For many people, the arrival of spring is marked by the appearance of colorful, sugary marshmallow treats in the shape of chicks, bunnies, and other Easter-themed shapes. These treats are none other than Peeps, a beloved brand that has been a staple of American candy culture for over 60 years. But have you ever wondered what brand is behind these iconic marshmallow treats?
A Brief History of Peeps
To understand the brand behind Peeps, we need to take a step back in time and explore the history of these iconic marshmallow treats. Peeps were first introduced in the 1950s by a Russian immigrant named Sam Born, who founded the Rodda Candy Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Born’s company produced a variety of candies, including marshmallow treats that were made by hand using a labor-intensive process.
In the early 1950s, Born developed a machine that could produce marshmallow treats quickly and efficiently. This machine, known as the “Starch Mogul,” used a combination of heat, moisture, and starch to create the signature marshmallow texture of Peeps. The first Peeps were produced in the shape of chicks and were marketed as a seasonal treat for Easter.
The Rise of Peeps
Over the years, Peeps became increasingly popular, and their production expanded to meet growing demand. In the 1960s, the Rodda Candy Company was sold to the Just Born candy company, which continued to produce Peeps using the same recipe and manufacturing process developed by Sam Born.
Under Just Born’s ownership, Peeps continued to evolve and expand their product line. New shapes and flavors were introduced, including bunnies, eggs, and other seasonal shapes. Peeps also became a staple of American candy culture, with many people enjoying them as a sweet treat during the Easter season.
What Brand is Behind Peeps?
So, what brand is behind Peeps? The answer is Just Born, a family-owned candy company that has been producing Peeps for over 60 years. Just Born is a leading manufacturer of candies in the United States, with a portfolio of brands that includes Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales.
Just Born was founded in 1923 by Sam Born, the same Russian immigrant who developed the recipe for Peeps. The company started out as a small candy shop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and quickly grew into a successful candy manufacturer. Today, Just Born is still family-owned and operated, with the third generation of the Born family at the helm.
Just Born’s Commitment to Quality
Just Born is committed to producing high-quality candies that meet the highest standards of taste and safety. The company uses only the finest ingredients and adheres to strict manufacturing processes to ensure that every Peep that leaves the factory meets their high standards.
In addition to their commitment to quality, Just Born is also dedicated to innovation. The company invests heavily in research and development, constantly seeking new ways to improve their products and manufacturing processes. This commitment to innovation has enabled Just Born to stay ahead of the curve in the competitive candy industry.
The Manufacturing Process Behind Peeps
So, how are Peeps made? The manufacturing process behind Peeps is a fascinating combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how Peeps are made:
Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients
The first step in making Peeps is to mix the ingredients together. This includes sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, which are combined in a large batch tank. The ingredients are heated and stirred until they form a smooth, consistent mixture.
Step 2: Extruding the Marshmallow
The next step is to extrude the marshmallow mixture through a machine called the “Starch Mogul.” This machine uses a combination of heat, moisture, and starch to create the signature marshmallow texture of Peeps.
Step 3: Shaping the Peeps
Once the marshmallow mixture has been extruded, it is then shaped into the desired form. This can be a chick, bunny, egg, or any other seasonal shape. The Peeps are then placed on a conveyor belt and moved to the next stage of production.
Step 4: Drying the Peeps
The next step is to dry the Peeps. This is done by placing them in a large rotating drum where they are exposed to hot air. The hot air helps to dry the Peeps and give them their signature texture.
Step 5: Packaging the Peeps
The final step is to package the Peeps. This is done by placing them in bags or boxes and sealing them for distribution.
The Cultural Significance of Peeps
Peeps have become a cultural phenomenon in the United States, with many people enjoying them as a sweet treat during the Easter season. But Peeps are more than just a candy – they are also a cultural icon.
Peeps have been the subject of numerous art exhibits, including a 2014 exhibit at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. They have also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live.”
In addition to their cultural significance, Peeps have also become a staple of American candy culture. They are enjoyed by people of all ages and are a popular treat at Easter egg hunts and other seasonal celebrations.
Peeps in Popular Culture
Peeps have appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years. Here are a few examples:
- “The Simpsons” – In the episode “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore,” Homer Simpson is seen eating a bag of Peeps.
