sour Peeps available. These Peeps have a sour sugar coating and come in a variety of flavors, including blue raspberry, watermelon, and orange.
Peeps Minis
Peeps Minis are bite-sized versions of the classic Peeps. They are smaller in size, but still have the same delicious flavor and texture as the regular Peeps. Peeps Minis are available in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, blue raspberry, and lemon.
Peeps Delights
Peeps Delights are a newer type of Peep that features a creamy filling. These Peeps come in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, blue raspberry, and chocolate. The creamy filling adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the classic Peep.
Peeps Chocolate Mousse
Peeps Chocolate Mousse are a type of Peep that features a light and airy chocolate mousse filling. These Peeps are available in a variety of flavors, including milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate.
Peeps Sugar Cookie
Peeps Sugar Cookie are a type of Peep that features a sugar cookie-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate chip, and oatmeal raisin.
Peeps Cereal
Peeps Cereal is a breakfast cereal that features Peeps marshmallows as the main ingredient. The cereal is available in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, blue raspberry, and lemon.
Peeps Coffee Creamer
Peeps Coffee Creamer is a coffee creamer that features the flavor of Peeps marshmallows. The creamer is available in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, blue raspberry, and lemon.
Peeps Ice Cream
Peeps Ice Cream is a type of ice cream that features Peeps marshmallows as a mix-in. The ice cream is available in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, blue raspberry, and lemon.
Peeps Candy Cane
Peeps Candy Cane are a type of Peep that features a candy cane-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the Christmas season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Gingerbread
Peeps Gingerbread are a type of Peep that features a gingerbread-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the Christmas season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps S’mores
Peeps S’mores are a type of Peep that features a s’mores-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Pumpkin Spice
Peeps Pumpkin Spice are a type of Peep that features a pumpkin spice-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Hot Chocolate
Peeps Hot Chocolate are a type of Peep that features a hot chocolate-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Maple Bacon
Peeps Maple Bacon are a type of Peep that features a maple bacon-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the spring season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Blueberry
Peeps Blueberry are a type of Peep that features a blueberry-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Raspberry
Peeps Raspberry are a type of Peep that features a raspberry-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Watermelon
Peeps Watermelon are a type of Peep that features a watermelon-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Green Apple
Peeps Green Apple are a type of Peep that features a green apple-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Caramel Apple
Peeps Caramel Apple are a type of Peep that features a caramel apple-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Candy Corn
Peeps Candy Corn are a type of Peep that features a candy corn-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Chocolate Mint
Peeps Chocolate Mint are a type of Peep that features a chocolate mint-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Strawberry Shortcake
Peeps Strawberry Shortcake are a type of Peep that features a strawberry shortcake-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the spring season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Key Lime Pie
Peeps Key Lime Pie are a type of Peep that features a key lime pie-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the spring season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Orange Creamsicle
Peeps Orange Creamsicle are a type of Peep that features an orange creamsicle-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Peach Cobbler
Peeps Peach Cobbler are a type of Peep that features a peach cobbler-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps S’mores Please
Peeps S’mores Please are a type of Peep that features a s’mores-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Pumpkin Pie
Peeps Pumpkin Pie are a type of Peep that features a pumpkin pie-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Apple Cider
Peeps Apple Cider are a type of Peep that features an apple cider-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Hot Cocoa
Peeps Hot Cocoa are a type of Peep that features a hot cocoa-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Eggnog
Peeps Eggnog are a type of Peep that features an eggnog-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Gingerbread Latte
Peeps Gingerbread Latte are a type of Peep that features a gingerbread latte-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Peppermint Mocha
Peeps Peppermint Mocha are a type of Peep that features a peppermint mocha-flavored marshmallow center. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic Peep.
