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Archive-Name: food/candy/peeps
Posting-Frequency: irregular
Last-modified: January 27, 2003
Version: 0.13
URL: http://www.geekbabe.com/peeps/
Subject: The Questions:
1. What are Peeps?
2. Who makes Peeps? Where are they made?
3. Are Peeps really 50 years old?
4. Do Peeps come in other shapes besides chicks?
5. What other candies are related to Peeps?
6. Does the name "Peeps" refer to the other similar candies as well?
7. What is the significance of the company name "Just Born"?
8. What is the Born Sucker Machine?
9. Who originally developed and marketed Peeps?
10. What is the etymology of the word "peep" (peeps)?
11. What is the origin and history of marshmallow candy?
12. How is "marshmallow" correctly spelled and pronounced?
13. What's this about "Adult" Peeps?
14. What colors do Peeps come in?
15. Do different colors have different flavors?
16. Are all colors usually available?
17. Why are Peeps all of a sudden so popular?
18. What (when) exactly is "Peep Season"?
19. Is there anyplace you can buy Peeps off-season?
20. What's this about Peeps needing to "age" or "ripen"?
21. How are Peeps made, are they set in molds?
22. Are there any recipes for Peeps?
23. How do you store Peeps so they will keep through the off-season?
24. What ingredients are in Peeps?
25. What are Peeps eyes made of?
26. Are peeps low-cal?
27. Are peeps low-fat?
28. Are Peeps Kosher for Passover?
29. How are Peeps packaged and sold?
30. What's this about giant Peeps?
31. What happens when you put a peep in a microwave oven?
32. When were Peeps first advertised on TV?
33. Are there any tie-in merchandise items?
34. What about "Puffkins The Peep"?
35. What's this about a Peeps Fan Club?
36. Does Just Born have a web page?
37. What's this about a fire in the Peeps factory?
38. Who is Janet?
39. Is there anything like a Guinness World Record for eating Peeps?
40. What about you, the author, how old are you, and do you really eat Peeps?
41. What do I do if I think you're wrong about some of this?
Subject: 1. What are Peeps?
Peeps are cute little chicks that are very very sweet (kinda like me. :)
Seriously, Peeps are a marshmallow confection, intended as a kids'
Easter candy. The manufacturer states that Peeps are the most popular
non-chocolate Easter candy.
Subject: 2. Who makes Peeps? Where are they made?
Genuine Peeps are made by Just Born Quality Confections, of Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, US.
Subject: 3. Are Peeps really 50 years old?
At least 50, possibly over 70. Just Born brand Peeps are indeed 50 years
old as of Peep Season 2003.
However, what we now know as Peeps did exist before 1953. Just Born
acquired Rodda Candy in 1953, and it appears that Rodda had marketed the
chicks we know an love as Peeps before the acquisition. One source told
me mid 1920's, but they may not have been known as Peeps back that far.
I am trying to come up with a cite on this. (The Rodda package contains
4 Peeps.)
Subject: 4. Do Peeps come in other shapes besides chicks?
The chicks were the originals. Bunnies came after. There are now several
other holiday candies made with a similar recipe and process, such as
Spooky Cats for Halloween, and Snowmen for the winter holidays.
Beginning in the 1999 Peep Season, Peeps Eggs are available. These are
slightly larger than Peeps or Bunnies, and are white with multicolored
specks.
As of Valentine's Day 2000, Just Born is making Peep-like pink
marshmallow hearts.
For Halloween 2002, Just Born introduced cocoa-flavored Bats. This
appears to be their first chocolate-flavored candy in the Peeps line.
Subject: 5. What other candies are related to Peeps?
This is a complete list of Just Born candies, supplied by the Customer
Relations people at Just Born. It is current as of April 14, 2000.
