When it comes to filling those Easter baskets, nothing is more iconic than the tasty and colorful marshmallow PEEP. The sugarcoated chicks have come a long way over the years. Along with adding a range of colors from pink, blue and orange to the original yellow, PEEPS have also expanded their line to include flavors such as party cake and chocolate-dipped PEEPS along with different shapes such as bunnies and even snowmen around Christmas time.
PEEPS are one of the candy brands from Just Born Inc., which also produces brands such as Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales. Just Born Inc. has been based in Bethlehem for 90 years after founder, Sam Born, purchased an empty printing factory in order to open his candy business.
In 1954 Sam’s son, Bob, helped to create the process that forms the marshmallow into each shape, allowing Just Born Inc. to become the world’s largest manufacturer of novelty marshmallow treats. Back then it took 27 hours just to produce one chick, but thanks to modern technology, that time has been reduced to only six minutes.
Over 4.2 million PEEPS are produced daily and more than 700 million are consumed at Easter time. With this kind of popularity among the brand, Just Born Inc. decided to open its first retail store, PEEPS & COMPANY, in Maryland in 2009. Recently, a Bethlehem location was added. Located at The Sands Casino Outlets, PEEPS & COMPANY is the place to go for apparel, trinkets and all things PEEPS.
So with Easter quickly approaching now is the time to go out and secure a few boxes of the deliciously sweet PEEPs in your favorite color and shape!
