Just Born Quality Confections makes Peeps.

This family-owned company, based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, produces the iconic marshmallow chicks and other shapes that have become Easter staples—and beyond—for decades. Founded in 1923 by Sam Born, Just Born acquired the Rodda Candy Company in 1953, which originally handmade the treats; Bob Born then mechanized production in 1954, slashing creation time from 27 hours to just 6 minutes per chick.

Production Marvels

The Bethlehem factory churns out about 5.5 million Peeps daily , totaling roughly 2 billion annually—enough for six per person in the U.S. Recent peeks inside (as of April 2025) reveal the mesmerizing process: marshmallow mix gets piped, cooled, coated in sugar, and adorned with "peepsonality" like eyes and noses before packaging.

  • Originally yellow chicks from Lancaster, PA roots.
  • Now in vibrant colors, flavors like cookies & cream or fruit punch, and shapes for every holiday.
  • Other Just Born hits: Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales, Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.

Cultural Fluff

Peeps spark endless debates—love 'em toasted, microwaved, or in art; hate 'em as "indestructible." Fans create dioramas, beers, and recipes, while brand manager Caitlin Servian notes their festive versatility. In spring 2025 coverage, the factory's "sugar-coated magic" drew crowds, cementing Peeps as a pop-culture chick icon.

"Even if you’re not usually one to gravitate to eating the Peeps, there’s always so many other fun ways to include them in your celebrations." – Caitlin Servian

TL;DR: Just Born Quality Confections crafts your Peeps in Bethlehem, PA, pumping out billions with a century-old family legacy turned high-tech wonder.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.