Year-Round Candies
MIKE and IKE<tm> (Chewy Fruit Flavored Candies)
Original Fruits (Cherry, Lime, Lemon and Orange)
Tropical Fruits (Tropical Punch, Orange, Lime, Pineapple and Passion Fruit)
Berry Fruits (Strawberry, Raspberry, Wildberry and Blueberry)
Cherry and Bubble Gum
Strawberry and Banana
Lemon and Watermelon
Grape
HOT TAMALES<tm> (Chewy Cinnamon Flavored Candies)
Hot Tamales<tm>
Super Hot Tamales<tm>
ZOURS<tm> (Chewy Sour Fruit Flavored Candies)
Sour Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Tangerine and Watermelon
TEENEE BEANEE<tm> Gourmet Jelly Beans
Orchard Fruit (Strawberry, Apple, Grape and Blueberry)
Exotic Fruit (Raspberry, Apricot, Pineapple and Tangerine)
Citrus Fruit (Orange, Lemon, Lime and Pink Grapefruit)
Tropical Fruit (Coconut, Banana, Passion Fruit and Lime)
Sunny Fruit (Cherry, Lime, Orange and Lemon)
Assorted Fruit
Licorice
Seasonal Candies
VALENTINE'S DAY
Mike and Ike<tm> Valentine Treats (Cherry, Bubble Gum and Vanilla)
Marshmallow Peeps<tm> Hearts (Strawberry Creme Flavored)
Valentine Hot Tamales<tm>
EASTER
Marshmallow Peeps<tm>, Bunnies and Giant Bunnies
Marshmallow Peeps<tm> Eggs
Mike and Ike<tm> Easter Treats
Just Born<tm> Jelly Beans (Assorted Fruits, Berry, Spice and Licorice)
Peeps<tm> Jelly Beans (Marshmallow and Fruit Flavored Jelly Beans)
HALLOWEEN
Marshmallow Pumpkins, Spooky Cats and Ghosts
Peeps Cocoa-flavored Bats
Snack Pack and Variety Pack Bags - Mike and Ike<tm> and Hot Tamales<tm>
CHRISTMAS
Marshmallow Christmas Trees and Snowmen
Mike and Ike<tm> Holiday Treats (Cherry and Lime)
Teenee Beanee<tm> Holiday Mix (Cherry, Lime and Vanilla)
Peeps Cutouts
Subject: 6. Does the name "Peeps" mean only the original chicks, or does
it refer to all the other similar candies as well ?
A purist might say that "Peeps" should only refer to the chicks. (Chicks
peep, bunnies don't, cats and snowmen certainly don't.) However, in the
past few years, Just Born has started using the brand name "Peeps" to
refer to the entire line of sugar-coated marshmallow holiday candies,
such as Peeps brand Bunnies and Peeps brand Hearts.
Subject: 7. What is the significance of the company name "Just Born"?
The company was named after its founder, Sam Born.
Subject: 8. What is the Born Sucker Machine?
In 1916, the ingenious candy maker, Sam Born, was awarded the keys to
San Francisco for inventing the Born Sucker Machine, which mechanically
inserted sticks into lollipops. Born is also responsible for many other
mechanical candy-making contraptions.
Subject: 9. Who originally developed and marketed Peeps?
Peeps were originally developed and sold by Rodda Candy in the 1920's.
Rodda was acquired by Just Born in 1953.
Subject: 10. What is the etymology of the word "peep" (peeps)?
Webster's defines "peep" (noun) as:
Date: 15th century
1 : a feeble shrill sound : CHEEP
2 : a slight utterance especially of complaint or protest
3 : any of several small sandpipers
I've also heard "peep" used in the context of a newly-hatched chick,
such as "... the mother hen and her peeps."
"Peep" is used to refer to several various shorebirds in the western
United States.
In contemporary slang, "Peeps", (from people), is used to refer to
friends, buddies, etc.
Subject: 11. What is the origin and history of marshmallow candy?
Marshmallow candy dates back to ancient Egypt where it was a honey-based
candy flavored and thickened with the sap of the root of the
Marsh-Mallow plant (althea officinalis). Marsh-Mallow grows in salt
marshes and on banks near large bodies of water. It is common in the
eastern United States.
Until the mid 1800's, marshmallow candy was made using the sap of the
Marsh-Mallow plant. Gelatin replaces the sap in the modern recipes.
Subject: 12. How is "marshmallow" correctly spelled and pronounced?
According to Webster's "Marshmallow" is the only acceptable spelling.
"Marshmellow"{sic} appears to be a frequent misspelling.
Webster's lists the "..mellow" pronunciation as preferred, with the
"..mallow" pronunciation as acceptable.
One reader notes it's like trying to convince some people there is no
"P" in "hamster". "You can rub it in their face and they still won't
admit they're wrong."
Subject: 13. What's this about, uh, "Adult" Peeps?
It's my theory that lots of so-called kids' Easter candy, including
Peeps, is actually eaten by adults.
Oh, that's not what you meant?
Well, then I'll tell ya. Although I have never actually seen any, I've
been told that at least at one time, another company was producing
peep-like candies in the shapes of, uh, let's just say some human body
parts. :) These, of course, are not produced by Just Born, and cannot
legally be sold in the US under the Peeps brand.
Subject: 14. What colors do Peeps come in?
Yellow was the original. Last season (1999), Peeps were available in
yellow, white, pink, violet, and blue. Blue was added for the 1998
season. Violet first appeared in the 1997 season.
Subject: 15. Do the different colors have different flavors?
