Peeps, those squishy marshmallow treats, have exploded from their Easter basket origins into a year-round phenomenon with flavors that boggle the mind.
I’ve eaten my way through the rainbow of options to bring you the definitive ranking of Peeps flavors. After a colorful sugar crash and more marshmallow than anyone should eat in one sitting, one flavor rose above the rest.
1. Cotton Candy Peeps
Holy sugar rush, Batman! Cotton Candy Peeps nail the carnival experience without the sticky fingers. The first bite transports me straight to summer fairgrounds, complete with Ferris wheel views and that unmistakable spun sugar magic.
What makes these exceptional is how they perfectly capture cotton candy’s essence without being overwhelming. The subtle blue and pink coloring even matches the nostalgic carnival treat they’re mimicking.
2. S’mores Delights
Whoever invented S’mores Peeps deserves a Nobel Prize in deliciousness. These genius treats combine the gooey marshmallow we expect from Peeps with graham cracker bits and chocolate undertones that genuinely taste like you’re sitting fireside.
Unlike other flavored Peeps that sometimes miss the mark, these nail the balance between sweet marshmallow and that distinctive s’mores char flavor. The chocolate base adds the perfect finishing touch.
3. Classic Yellow Peeps
Nothing beats the nostalgic sugar rush of biting into an original yellow Peep. These neon chicks have remained virtually unchanged since the 1950s, and honestly, why mess with perfection? The simple vanilla-ish sweetness hits differently than any newcomer flavor.
Family tradition dictates we always leave a package open overnight to achieve that slightly stale, chewier texture that Peeps purists swear by. New flavors come and go, but these yellow classics will forever reign supreme in my heart.
4. Party Cake Peeps
Birthday cake flavor has invaded everything from Oreos to protein powder, but Party Cake Peeps might be its perfect application. These confetti-speckled treats capture that boxed cake mix magic we all secretly love, complete with hints of vanilla frosting.
The colorful sprinkles aren’t just for show—they add tiny bursts of texture that elevate the whole experience. I’ve started keeping these on hand for impromptu celebrations since they instantly create party vibes. Party Cake Peeps aren’t just candy—they’re joy in marshmallow form.
5. Strawberry Delights
Strawberry Peeps hit different than their fruity counterparts with a sweetness that somehow feels more natural. The pale pink hue might look artificial, but the flavor strikes a delicate balance between real strawberry and candy fantasy.
My first encounter with these berry beauties happened during a Valentine’s Day clearance sale. What started as a bargain buy turned into a seasonal obsession I now stock up on shamelessly.
6. Chocolate Pudding Peeps
Chocolate Pudding Peeps solved the age-old marshmallow dilemma: how to make them taste like actual chocolate instead of just brown food coloring. These brown beauties deliver rich cocoa flavor that genuinely recalls the childhood joy of licking pudding off a wooden spoon.
The genius lies in their texture—somehow simultaneously light and decadent. The chocolate intensity builds with each bite rather than hitting you all at once, creating a slow-burn chocolate experience that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
7. ICEE Blue Raspberry
Remember brain freezes from blue raspberry ICEEs at the mall? These electric blue Peeps capture that exact flavor without numbing your entire face. The vibrant color alone triggers instant convenience store flashbacks.
What’s remarkable is how they’ve translated that specific artificial-yet-delicious blue raspberry flavor into marshmallow form. It shouldn’t work, yet somehow these create a perfect taste memory of childhood summer afternoons.
8. Cinnamon Churro
Cinnamon Churro Peeps deliver a shocking wallop of authenticity that made me double-check the package. The cinnamon sugar coating creates that familiar churro crunch before giving way to a marshmallow center that somehow captures fried dough essence.
These tan-colored treats feature delicate cinnamon striping that isn’t just for show—it distributes the spice perfectly throughout each bite. I’ve started warming them slightly to enhance the cinnamon aroma, creating an eerily accurate churro experience.
9. Dr Pepper Peeps
Dr Pepper Peeps shouldn’t exist, yet here we are—and I’m not mad about it. These burgundy-hued marshmallows somehow capture that distinctive 23-flavor soda profile, right down to the slight cherry-vanilla finish that makes Dr Pepper fans so devoted.
The first bite delivers a startling authenticity that’s both confusing and delightful. How did they translate carbonated soda sensation into a solid form? The flavor scientists at Peeps deserve a raise for this bizarre achievement.
10. Sour Watermelon
Sour Watermelon Peeps deliver a flavor contradiction that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. The initial hit of genuine watermelon flavor quickly gives way to a respectable sour punch that makes your taste buds do a double-take.
The sour sugar coating provides that perfect pucker factor without overwhelming the fruity essence. They’re not Warheads-level sour, but they deliver just enough tang to earn their name.
11. Mike & Ike Peeps
Mike & Ike Peeps represent the candy crossover event I never knew I needed. These fruity mashups brilliantly combine the chewy fruit flavor of Mike & Ike with marshmallow fluffiness for something entirely new.
Each bright-colored Peep delivers a surprisingly accurate recreation of classic Mike & Ike flavors. The strawberry ones particularly shine, offering that distinctive candy fruitiness that’s somehow both artificial and irresistible.
12. Breyers Cookies & Cream
Breyers Cookies & Cream Peeps capture the essence of digging through ice cream searching for cookie chunks. These black-and-white speckled marshmallows deliver a one-two punch of vanilla creaminess and authentic chocolate cookie bits that genuinely crunch.
Unlike some branded collaborations that feel like marketing gimmicks, these actually taste like the ice cream they’re mimicking. The chocolate specks aren’t just for show—they provide tiny bursts of cocoa flavor throughout each bite.
13. Rice Krispies Treats Peeps
Rice Krispies Treats Peeps represent a mind-bending concept—marshmallows flavored like treats that are already mostly marshmallow. This marshmallow inception somehow works brilliantly, delivering that buttery, toasted Rice Krispies flavor in classic Peeps form.
Little rice cereal bits embedded throughout provide authentic crunch and visual appeal. The flavor scientists nailed that distinctive browned butter note that makes homemade Rice Krispies treats so irresistible.
14. Fruit Punch Peeps
Fruit Punch Peeps instantly transport me to childhood summers with plastic cups of red punch. These ruby-colored marshmallows somehow capture that specific artificial fruit medley that’s become a nostalgic American classic.
The flavor hits with surprising accuracy—that distinctive blend of cherry, pineapple, and whatever else goes into “red” flavor. There’s even a slight tartness that cuts through the sweetness, preventing sugar overload.
15. Tropical Punch
Tropical Punch Peeps deliver a passport-free trip to island getaways with their bold flavor profile. These vibrant orange-pink marshmallows combine pineapple, mango, and passion fruit notes that somehow avoid the sunscreen-adjacent taste that plagues many tropical-themed candies.
What separates these from regular fruit punch is the genuine tropical fruit complexity. You can actually taste distinct fruit flavors rather than just generic sweetness with food coloring.