Emily Carter
Sweet Tarts and Marshmallow Peeps are two beloved candies with distinct characteristics and a long history. Sweet Tarts, with their unique blend of sweetness and tartness, were invented in 1962 or 1963 by Sunline, Inc. under the direction of Menlo F. Smith. On the other hand, Marshmallow Peeps, specifically in the shape of Easter chicks, were introduced in 1954 when Just Born acquired the Rodda Candy Company. This comparison raises an intriguing question: which of these iconic candies came first? By examining the origins and timelines of these treats, we can uncover the answer and gain insight into the evolution of confectionery delights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marshmallow Chicks Invention | Handmade marshmallow chicks were first created by the Just Born company in 1946. In 1954, the company acquired the Rodda Candy Company and invented Marshmallow Peeps in the shape of Easter chicks. |
| Sweet Tarts Invention | Sweet Tarts are sweet and sour candies invented under the direction of Menlo F. Smith, CEO of Sunline Inc., in 1962. |
| Flavors | Marshmallow Chicks: N/A |
| Sweet Tarts: Cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange | |
| Packaging | Marshmallow Chicks: N/A |
| Sweet Tarts: Often packaged for Halloween, Valentine's Day, and Easter |
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What You'll Learn
Sweet Tarts were invented in 1962 or 1963
Sweet Tarts were invented in 1962 under the direction of Menlo F. Smith, the CEO of Sunline Inc. The candy was created using the same basic recipe as the already popular Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid products. In 1963, Sweet Tarts were introduced with the same flavours as Pixy Stix: cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange.
Sweet Tarts are sweet and sour candies. They were created to broaden the market for the tangy taste sensation that was already popular with Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid (Fun Dip). In the mid-1960s, Sunline introduced Giantarts, originally packaged as a single large tablet. Over the years, Sweet Tarts have been packaged in different shapes and sizes for various occasions, such as Easter, Halloween, and Valentine's Day.
Sweet Tarts have undergone several changes and iterations since their invention. In 1966, a candy-coated version of Sweet Tarts was introduced under the brand name Spree. Taffy products are also produced under the Sweet Tarts brand. Sunline, Inc. became a division of the Sunmark of St. Louis' group of companies, which was later acquired in 1986 by Rowntree Mackintosh of the United Kingdom. The company was then taken over by Nestlé, which continues to produce and market Sweet Tarts today.
The exact date of the invention of Sweet Tarts is unclear, with some sources citing 1962 and others 1963. However, it is clear that Sweet Tarts were introduced to the market in the early 1960s, and they have since become a popular and well-known candy. The brand has expanded to include various shapes, sizes, and flavours, solidifying its place in the candy market.
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Marshmallow Peeps were invented in 1954
Marshmallow Peeps, the classic springtime treat, were invented in 1954. These colourful marshmallow treats are a staple of Easter celebrations, often used to adorn Easter baskets and garnish drinks. Peeps were originally produced by the R. E. Rodda Candy Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and were acquired by Just Born in 1953 or 1954. The company was founded by Russian immigrant Sam Born, who is also credited with inventing chocolate sprinkles and the chocolate sauce that hardens into a crunchy shell on ice cream. Born's son, Bob Born, mechanized the marshmallow creation process, reducing manufacturing time from 27 hours to just six minutes.
The original Peeps were chick-shaped marshmallows, sold in packs of five conjoined marshmallows. The yellow chicks were the first form of the candy, giving them their name. Over time, the company introduced new colours, shapes, and flavours, including lavender in 1995 and blue in 1998. New flavours such as vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate were introduced between 1999 and 2002. In the 1960s, Just Born began producing other shapes, following seasonal themes, and in the 1980s, they introduced the popular Marshmallow Peeps Bunny.
Peeps are made with sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, food dyes, and salt. The gelatin in the recipe makes them unsuitable for vegans. Peeps have expanded beyond their original seasonal availability and are now marketed as "Always in Season". They have become a year-round treat, with special shapes for various holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. In addition to the traditional marshmallow flavour, Peeps are also available in different milk flavours and even a milkshake kit.
The popularity of Peeps has led to creative recipes and uses, such as Peeps smores, Peeps pancakes, homemade chocolate-covered Peeps, and Peeps marshmallow chocolate chip cookies. They can also be used as a marshmallow topper for hot chocolate or in creative recipes like "Peepshi", where a Peep is placed on a Rice Krispie Treat and wrapped in a Fruit by the Foot to resemble a sushi roll. Peeps have even inspired merchandise like pillows and other decor.