Officially, no. There are some who claim they can detect the color of
the Peep simply by taste. I tend to disagree, however, last year I
seemed to detect a very subtle nuance in flavor of the blue Peeps.
Although you might expect Bunnies to have a somewhat gamey flavor, they
taste identical to Peeps.
Peeps Eggs, however, have a very distinctive vanilla aroma and flavor.
Peeps Hearts have a pronounced artificial strawberry flavor.
Subject: 16. Are all colors usually available?
In the recent seasons, the white Peeps appeared to be in short supply,
with all others in adequate supply, from my own experience, and from
reports on the net.
This could vary from city to city, and from store to store. One store
employee remarked that their buyers consider things such as demand and
shelf space when deciding how much of the line to carry.
Subject: 17. Why are Peeps all of a sudden so popular?
Uh, they're yummy! That's reason enough! I suspect that in recent years,
Peep fanciers have been more open, and have discovered each other, with
the help of the Internet and other media. Peeps have become kind of a
fad-food or cult-food in certain circles. A few Peep-a-holics have
admitted to me that they were ashamed to admit to others that they
enjoyed Peeps and consumed so many. Peepophiles have only recently begun
to come out of the closet.
Subject: 18. What (when) exactly is "Peep Season"? Is this when you can
legally hunt Peeps or something?
Peep fanciers sometimes refer to the period in late winter and early
spring, when Peeps are commonly available in stores, as Peep Season.
Peep Season begins on February 15, the date most stores change their
"Seasonal" aisles from Valentines to Easter, and ends a week or so after
Easter, when the yearly supply is gone.
Subject: 19. Is there anyplace you can buy Peeps off-season?
As far as I know there's no place anywhere that regularly stocks Peeps
except during Peep Season. (If anybody knows of a source, please e-mail
me, annie@geekbabe.com, and I'll list it here.) Remember that Spooky
Cats come out in Autumn, followed by Snowmen and the like, and they are
made with the same formula, so those can ease the withdrawal.
Update: A reader has said Candy Barrel (www.candybarrel.com) is selling
Peeps year-round at the amazingly low price of only $3.50 for a box of
5. (Am I in the wrong business or what?) This has not been confirmed
yet.
Update on update: Another reader has written: "Candybarrel's phone
operator said they do NOT sell Peeps! Maybe I got the wrong operator!"
Update on update on update: Another reader sends this URL:
http://www.candywarehouse.com/justborn.html
This looks like it may be a place where you can really get them off
season, although I haven't phoned them yet to see if they really stock
them. You may have to buy a case of them, though.
Just Born regards Peeps and Bunnies as seasonal, a point made to me in a
(snailmail) letter from their PR people. A scan of the letter is
available at the URL:
http://www.geekbabe.com/peeps/
Joining the Peeps Fan Club (see below) may be the only way to readily
obtain a box of Peeps off season at this time.
Subject: 20. What's this about Peeps needing to "age" or "ripen"?
Many Peepophiles prefer a certain degree of staleness to their Peeps,
ranging from a slight stiffness, to downright hard and crunchy. This is
somewhat of an acquired taste. This is normally accomplished either by
letting them age naturally, or else leaving them exposed to air.
Subject: 21. How are Peeps made, are they set in molds?
No, they are not molded. Peeps are kind of extruded through a special
nozzle which moves back and forth, giving the Peeps their characteristic
shape. Bunnies are extruded in slices. The sugar coating is then
applied. At one time the eyes were hand-painted. Now they are applied by
machine.
Before Just Born acquired Rodda, Peeps were made by hand, squeezed
manually from tubes. Just Born automated the process.
Subject: 22. Are there any recipes for Peeps?
Yes, both those that are serious and those in jest. Peep cupcakes and
Choc-o-Peep milkshakes are serious. As for Peeps Flambe' ... :)
Subject: 23. How do you store Peeps so they will keep through the
off-season?
I've found that sealing unopened boxes of Peeps in ziplock bags and
storing them at room temperature will keep them fresh, without getting
too ripe, from one Peep season to the next. Some prefer to refrigerate
or even freeze them.
Subject: 24. What ingredients are in Peeps?
Mostly sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, same as most other marshmallow
candies. They do have trace amounts of flavoring, coloring, wax,
unpronounceable preservatives and such.
Subject: 25. What are Peeps eyes made of?
Carnauba wax. Some websites are erroneously reporting that they are
made of tar. Eyes were once hand-painted. They are now applied by
machine.
Subject: 26. Are Peeps low-cal?
Nope! About 32 calories per peep. (And nobody can eat just one.)
However a reader has pointed out that an entire box of 5 Peeps (160 cal)
has fewer calories than a handful of M&M's (250 cal) so the jury is out
on this one.
