America Loves to Hate This Easter Candy, but It Is Still the Most Popular
Peeps has a lot of reach; only about 2 percent of Americans say they’ve never tried one, which means almost everyone already has an opinion. That’s also where things split. A survey of 1,000 United States adults found that 25 percent rate Peeps a perfect 10 out of 10, while 16 percent give them a zero. The rest come somewhere in between.
The complaints are consistent, and texture comes up first. The sugary coating, paired with a soft marshmallow center, can feel overly sweet or slightly chewy if left out too long. Flavor follows close behind. Critics often say the original version tastes like straight sugar, with little depth, but fans see it differently. The sweetness is the point, and the simplicity is what makes them familiar.
Massive Production Keeps Them Everywhere
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Peeps are not a niche product. Just Born produces around 2 billion Peeps each year at its Pennsylvania facility. That works out to more than 5 million per day. The scale keeps Peeps visible in every major retail space during the season. It also reinforces their role as a default Easter candy, even for people who claim they don’t enjoy them.
The brand has also expanded beyond the original yellow chicks. New 2026 flavors include Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry, SUNNYD flavored marshmallow chicks sold at Target, and Chili Lime Mango versions available at Kroger. Chocolate-covered variations and jelly beans continue to attract interest, with chocolate-covered marshmallow chicks ranking as the most desired option among surveyed consumers.
Popularity Doesn’t Match Preference Rankings
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Peeps don’t top preference lists. When Americans were asked to name their favorite Easter candy, Reese’s peanut butter eggs led with 24 percent. Cadbury Creme Eggs followed at 16 percent, and chocolate bunnies came in at 13 percent. Peeps ranked much lower, behind options like jelly beans and Easter-themed M&Ms.
Search Data Tells A Different Story
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Research based on Google Trends shows Peeps as the most searched Easter candy in the United States, drawing 50 percent more interest than the next closest option, the classic chocolate bunny. They also ranked as the top candy in 17 states, with a strong presence across a central stretch that includes Kansas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania connection makes sense given that Peeps are produced in the Lehigh Valley. This kind of data reflects curiosity and cultural relevance more than pure preference.
A Tradition That Keeps Reinventing Itself
Part of the appeal comes from how Peeps fit into Easter habits. They’ve been part of the holiday for more than 70 years, and that history means something. For many shoppers, skipping Peeps would feel like leaving something out.
There’s also a playful side that keeps them relevant. About 32 percent of Americans have microwaved a Peep just to see what happens. That kind of experimentation turns the candy into part of the experience.