How People Eat Their Peeps Marshmallow Treats

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A survey by Peeps maker Just Born found that the majority of Peeps fans, 67%, eat their marshmallow chicks head-first, while 13% start with the tail and 16% have no preference. The survey also revealed that 40% of respondents have been eating Peeps for over 40 years, and 32% for 20 years, showing the enduring popularity of the divisive Easter candy.

Why it matters

Peeps are a polarizing Easter treat, with some people loving them and others hating them. However, the survey results demonstrate that even among Peeps fans, there are strong preferences and traditions around how to eat the iconic marshmallow candies.

The details

The Just Born survey, conducted for Peeps' 60th anniversary in 2013, found that 97% of participants considered Peeps an Easter basket must-have. A majority said they eat between 1-2 Peeps at a time. When asked about their eating habits, 67% said they eat their Peeps head-first, 13% said they eat the tail first, and 16% said they have no preference and eat them in tiny bites.

• The Just Born survey was conducted in 2013 for Peeps' 60th anniversary.
• The Peeps manufacturing process was photographed at the Just Born factory in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on April 10, 2025.