BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) Love them or hate them, the iconic marshmallow Peeps have become a quintessential part of the Easter holiday, captivating the hearts (and taste buds) of many across the United States. With their blindingly bright colors and an array of unique flavors, these sugary treats are nearly inescapable during this festive season.

Manufactured in the charming town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Just Born Quality Confections, these delightful candies are produced with impressive efficiency. Just Born is a family-owned candy manufacturer known not only for Peeps but also for other beloved candies, including Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews, and Goldenbergs Peanut Chews. Yet, it is Peeps that stands out as the company's most recognizable and trademarked brand, evoking a range of strong reactions from consumersboth positive and critical.

For many, an Easter basket feels incomplete without a package of Peeps. In contrast, others criticize the candies for their long shelf life and peculiar texture, often joking that they are indestructible. Despite the divided opinions, Peeps have found versatility beyond the candy aisle; they are often incorporated into creative recipes and even used as materials for whimsical artwork. As Caitlin Servian, the brand manager for Peeps, states, Even if youre not usually one to gravitate to eating the Peeps, there are so many other fun ways to include them in your celebrations.

But how many Peeps are actually made each year? The astonishing number is approximately 5.5 million Peeps produced daily. This translates to a staggering total of about 2 billion Peeps annually, which averages out to roughly six Peeps for every man, woman, and child across the United Statesa true testimony to their popularity.

As for the varieties of Peeps available, they have come a long way since their initial introduction. Originally hatched in a classic yellow color, Peeps now come in nine vibrant colors for this years Easter season, including shades such as pink, blue, and lavender. Furthermore, the brand has expanded its flavor profile beyond the traditional choices, offering 14 different flavors for Easter alone. From cookies and cream to fruit punch and even sour watermelon, the range of options allows fans to indulge in different tastes throughout the year depending on the holiday season.

The production of Peeps has seen significant advancements in efficiency over the years. Before the early 1950s, the painstaking process of making these candies was a labor-intensive task that took an astonishing 27 hours to complete by hand. Bob Born, who is affectionately dubbed the Father of Peeps, revolutionized this process by collaborating with a company engineer to develop a machine capable of producing Peeps in under six minutes. This same innovative process is still utilized today, allowing for the rapid production of these iconic marshmallow delights.

So, how exactly are Peeps made? The process begins with the primary ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. These components are cooked and mixed to create a fluffy marshmallow base. Afterward, the marshmallows are shaped into the familiar chick and bunny forms before being sent through what is known as a sugar shower. A whopping 400 pounds (or 181 kilograms) of sugar is used per batch to give Peeps their signature colorful coating. Each freshly made Peep, with each chick weighing only one-third of an ounce, then travels along a conveyor belt where they cool before being packaged for eager consumers.

In conclusion, Peeps are much more than just a candy; they represent a seasonal tradition that has captivated generations. Whether enjoyed straight from the package, used in holiday recipes, or displayed in creative artwork, these marshmallow treats are interwoven into the fabric of American Easter celebrations.

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Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio.