National Peeps Day

Colorful scene with children happily surrounded by marshmallow chicks and bunnies, wearing bright spring clothes and holding Easter baskets. — National peeps day illustration

Are you ready to get your marshmallow on? March 28th is National Peeps Day! It's a day to celebrate those squishy, sugary, and slightly unsettling marshmallow treats that always seem to show up around Easter. So if you have a soft spot for these colorful confections, keep reading to learn all about the history of National Peeps Day!

When is Peeps Day?

It's national peeps day on the 28th March.

The Origins of National Peeps Day

Believe it or not, National Peeps Day actually started on the internet. Way back in 2016, there were a whopping 4 mentions of this glorious day online, and that's when it all began. People couldn't resist the sugary lure of Peeps, and the idea of dedicating a day to celebrate these marshmallow marvels quickly caught on.

But what's the story behind Peeps themselves? Well, these little chicks and bunnies were born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, back in 1953. The Just Born Candy Company first introduced Peeps, and they were an instant hit. The original Peeps were yellow and took about 27 hours to create! Talk about dedication to marshmallow perfection.

Over the years, Peeps have gained popularity and expanded their colorful repertoire. Today, you can find Peeps in various shapes, flavors, and even dipped in chocolate. They're a staple of Easter baskets and have become a symbol of springtime sweetness.

How to Celebrate National Peeps Day

When it comes to celebrating National Peeps Day, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Create a Peeps diorama: Use Peeps as your muse and create a scene or story with these fluffy treats. It's like a marshmallow masterpiece!
Peeps taste test: Gather a group of friends or family members and have a blindfolded taste test. Can you guess the different Peeps flavors? It's harder than it sounds!
Peeps art contest: Get creative with Peeps! Use them to make colorful artwork or sculptures. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your collection of Peeps).
Share the Peep love: Give a box of Peeps to a loved one or surprise your coworkers with a sweet treat. Peeps are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Peeps even hold Guinness World Records? The largest Peep ever made weighed a whopping 1,160 pounds! That's one seriously squishy record.

History behind the term 'Peeps'

1953

The Invention of Marshmallow Chicks

In 1953, the Rodda Candy Company introduced the world to marshmallow chicks in the shape of baby chickens, known as Peeps. Originally, these adorable treats were hand-squeezed from a pastry tube, giving them their unique shape and texture.

1953

Birth of the Marshmallow Peep

In 1953, the Rodda Candy Company created a new product called the Marshmallow Chick. These adorable chick-shaped marshmallows were made by hand, using a pastry tube to shape and decorate them. Each chick had a yellow exterior and a sweet, soft marshmallow interior.

1953

The Birth

Peeps, the sugary marshmallow treats, were introduced to the world in 1953 by the Rodda Candy Company. Originally, they were hand-squeezed marshmallow chicks, taking around 27 hours to create just one. The creation process involved placing a dollop of marshmallow on a conveyor belt, which then moved under a fan to dry them out. These adorable marshmallow chicks became an instant favorite among children and adults alike.

1953

Introduction of 'peeps'

In 1953, the Just Born candy company introduced a marshmallow treat called 'peeps'. These soft, sugar-coated marshmallows quickly gained popularity due to their vibrant colors and cute chick shape. Originally, 'peeps' were only available in yellow, but the company later expanded the range to include other colors like pink, purple, and blue.

1953

The Birth of Marshmallow Chicks

In 1953, the Just Born candy company introduced a new marshmallow candy shaped like baby chickens. These fluffy treats were made using a process called extrusion, which involves forcing a marshmallow mixture through small nozzles to create the desired shape. Originally, these marshmallow chicks were only available during the Easter season and quickly gained popularity.

1953

Marshmallow Chicks are Born

In 1953, the Just Born candy company introduced a new Easter candy called 'Marshmallow Chicks.' These little yellow marshmallow candies were shaped like baby chicks and quickly became popular during the Easter season. This was the birth of what would eventually be known as 'peeps'.

1958

Rebranding as Peeps

In 1958, Just Born, Inc. acquired the Rodda Candy Company, and with it came the recipe and production equipment for the Marshmallow Chick. Just Born, Inc. decided to rebrand the confection and gave it the name 'Peeps'. This new name perfectly embodied the cheerful and whimsical nature of the marshmallow treats.

