Sonia
Peeps candies, soft and sweetened with sugar, are popular during Easter. They have been the beloved non-chocolate candy for many years to satisfy those who prefer sweet things. Buckle up if you’re as curious about them as we are because we’re about to unwrap some interesting facts about these iconic treats.
The Evolution Of Peep Production
In 1953, it took a daylong effort to make one peep by painstakingly handcrafting each one using a pastry tube, which took twenty-seven hours. This process has since undergone multiple improvements through innovations made by Just Born, the company owned by the Born family, reducing it to just six minutes today. This accelerated production rate ensures that millions of peeps can be manufactured during peak season without any scarcity.
Massive Daily Production
In Bethlehem, the Just Born factory produces 5.5 million peeps daily. This annual output production is adequate to cover at least two rounds around the globe. Such high production rates show how popular they become during the Easter holiday, becoming omnipresent in every store and basket.
The Color Of Tradition
The first Peeps candies were yellow colored. To suit changing tastes, Just Born introduced pink and blue hues. Yet the classic yellow chick with pink trails remains popular. Yellow reminds people of tradition, linking Peeps to its origins. Even today, people love to have this popular easter candy in yellow color with pink and blue.
A Recipe That Will Never Fade Away
Though the colors and numbers have altered throughout the years, the basic formula for creating Peeps have not changed. These marshmallows are still primarily made of corn syrup, liquid sugar, and granulated sugar, to which minor amounts of gelatin and vanilla flavoring are added afterward. Candy lovers of all ages are drawn to the distinctive fluffy feel because it uses the same ingredients and manufacturing techniques.
The Magic Of The Depositor
In 1954, Just Born invented the depositor machine. This transformed how Peeps were made. Initially designed for six rows of five Peeps each, the machine increased production without compromising the speed or quality needed to meet nationwide demand. This machinery has made the Peep production process utterly seamless and hassle-free.
Innovation In Equipment
Many means of production are introduced just to cater to marshmallow fans of every type and allow room for future improvements. Thus, the new equipment would allow Just Born to answer the ever-expanding demand while enabling the company to make many more marshmallow flavors. This advancement in technology is ushering in a new era of marshmallow confections.
A Sleeker Look For Modern Times
Two years later, in 1955, came the first Peep launch, the year they would also lose their wings. That design change stuck, and today, Peeps are the wingless candies we all know. In the mid-century, with minor changes, the goal was to streamline the look, simply and fast.
Peeps Have Indestructible Eyes
Peeps have eyes made of carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is a safe, edible wax used in shoe polish and car wax. Their characteristic look is given to the Peeps by these eyes, and incredibly, those are strong eyes that never failed any cruel scientific test with a single scratch. That proves the indestructibility and even the safety of the tiniest part of the popular treat.
The Durability Tests
In 1999, Emory University scientists attempted to subject Peeps to tests for indestructibility. They tried subjecting them to microwaves, hot water, or even chemical acids. Peeps passed all the tests for indestructibility even when subjected to a mixture of hot sulfuric acid, and were rated as very durable sweets. The Peeps are indestructible until you bring phenol into contact with them.
A Non-Chocolate Favorite
A non-chocolate favorite for years, Peeps have been deemed a favorite Easter non-chocolate treat. With a number that tops 1.5 billion consumers during the spring for each year, their appeal through the holidays is one that is unable to be denied but only grows. People who do not like chocolate or sugary candies can opt for these candies.
Sugar-Free Options
Sugar-free Peeps were introduced in 2007, catering to people who prefer a lower-calorie option. Keeping this in mind, the company Just Born introduced sugar-free treats to offer the same Peep experience but with fewer calories. This appeals to health-conscious consumers who do not want to miss out on Easter fun.
Chocolate-Covered Delights
Peeps initially introduced chocolate-covered versions in 2010 to expand their lineup. These treats combine the classic marshmallow flavor with a rich chocolate coating, diversifying their appeal and offering something new and exciting for chocolate lovers at Easter and beyond. It is a delicious twist that has expanded how people enjoy peeps.
A Flavor For Every Taste
Today, Peeps come in various flavors. They are no longer limited to just yellow chicks that range from traditional to downright adventurous. With recent additions to the Peeps variety, like pancakes and syrup, gingerbread, cotton candy, root beer float, and chocolate pudding, there is a Peep for every palate.
Cross-Country Chicks
Did you know? It would take a whopping 70 million Peeps from New York City to Los Angeles to line up Peeps end-to-end. This fact highlights these marshmallow treats’ sheer popularity and production scale daily and gives a playful perspective on their ubiquity in American culture, especially during Easter.
Calorie Count
Peeps are not just fun and colorful. They are also relatively light on calories. Each typical serving of five Peep chicks contains just 160 calories with zero grams of fat. So, one chick contains 32 grams. This makes Peeps a sweet treat that can fit more easily into a calorie-conscious diet, especially compared to other more calorie-dense Easter candies.
Comments
Loading…