Subject: 27. Are Peeps low-fat?
Actually yes. Only trace amounts of any fats in Peeps.
Subject: 28. Are Peeps Kosher for Passover?
Nope, see above ingredients.
However, the Teenie Beanie and Peeps Jelly Beans logos contain the (U)
(Orthodox Union) Kosher designation.
Subject: 29. How are Peeps packaged and sold?
Peeps are most commonly sold in packages of either 5 or 15 Peeps. The
15-Peep packages have 3 trays of 5 Peeps each. In 1999 packages of 2
trays (10 Peeps) were seen.
Subject: 30. What's this about giant Peeps?
I have yet to see a real live giant Peep, but I've seen giant Bunnies,
in packages of one.
Subject: 31. What happens when you put a peep in a microwave oven?
Somebody yells at you for making a mess out of the microwave.
Subject: 32. When were Peeps first advertised on TV?
Peep Season of 1999.
Subject: 33. Are there any tie-in merchandise items?
Yes. In 1999 Just Born released a limited number of stuffed plush
Peeps. These were used in a premium promotion for a number of videos
produced for children. Thanks to a friend who has connections at the
factory, I was able to get one of these.
Photos of this appear on the URL listed in the header above, and the
Just Born web site.
Update: As of January, 2000, Just Born was offering these while supplies
last for a modest fee and two Peeps proofs of purchase. Several colors
are now available.
Subject: 34. There's this cute stuffed bird called "Puffkins The Peep",
is it anything like the stuffed Peep above, or does it have anything to
do with Peeps?
"Puffkins" is the name of a line of cute stuffed collectables, somewhat
similar to Beanie Babies, manufactured by Swibco.
One of the Puffkins is indeed named "Puffkins the Peep", but is has no
connection to Marshmallow Peeps other than a similar name. A photo of
Puffkins the Peep appears at the URL listed in the header. I've been
told that Puffkins the Peep is no longer manufactured, but is still sold
and traded by collectors.
Subject: 35. What's this about a Peeps Fan Club?
Just Born is indeed sponsoring a Peeps Fan Club. (As of this time, I
don't know if I will join or not.) There are two levels of membership,
Basic for $9.95 per year, and Premium for $13.95 per year. Basic
includes a T-shirt (at least they let you choose size, XL is like a
circus tent on me :), a membership card, newsletter, etc. Premium
includes a cap. Both memberships include a package of Peeps, size and
color unspecified. Info about the Peeps Fan Club is on their web page.
Subject: 36. Does Just Born have a web page?
Yes, four, soon to be five, that we know of. They have the main page for
Just Born at http://www.justborn.com/ The official Peeps page is at
http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/
The Zours site is at http://www.zours.com/ and Hot Tamales is at
http://www.hottamales.com/
A Mike & Ike web site will be coming soon.
Links to many other Peeps pages appear at the URL in the header.
Subject: 37. What's this about a fire in the Peeps factory?
Yes, I'm afraid so, Janet, but it wasn't nice!
On the evening of November 30, 1999, an electrical panel in the boiler
room of the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, PA overheated and caught
fire. Part of their electrical system was damaged, there was significant
water damage, and partially-complete batches of Peeps and Bunnies were
damaged. The damaged candy was sold as an animal feed ingredient.
Production resumed in early December, 1999. No Peep or Bunny shortages
are expected for the 2000 Peep Season.
Subject: 38. Who is Janet ?
Oh, come on! I thought all you Peeps people (Peeps peeps?) would
certainly get that. :)
Hint: The dialog goes something like this:
Janet: YOU!!??
Frank: Yes, I'm afraid so, Janet, but wasn't it nice?
...
Janet: Promise ya won't tell Brad?
Subject: 39. Is there anything like a Guinness World Record for eating Peeps?
Guinness no longer sanctions any record of gluttony.
I doubt if Just Born would sanction such a thing either.
However, an annual event in Sacramento, the Peep Off has just such a
contest. This last year (2002), Jason (Peepicide) won the prize,
consuming 72 peeps in 1/2 hour.
Links to the annual Peep Off appear in the URL indicated in the header.
Subject: 40. And what about you, the author, how old are you, and do you
really eat Peeps?
I lie about my age, but I'm sure I'm old enough to be your mother. {G}
And yes I do occasionally indulge. (Yes, this has been asked several
times. :) A link to proof that I actually eat Peeps appears at the
URL indicated in the header. :)
Subject: 41. What do I do if I think you're wrong about some of this, or
if I've got a question to add to this list?
Well, the best thing to do is to write me e-mail at: annie@geekbabe.com
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