1954

Pioneering the Marshmallow Bunny

A year after the creation of Peeps, in 1954, the Just Born candy company acquired Rodda Candy. Just Born expanded on the success of Peeps by introducing the marshmallow bunny. This new variation quickly gained popularity and became a staple during the Easter holiday season.

1960s

Easter tradition

During the 1960s, 'peeps' became synonymous with Easter. They were primarily marketed as an Easter treat, and their popularity skyrocketed during the spring holiday. 'Peeps' started appearing in Easter baskets across the United States, becoming an iconic symbol of the festive season.

1960s

Yellow Chicks

By the 1960s, Peeps started to be produced in different colors, but the iconic yellow chick remained the most popular. The vibrant yellow hue and the cute shape of the chick made it a symbol of Easter and a staple in Easter baskets. Peeps soon became synonymous with spring and gained a dedicated following.

1954

The Name 'Peeps' is Coined

In 1954, the Just Born candy company officially gave the Marshmallow Chicks a new name: 'Peeps'. The name was chosen to reflect the sound that baby chicks make, as well as to create a catchy and memorable brand name. The word 'peeps' became synonymous with these marshmallow treats and has been used ever since.

1958

The Renaming to 'Peeps'

In 1958, the Just Born candy company decided to rename their marshmallow chicks to 'Peeps.' The name 'Peeps' perfectly captured the playful and friendly nature of these candy treats. This catchy name became synonymous with the marshmallow chicks and eventually extended to include other marshmallow shapes, such as bunnies and other animals.

1980s

Expansion of Shapes

In the 1980s, Peeps expanded their repertoire beyond just chicks. The company began producing peep-shaped bunnies, ducks, and other animals. This diversification of shapes allowed Peeps to be enjoyed throughout the year, expanding their popularity beyond just the Easter season. People started using Peeps in creative ways, such as decorating cakes and cookies, or even microwaving them to watch them expand and explode!

1960s

Expansion to Include Bunnies

During the 1960s, Just Born, Inc. expanded their Peeps line to include a new shape: the iconic Marshmallow Bunny. These little bunnies, with their pink or yellow exterior and cute floppy ears, quickly became a favorite for Easter celebrations. Peeps were now available in two beloved animal shapes, delighting children and adults alike.

1980s

Cultural references

In the 1980s, 'peeps' began to make appearances in popular culture. They became a subject of art exhibits, showcased in dioramas, and featured in various media outlets. The Washington Post began its annual 'Peeps Diorama Contest' in 2007, further solidifying 'peeps' as a cultural phenomenon.

1960s

Different Colors and Shapes

Throughout the 1960s, the Just Born candy company expanded the Peeps product line by introducing different colors and shapes of marshmallow treats. In addition to the classic yellow chicks, Peeps started to come in pink, lavender, and other vibrant colors. They were also created in different shapes, such as bunnies. These variations made Peeps even more appealing and collectible for Easter enthusiasts.

1998

Colorful Transformation

In 1998, the vibrant colors that we associate with Peeps today were introduced. Just Born began to dye the marshmallow chicks and bunnies with bright hues, making them visually appealing and even more popular. The colorful Peeps became a delight for both children and adults as an Easter treat.

1983

The Yellow Peep Makes Its Debut

In 1983, the yellow Peep was introduced, becoming the iconic color associated with the brand. The vibrant yellow color added to the visual appeal of these marshmallow treats, making them even more irresistible. Since then, Peeps have been produced in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, and green, to cater to different preferences and occasions.

2000s

Expansion of flavors and shapes

As the new millennium started, 'peeps' began experimenting with different flavors and shapes. Alongside the traditional chick-shaped marshmallows, they introduced bunny-shaped 'peeps' and other seasonal variations. Additionally, new flavors such as chocolate-covered 'peeps' and fruit flavors expanded the options for 'peep' enthusiasts.

1980s

Colorful Variety

In the 1980s, Just Born, Inc. introduced a colorful transformation to Peeps. They began coating the marshmallows with vibrant sugar crystals, giving them a visually appealing and inviting appearance. The rainbow of colors added another dimension of fun to the already beloved confection.

1999

Expanding Beyond Easter

Up until 1999, Peeps were primarily marketed as an Easter candy. However, in recent years, the popularity of Peeps has surged, leading the Just Born candy company to introduce Peeps for other holidays as well. Peeps can now be found in themed shapes and colors for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and even Fourth of July.