- “Saturday Night Live” – In a 2011 sketch, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader played two Peeps who come to life.
- “The Office” – In the episode “Easter,” the characters are seen eating Peeps at the office Easter egg hunt.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Peeps are a beloved brand of marshmallow treats that have been a staple of American candy culture for over 60 years. The brand behind Peeps is Just Born, a family-owned candy company that has been producing Peeps since the 1950s. From their humble beginnings as a small candy shop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Just Born has grown into a leading manufacturer of candies in the United States.
Whether you enjoy them as a sweet treat during the Easter season or as a cultural icon, Peeps are a beloved brand that continues to bring joy to people of all ages. So next time you bite into a Peep, remember the rich history and cultural significance behind this iconic marshmallow treat.
What are Peeps and where did they originate?
Peeps are small, marshmallow-based candies shaped like chicks, bunnies, and other animals, typically coated in colored sugar. They originated in the United States in the 1920s. The first Peeps were made by hand by a Russian immigrant named Sam Born, who founded the Rodda Candy Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Born’s company began producing Peeps in the 1920s, but they were initially called “chicks” and were made by hand, which was a time-consuming process. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the company developed a machine that could mass-produce the marshmallow treats, making them more widely available.
Who is the current manufacturer of Peeps?
The current manufacturer of Peeps is Just Born Quality Confections, a company based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Just Born was founded in 1923 by Sam Born, and it has been producing Peeps since the 1920s. Over the years, the company has expanded its product line to include other candies, such as Mike and Ike and Hot Tamales.
Just Born is still family-owned and operated, with Ross Born, Sam’s grandson, serving as the company’s CEO. Despite the company’s growth and expansion, it remains committed to producing high-quality candies, including Peeps, which have become a beloved Easter tradition.
What is the significance of Peeps in American culture?
Peeps have become a beloved Easter tradition in American culture, with millions of the marshmallow treats being consumed each year. They are often used as decorations for Easter baskets and tables, and they are also enjoyed as a sweet treat. Peeps have also become a cultural phenomenon, with many people collecting them and using them in creative ways, such as making Peeps dioramas and sculptures.
Peeps have also been the subject of numerous memes and jokes, with many people poking fun at their sugary sweetness and marshmallow texture. Despite this, Peeps remain a beloved treat, and their iconic status in American culture is undeniable.
How are Peeps made?
Peeps are made using a combination of marshmallow and sugar. The marshmallow mixture is created by whipping together sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, and then heating it to create a fluffy, marshmallow-like texture. The mixture is then colored and shaped into the desired form, such as a chick or bunny.
Once the Peeps are shaped, they are coated in colored sugar to give them their distinctive appearance. The entire process, from mixing the marshmallow mixture to coating the Peeps in sugar, is done by machine, allowing for mass production of the treats.
What flavors of Peeps are available?
Over the years, Just Born has introduced a variety of flavors of Peeps, including original (which is a sweet, marshmallow flavor), strawberry, blue raspberry, and sour apple. The company has also released limited-edition flavors, such as chocolate and pumpkin.
In addition to these flavors, Just Born has also released a variety of Peeps products, including Peeps Minis (which are bite-sized versions of the original Peeps) and Peeps Delights (which are larger, more elaborate versions of the original Peeps).
Can I make my own Peeps at home?
Yes, it is possible to make your own Peeps at home, although it may be a bit tricky. To make Peeps, you will need to create a marshmallow mixture using sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, and then shape it into the desired form. You can use a variety of tools, such as cookie cutters and molds, to shape the marshmallow mixture into chicks, bunnies, and other shapes.
Once you have shaped the marshmallow mixture, you can coat it in colored sugar to give it a similar appearance to store-bought Peeps. However, keep in mind that making Peeps at home can be a bit messy and time-consuming, and the results may not be exactly the same as store-bought Peeps.
How long do Peeps last?
Peeps are known for their long shelf life, which is due to their low moisture content and high sugar content. When stored properly, Peeps can last for several months. However, it’s worth noting that Peeps are best consumed within a few weeks of opening, as they can become stale and lose their texture over time.
If you want to keep your Peeps fresh for a longer period of time, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also freeze Peeps to extend their shelf life, although this may affect their texture and appearance.