How Many Calories Do Peeps Have?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A single, classic Peeps Marshmallow Chick contains around 28 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie treat. However, the calorie count varies depending on the specific product, so it's important to check the nutritional information for the exact type of Peeps you are consuming. While low in fat, these iconic marshmallow candies are notably high in sugar.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the calorie content and nutritional information for different Peeps varieties, including chicks, bunnies, and flavored options. It also explores the ingredients, discusses sugar content, and provides context for how Peeps fit into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Classic Chick Calories: A single classic Peeps Marshmallow Chick contains approximately 28 calories.
Classic Bunny Calories: Classic Marshmallow Bunnies typically contain around 34 calories per piece.
High Sugar Content: Peeps are primarily made of sugar and corn syrup, with very little nutritional value.
Not Vegan: The marshmallow's texture comes from pork-derived gelatin, making Peeps unsuitable for vegans.
Gluten-Free and Fat-Free: Classic Peeps are both gluten-free and fat-free, making them suitable for those with related dietary restrictions.
Varying Calories: Calorie counts can differ for larger or specialty Peeps products, like the Giant Bunny Pop or flavored varieties.
Occasional Treat: Due to their high sugar content and lack of nutrients, Peeps are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack.

Peeps Calorie Breakdown: Classic Chicks and Bunnies

For a long time, the most iconic Peeps were the classic marshmallow chicks, especially popular around Easter. These have a fairly consistent calorie count per piece across different colors. The bunnies, which were introduced later, have a slightly different calorie count due to their shape and size.

Classic Marshmallow Chicks

According to official brand nutrition information and third-party databases, a single, classic Peeps Marshmallow Chick contains approximately 28 calories. While this might seem insignificant, it's important to remember that most people don't stop at just one. A standard 5-pack of Peeps chicks, for instance, amounts to 140 calories. These calories primarily come from sugar and corn syrup, which are the main ingredients.

Classic Marshmallow Bunnies

Classic Marshmallow Bunnies typically contain around 34 calories per piece. This is slightly higher than the chicks due to their larger size. A package of 4 bunnies usually contains 140 calories, similar to the 5-pack of chicks, but the per-piece count is different.

Specialty and Flavored Peeps

Beyond the classic versions, Peeps offers a wide array of seasonal and specialty flavors, and their nutritional information can differ. For example, some specialty pops or larger items might contain more calories due to their size and any additional coatings or fillings. For instance, a PEEPS® Giant White Bunny Pop contains 140 calories for a single bunny, equivalent to an entire 5-pack of the smaller chicks. Flavored varieties, such as Cotton Candy, also have their own specific nutritional labels.

Comparison of Peeps Varieties

To understand the differences more clearly, here is a comparison table of the calorie content and serving sizes for various Peeps products.


Peeps Variety	Serving Size	Calories per Serving	Added Sugar per Serving	Notes
Classic Marshmallow Chick	5 chicks	140 calories	30g	Popular at Easter.
Classic Marshmallow Bunny	4 bunnies	140 calories	30g	Larger size than chicks.
10-Count Marshmallow Chicks	4 chicks	110 calories	25g	Different package sizes have varied serving sizes.
PEEPS® Giant White Bunny Pop	1 bunny	140 calories	30g	One large item.
Candy Cane Flavored Chicks	4 chicks	110 calories	24g	Seasonal flavor.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While the low calorie count per individual Peep might be appealing, it's essential to look at the broader nutritional profile. Peeps are primarily composed of sugar and corn syrup, offering very little in the way of nutritional value.

Here are some of the ingredients and their implications:

Sugar and Corn Syrup: The vast majority of a Peep's composition is sugar, with some estimates suggesting they are over 80% sugar by weight. This provides a quick energy boost but lacks any significant vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Gelatin: The signature chewy texture of Peeps comes from gelatin. This ingredient is derived from animal products, specifically pork, making Peeps unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians.
Artificial Food Dyes: Peeps are known for their vibrant colors, which are achieved through artificial dyes like Red #40, Yellow #5 (Tartrazine), and Blue #1. Some of these dyes have raised health concerns for certain individuals, particularly children.
Lack of Fat and Gluten: On the upside, Peeps are certified gluten-free and fat-free in their classic form. This can be a benefit for individuals with specific dietary restrictions, though those with a dairy sensitivity should be aware that some flavored varieties may contain milk.

Conclusion: Peeps as a Treat, Not a Staple

In summary, while the number of calories in Peeps is not high on a per-piece basis (around 28 per chick), they are a confection made almost entirely of sugar. They offer zero nutritional benefits and a significant dose of added sugar per serving. Whether enjoying a classic chick at Easter or a seasonal variant, it is best to view Peeps as an occasional treat rather than a frequent snack. Understanding the full nutritional context, beyond just the calorie count, is key for anyone managing their sugar intake or with dietary preferences related to ingredients like gelatin and food dyes.

For more detailed health information on food additives, consider consulting the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Food Scores database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single Peep contains a low number of calories (around 28 per chick), making it a relatively low-calorie treat on its own. However, since they are mostly sugar, consuming multiple Peeps can quickly add up calories and sugar intake.

Peeps are made primarily from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, with artificial food dyes and a preservative added for color and shelf life.

No, Peeps are not vegan. They contain gelatin, which is an animal-derived product, specifically from pork.

The classic, unflavored marshmallow chicks of different colors generally have the same calorie count per piece. Calorie variations occur mainly with different shapes, sizes, or special edition flavors.

Yes, for the most accurate nutritional information, it is best to check the product label on the specific package or consult the official Peeps website.

A single classic Peeps Marshmallow Chick contains a significant amount of sugar, typically about 6.8 grams. This is the main caloric component of the candy.

Specialty Peeps, such as the Giant Bunny Pop, have different calorie counts because they are larger in size or have additional ingredients like extra coatings or fillings, which alters their overall nutritional profile.