1999

Year-Round Availability

Recognizing the demand and love for Peeps beyond just Easter, Just Born started producing the marshmallow treats year-round in 1999. This decision allowed people to enjoy Peeps on various occasions throughout the year, expanding their cultural significance beyond a seasonal treat.

1980s

Peeps Become Year-Round Treats

By the 1980s, Peeps had gained a loyal following and were no longer limited to the Easter season. Just Born began producing Peeps for other holidays, such as Halloween and Christmas. This expanded availability made Peeps a year-round treat and solidified their place in American candy culture. People started to incorporate Peeps into recipes, arts and crafts, and even Peeps dioramas.

1998

Just Born Acquisition

In 1998, the Rodda Candy Company was acquired by Just Born, Inc., a family-owned candy manufacturer. Just Born continued the tradition of making Peeps using the original recipe and technique. The acquisition brought fresh ideas for Peeps flavors and variations, leading to the introduction of flavored Peeps, such as strawberry, chocolate, and even sour watermelon!

2020

Peeps in Pop Culture

Over the years, Peeps have become more than just a candy. They have infiltrated popular culture and gained a significant following. Peeps have inspired various art projects and have even been the subject of annual Peeps diorama contests, where creative enthusiasts build intricate scenes using Peeps as the main characters. In addition, Peeps have found their way into merchandise, ranging from clothing and accessories to home decor items.

1990s

Peeps Merchandising and Popularity

In the 1990s, the popularity of Peeps continued to grow, and the Just Born candy company took advantage of this by introducing various Peeps-themed merchandise. Peeps branding appeared on clothing, toys, and household items, further solidifying their status as a cultural phenomenon. The iconic Peeps shape and vibrant colors became recognized and adored by people of all ages.

2009

Peeps in Pop Culture

Peeps have infiltrated popular culture in various ways. In 2009, Peeps were commemorated with their very own 50th-anniversary postage stamp. They have also been featured in art exhibitions, where artists create elaborate dioramas and sculptures using Peeps. Additionally, Peeps have inspired unique spin-off products, including Peeps-flavored milk, Peeps-shaped lip balm, and even Peeps-themed merchandise like clothing and accessories.

1998

Peeps in Popular Culture

In 1998, Peeps started to gain significant popularity beyond just being a sweet treat for Easter. Thanks to their unique shape and eye-catching colors, these charming marshmallow creations found their way into popular culture. They became a common subject for art exhibits, featured in magazine articles, and even inspired merchandise and collectibles.

2009

Expanding Product Line

In 2009, Just Born took Peeps to new heights by introducing variations like Peeps-flavored lip balm, Peeps-shaped bubble gum, and Peeps marshmallow-filled chocolate-dipped Delights. The expansion showcased the brand's ability to branch out and experiment with different products while incorporating the beloved marshmallow icons.

Social media era

Peeps go viral

With the rise of social media platforms, 'peeps' gained new life as a viral sensation. People started using 'peeps' in creative ways, including microwaving and blowing them up. 'Peeps' became a popular subject for viral challenges and experiments, garnering millions of views and further solidifying their place in popular culture.

2014

Social Media Sensation

Peeps found a new life on social media in 2014. People began to create whimsical dioramas and share them online as part of Peeps Diorama contests. These playful displays using Peeps became a viral sensation, even spawning local competitions and exhibitions. Peeps had officially solidified its place in popular culture.

2000s

Year-Round Appeal

With their growing popularity in the 2000s, Peeps transcended their original association with Easter. Just Born, Inc. started producing Peeps for various seasons and holidays, such as Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. Their delightful presentation and sweet taste made Peeps a year-round indulgence for marshmallow enthusiasts.

2009

National Peeps Day is Established

In 2009, the National Confectioners Association declared April 3rd as National Peeps Day, recognizing the cultural significance and widespread love for these marshmallow treats. The day is now celebrated annually, allowing fans to indulge in their favorite sugary delight and embrace the joy that Peeps bring during the Easter season.

2014

Peeps Celebrate 60 Years

In 2014, Peeps celebrated their 60th anniversary, marking six decades of bringing joy to people's lives. To commemorate this milestone, the company released special edition Peeps in unique flavors and colors. The anniversary celebration further solidified Peeps' place in American confectionery history.

Did you know?

Did you know that Peeps even hold Guinness World Records? The largest Peep ever made weighed a whopping 1,160 pounds! That's one seriously squishy record.