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Sweet Tarts were inspired by Pixy Stix
Sweet Tarts are sweet and sour candies that were invented in 1962 under the direction of Menlo F. Smith, the CEO of Sunline Inc. The candy was created using the same small basic recipe as the already popular Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid (Fun Dip) products. Pixy Stix is a powdery candy that was introduced in 1952 as a precursor to powder candies such as Fun Dip. The main components in Pixy Stix include dextrose, citric acid, and flavorings. Dextrose, a type of sugar, forms the bulk of the candy’s composition, providing its sweet taste and powdery consistency. Citric acid adds the sour element, making each straw a balance of sweet and tart. The flavorings are both artificial and natural, resulting in a range of tastes like grape, orange, and cherry.
The success of Pixy Stix inspired other novelty candies like Sweet Tarts and Fun Dip. These candies also used bright colors and playful packaging to attract young consumers. Sweet Tarts were introduced in 1963 with the same flavors as Pixy Stix: cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange. Like Pixy Stix, Sweet Tarts also have a range of products, including Little Sweet Tarts, which are often packaged to be handed out as Halloween trick-or-treat candy, SweeTart "hearts" for Valentine's Day, and "chicks, ducks and bunnies" shaped SweeTarts for Easter. In the 1980s, Sunline introduced Giant Chewy SweeTarts, which were repackaged as four slightly smaller discs and relaunched in 2021 with an expanded line of Chewy SweeTarts products, including candy-coated Chewy SweeTarts and Mini Chewy SweeTarts.
Pixy Stix has also ventured into collaborations with other candy brands, including Sweet Tarts, to create new and exciting products. These joint efforts often blend Pixy Stix’s powdery candy with other well-loved sweets, helping to widen their market reach and introduce the candy to new audiences.
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Sweet Tarts have a unique texture
Sweet Tarts were invented in 1962, a year before marshmallow chicks (invented in 1963). The candy was created using the same small basic recipe as the already popular Pixy Stix and Lik-M-Aid (Fun Dip) products.
The texture of Sweet Tarts is a key element of their appeal. The candy has a firm and slightly chalky texture, offering a satisfying crunch when bitten into. This texture is a result of the compressed powder composition. As the candy dissolves in the mouth, the texture softens, gradually releasing the flavour. This texture sets Sweet Tarts apart from smoother, more chewy candies.
The original Sweet Tarts came in five flavours: cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange. The cherry flavour is a classic sweet-tart combination, while lemon and lime offer a brighter, more pronounced tartness. Grape adds a slightly fruity and less acidic note, and orange provides a refreshing citrusy taste.
Over the years, Sweet Tarts have been released in other variations, including mini versions, giant versions, and limited-edition flavours. These variations often coincide with holidays or special events, offering new and exciting ways to enjoy the classic Sweet Tarts taste.
The unique texture and flavour of Sweet Tarts have made them a symbol of nostalgia for many people, evoking memories of Halloween trick-or-treating, school lunchboxes, and family road trips. This nostalgic connection is a key factor in the candy’s continued popularity.
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Marshmallow Peeps are shaped like chicks
Marshmallow Peeps, the iconic chick-shaped candy, have been a staple of Easter celebrations for over six decades. The sweet treats were first crafted by hand and took nearly 30 hours to create. The laborious process involved women using pastry tubes to meticulously squirt out the marshmallow chicks, requiring an incredibly long cooling period before they could be packaged and sold.
The origins of Marshmallow Peeps date back to the early 1950s when Just Born, a candy manufacturer founded in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, acquired the Rodda Candy Company, which originally produced these marshmallow chicks. Sam Born, the founder of Just Born, was an immigrant from the Russian Empire (now Ukraine), who began his candy-making journey in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917.
In 1954, Sam's son, Bob Born, revolutionized the candy-making process by replacing the time-consuming hand-forming method with mass production. This innovation drastically reduced the manufacturing time to just about six minutes, allowing for efficient production of the beloved treats.
Over the years, Marshmallow Peeps have become a cultural phenomenon, with about 5.5 million produced daily and an estimated annual production of 2 billion. They have expanded beyond their traditional chick shape, now including bunnies and other animal shapes, as well as holiday-themed variations for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day.
The popularity of Marshmallow Peeps has led to creative recipes and experiments, such as Peeps smores, pancakes, brownies, and even a limited-edition "Peeps marshmallow cola" soft drink. While some adore these sugary treats, others have formed Facebook groups dedicated to their dislike of Peeps, showcasing the polarizing nature of these candies.
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Frequently asked questions
Sweet Tarts were invented first, in 1962, with Marshmallow Chicks (also known as Marshmallow Peeps) following in 1954.
Sweet Tarts are sweet and sour candies with a unique blend of sweetness and tartness. They were invented by Menlo F. Smith, the CEO of Sunline Inc.
Marshmallow Chicks, or Peeps, are marshmallow candies in the shape of Easter chicks. They were invented by the Rodda Candy Company, which was acquired by Just Born in 1954.
The original Sweet Tarts came in five flavours: cherry, grape, lemon, lime, and orange.
Yes, Marshmallow Peeps come in a variety of shapes and flavours for different occasions, including Easter, Christmas, and Valentine's Day.
