Peeps: A Sweet Tradition in Bethlehem, PA

News Summary

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is home to the iconic Peeps, produced by Just Born Quality Confections. These marshmallow delights have become synonymous with Easter celebrations across America. With a staggering production of 5.5 million Peeps daily and a variety of flavors and colors, Peeps continue to charm families every spring. The evolution of Peeps from handcrafted treats to mass production adds to their allure, making them a beloved candy for many. Join in on the fun of this fluffy, sugary tradition that brings joy to Easter baskets everywhere.

Welcome to Bethlehem: The Home of Marshmallow Marvels!

If you find yourself in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania around Easter, prepare to be surrounded by a fluffy sea of marshmallow magic! Yes, we’re talking about the iconic Peeps, the sugary treats that hop into our hearts and our baskets every year. Produced by Just Born Quality Confections, these little critters are not just a seasonal delight; they’re a vibrant part of American Easter tradition.

A Sweet Family Legacy

Just Born is a family-owned candy company that has been delighting taste buds since 1923. While Peeps are undoubtedly their most famous product, they also whip up other treats like Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews, and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews. However, it’s the Peeps that truly steal the show! Just Born’s dedication to quality and creativity makes these marshmallow treats a must-have for many during the holiday.

Unbelievable Production Numbers

Can you believe that Just Born makes a staggering 5.5 million Peeps each day? That’s a whopping total of about 2 billion Peeps every year! To put that into perspective, that amounts to approximately six Peeps for every person in the United States—yes, that includes you, your kids, and even your pet goldfish! The scale of production is nothing short of mind-blowing.

Colorful and Flavorful Variations

Part of the appeal of Peeps lies in their adorable, colorful appearance. Every Easter, Peeps come dressed in nine delightful colors, including cheerful yellow, cotton candy pink, sky blue, and soft lavender. But that’s not all! Just Born also offers a variety of 14 different flavors during Easter season, including exciting options like cookies and cream, fruit punch, and even sour watermelon. As the seasons change, so does the flavor and color lineup, keeping things fresh and exciting throughout the year!

The Evolution of Peeps

Let’s take a step back in time. Did you know that before the early 1950s, each Peep was painstakingly made by hand, taking a staggering 27 hours to create just one? Thanks to the ingenuity of Bob Born, known affectionately as the “Father of Peeps,” the production process underwent a revolutionary change with the invention of a machine that reduced the time to less than six minutes for each Peep! This deliciously efficient process is still the method used today, allowing for those sugary marshmallows to roll off the production line at lightning speed.

The Sweet Chemistry Behind the Magic

Curious about what makes Peeps so sweet? The main ingredients are simple yet effective: sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. These components come together to form the marshmallow base. After the marshmallows are formed, they take a delightful ride through a “sugar shower” that utilizes an impressive 400 pounds of sugar per batch for the colorful coating. Talk about a sugar rush!

Final Steps: Cooling and Packaging

As these sugary delights finish their transformation, they cool on a conveyor belt before being packaged up and sent out to stores and homes across the nation. Each little Peep chick tips the scales at just one-third of an ounce, making them the perfect pop-in-your-mouth treat.

The Conclusion of Our Sweet Journey

So there you have it! The next time you enjoy a Peeps treat, take a moment to appreciate the journey it has taken from the factory floor in Bethlehem, PA, to your Easter basket or springtime celebration. With their fun colors, unique flavors, and endearing shapes, Peeps are truly a one-of-a-kind candy that adds a touch of sweetness to any holiday.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• NBC Philadelphia: The Great Easter Basket Question – To Peep or Not to Peep
• Wikipedia: Peeps
• Herald-Dispatch: The Great Easter Basket Question – To Peep or Not to Peep
• Google Search: Peeps
• Decatur Daily: A Look Inside the Factory Where Peeps Are Made
• Google Scholar: Peeps candy
• Richmond Register: Go Inside the Factory Where Peeps Are Made
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Peeps