Peeps Sugar Cookie S’mores
Peeps Sugar Cookie S’mores are a type of Peep that features a sugar cookie-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Strawberry Shortcake S’mores
Peeps Strawberry Shortcake S’mores are a type of Peep that features a strawberry shortcake-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Blueberry S’mores
Peeps Blueberry S’mores are a type of Peep that features a blueberry-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Raspberry S’mores
Peeps Raspberry S’mores are a type of Peep that features a raspberry-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Watermelon S’mores
Peeps Watermelon S’mores are a type of Peep that features a watermelon-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Green Apple S’mores
Peeps Green Apple S’mores are a type of Peep that features a green apple-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Caramel Apple S’mores
Peeps Caramel Apple S’mores are a type of Peep that features a caramel apple-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Candy Corn S’mores
Peeps Candy Corn S’mores are a type of Peep that features a candy corn-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Chocolate Mint S’mores
Peeps Chocolate Mint S’mores are a type of Peep that features a chocolate mint-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Strawberry Shortcake S’mores
Peeps Strawberry Shortcake S’mores are a type of Peep that features a strawberry shortcake-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the spring season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Key Lime Pie S’mores
Peeps Key Lime Pie S’mores are a type of Peep that features a key lime pie-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the spring season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Orange Creamsicle S’mores
Peeps Orange Creamsicle S’mores are a type of Peep that features an orange creamsicle-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Peach Cobbler S’mores
Peeps Peach Cobbler S’mores are a type of Peep that features a peach cobbler-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps S’mores Please S’mores
Peeps S’mores Please S’mores are a type of Peep that features a s’mores-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the summer months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Pumpkin Pie S’mores
Peeps Pumpkin Pie S’mores are a type of Peep that features a pumpkin pie-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Apple Cider S’mores
Peeps Apple Cider S’mores are a type of Peep that features an apple cider-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the fall season and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Hot Cocoa S’mores
Peeps Hot Cocoa S’mores are a type of Peep that features a hot cocoa-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Eggnog S’mores
Peeps Eggnog S’mores are a type of Peep that features an eggnog-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Gingerbread Latte S’mores
Peeps Gingerbread Latte S’mores are a type of Peep that features a gingerbread latte-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Peeps Peppermint Mocha S’mores
Peeps Peppermint Mocha S’mores are a type of Peep that features a peppermint mocha-flavored marshmallow center and a s’mores-flavored coating. These Peeps are available during the winter months and are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of Peeps available, each with its own unique flavor and twist. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Peeps or prefer one of the many flavored varieties, there’s a Peep out there for everyone. So next time you’re at the store, be sure to check out the Peeps section and see which type of Peep catches your eye.
What are Peeps and how are they made?
Peeps are small, chewy marshmallow treats that are typically shaped like animals, such as chicks, bunnies, and other seasonal characters. They are made from a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, which are whipped together to create a light and airy texture. The mixture is then colored and flavored, and shaped into the desired form using a machine called a starch molding machine.
The starch molding machine shapes the marshmallow mixture into the desired shape, and then the Peeps are allowed to dry and harden. Once they are dry, they are coated in a layer of colored sugar to give them their distinctive appearance. Peeps are made by the Just Born candy company, which has been producing them since the 1920s. The company uses a secret recipe to make the marshmallow mixture, which is still made by hand today.
What are the different types of Peeps available?
There are many different types of Peeps available, including a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some of the most common types of Peeps include chicks, bunnies, eggs, and other seasonal shapes. Peeps also come in a range of flavors, including original, strawberry, blue raspberry, and sour apple. In addition to these standard flavors, Just Born also releases limited-edition flavors and varieties throughout the year.
In recent years, Just Born has also introduced a number of new and unique Peeps varieties, including giant Peeps, Peeps Minis, and even Peeps-flavored candies like chocolate-covered Peeps and Peeps-flavored gummies. The company has also partnered with other brands to create special edition Peeps, such as Peeps-flavored coffee and Peeps-themed cookies.
What is the history of Peeps?
Peeps have a long and storied history that dates back to the 1920s. The first Peeps were made by hand by a Russian immigrant named Sam Born, who founded the Just Born candy company in 1923. Born began making Peeps as a way to use up excess marshmallow mixture, and they quickly became popular with his customers.
Over the years, Peeps have become a beloved Easter tradition, with millions of Peeps being sold each year. In the 1950s, Just Born began using machines to make Peeps, which allowed the company to produce them more quickly and efficiently. Today, Peeps are still made by Just Born, and they remain one of the company’s most popular products.
How do I store Peeps to keep them fresh?
To keep Peeps fresh, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent them from becoming stale or sticky. You can also store Peeps in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for a longer period of time.
It’s also important to keep Peeps away from direct sunlight and heat, as this can cause them to melt or become discolored. If you’re planning to store Peeps for an extended period of time, you may also want to consider freezing them. Simply place the Peeps in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them.
Can I make my own Peeps at home?
Yes, it is possible to make your own Peeps at home. To make Peeps, you will need a few simple ingredients, including marshmallows, sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. You will also need a starch molding machine or a similar device to shape the marshmallow mixture into the desired form.
There are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process of making Peeps at home. Keep in mind that making Peeps can be a bit tricky, as it requires a specific combination of ingredients and a certain level of precision. However, with a little practice and patience, you can create your own delicious homemade Peeps.
Are Peeps gluten-free?
Yes, Peeps are gluten-free. According to the Just Born website, Peeps do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients, making them a safe choice for people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
However, it’s worth noting that Peeps are made in a facility that also processes other candies that may contain gluten. As a result, there is a small risk of cross-contamination. If you have a severe gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you may want to exercise caution when consuming Peeps or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Can I use Peeps in recipes?
Yes, Peeps can be used in a variety of recipes, from sweet treats like cakes and cookies to savory dishes like s’mores and trail mix. One popular way to use Peeps is to melt them down and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Peeps can also be used in creative ways, such as making Peeps s’mores by sandwiching a Peep between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate, or using Peeps to make a fun and colorful cake decoration. You can also crush Peeps and use them as a topping for cupcakes or other baked goods.