What Are Marshmallow Peeps Made Of? Ingredients, Nutrition, and more

The full ingredient list for classic yellow Peeps, in descending order:

sugar
Corn syrup
Gelatin
Less than 0.5 percent of the following: Yellow #5 (tartrazine), potassium sorbate (preservative), natural flavors, and carnauba wax

sugar

Sugar is the main ingredient in Peeps and the main source of calories. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a quick spike in blood sugar followed by a drop shortly after, Hezer explains.

Sugar provides sweetness and structure, but nutritionally, it’s considered added sugar — meaning it contributes calories without essential nutrients, she says.

Just one serving of Peeps can deliver nearly 60 percent of the recommended daily limit for added sugar, Heather notes, making it “a big chunk in a small package.”

Corn syrup

The second main ingredient in Peeps is corn syrup. Beyond adding sweetness, it helps give Peeps a soft, chewy texture. It is considered nutritionally equivalent to common sweeteners such as table sugar and honey.

Corn syrup is made by breaking down corn starch into glucose, creating a thick, sweet liquid. Like sugar, corn syrup is quickly absorbed by the body and can contribute to a rapid increase in blood sugar.

Gelatin

Gelatin gives Peeps an airy, marshmallow-like structure, absorbing air to create a light texture. Gelatin is also a key ingredient in Jell-O.

It is a protein derived from collagen, usually coming from the skin and bones of animals, usually cows and pigs. That means marshmallow Peeps are not vegetarian or vegan.

“Although gelatin contains protein, it is not a complete protein and does not necessarily change the nutritional profile of the candy,” says Hezer.

dye

Food coloring gives Peeps bright colors – yellow, pink, and blue.

Yellow Peeps with Yellow #5 (tartrazine)
Pink peeps with carmine color
Blue Peeps contain Blue #1

Yellow #5 and Blue #1 are synthetic dyes derived from petroleum.

Carmine is a red dye made from dried and crushed cochineal insects. These small bugs mainly live on the pads of prickly pear cactus.

These dyes are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which considers them safe when used within approved limits.

For most people, there’s no need to worry about ingesting small amounts of this dye, Heather said. “However, some individuals – especially children – may be sensitive to certain dyes, with possible behavioral effects or mild reactions in rare cases,” he said.

“Practical advice” Heather: You don’t need to panic about these additives, just try to limit how often you eat them.

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a food preservative that helps prevent mold and extends shelf life.

It is widely used in packaged foods and is considered safe by the FDA in small amounts.

Without preservatives, products like Peeps would spoil more quickly.

Natural taste

“Natural flavor” is a broad category defined by federal regulations.

It refers to flavoring compounds derived from natural sources, such as:

Fruit or vegetables
Spices or herbs
Plant products or fermentation

The manufacturer does not have to disclose what this flavor is, so the specific source is not always clear.

For most people, natural flavors are not a health issue, although they can be a problem for people with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Carnauba wax

Carnauba wax gives the Peeps a slightly glossy finish.

It is derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree and is commonly used as a coating on candies and other foods. It is also used in non-food products such as car wax and shoe polish.

In food, it acts as a glazing agent and is considered safe for consumption in small amounts.

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