They're back in time for Easter.
After a pandemic break, Peeps are back in production for Easter.
Candy maker Just Born Quality Confections announced Wednesday that the sugary treats are returning to shelves just in time for the holiday, after a nine-month hiatus because of the pandemic.
Just Born decided in April to stop production to protect employees' health as the pandemic took root in the United States. Consumers missed out on a variety of holiday-themed Peeps as a result, including for Halloween, Christmas and this year's Valentine's Day.
But now Peeps production is back in full force, with the company producing several old favorites and two new flavors inspired by Hot Tamales candy and Froot Loops cereal.
Easter is a good time for Just Born to bring them back, as Peeps have been the No. 1 non-chocolate brand at Easter for more than 20 years, according to the company.
Before the pandemic about 5.5 million Peeps were produced every day, roughly 2 billion a year. The Peeps brand launched in 1953, when it took 27 hours to make a single one of the candies. Today it takes 6 minutes.
14 fun facts about Peeps — the most controversial Easter candy in America
14 fun facts about Peeps — the most controversial Easter candy in America
1. Peeps hit the market in 1953
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Peeps celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2018. Just Born began making the marshmallow treats in 1953, after purchasing The Rodda Candy Company from Lancaster, Pa.
2. Peep's manufacturer Just Born is a family business
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Just Born Quality Confections has been in business since 1923 and is now in its third generation of family ownership.
3. It takes 6 minutes to make a Peep
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When it first started making Peeps in 1953, it took 27 hours to create Peeps chicks, according to the company. Now, with modern technology, it takes six minutes.
4. Peeps lost their wings
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Peeps once had wings, but they were removed by Just Born in the late 1950s.
5. There are a lot of Peeps produced each year
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Were you of a mind to line them up next to one another, the number of Peeps produced by Just Born in one year would circle the Earth twice.
6. Like a lot of Peeps
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Stacking 8,000 Peeps on top of one another would reach the top of the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, in Chicago.
7. Yellow is the best selling color
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Yellow is the best selling color of Peeps chicks and bunnies in the United States. The marshmallow candies were originally yellow and white, followed by pink, lavender, blue, green and orange.
8. Chicks have more calories than bunnies
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Each Peeps chick has 28 calories. Bunnies have 27.5 calories. Both have 0 grams of fat.
9. Peeps can also come covered in chocolate
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Chocolate Dipped and Chocolate Covered Peeps chicks were introduced to the public for Easter 2010.
10. Peeps can be frozen
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While the company suggests people eat their Peeps them while they're fresh, they have been told by people they can be frozen. Just Born recommends storing Peeps at about 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity of about 45-50 percent.
11. Peeps have their own art show
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Around the country in early spring, there are held Peeps art and diorama contests. The Carroll County Arts Council is on its 12th annual celebration, calling the annual event the PEEPshow. This year's Carroll County event runs until April 23.
12. Peepsfest is help each December
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Just Born holds Peepsfest every year Dec. 30 and 31 in Bethlehem, Pa. The two-day family event includes Peeps smores making, a fun run and 5K, music, magicians and a diorama contest. It culminates in a Peeps Chick Drop and fireworks.
13. There are two Peeps retail stores
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The company operates two retail stores, one in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania. Peeps can be found throughout the year at its online store, www.peepsandcompany.com.
14. Peeps aren't just for Easter anymore
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Peeps are available at all major seasons, including Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter and Summer.
