USA TODAY samples the new PEEPS lineup
USA TODAY Trends Reporter Mary Walrus Holdridge tried out a new and unique flavor of PEEPS. See what she liked best.
Peeps, America’s best-known maker of seasonal marshmallow candies, has added some quirky new flavors ahead of Easter Sunday.
Inspired by two breakfast staples, Peeps announced on Tuesday, January 13 that Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry Flavored Marshmallow Chic and Sunny D Flavored Marshmallow Chic will be available at retailers nationwide. The company said Marshmallow Chick in Chili Lime Mango flavor is also available now for those looking for a “sweet and tangy kick.”
Pop-Tarts’ Frosted Strawberry, Sunny D, and Chili Lime Mango Peeps piqued our interest here at USA TODAY, along with a lineup of other flavors that have become popular with decidedly non-marshmallow treats like Dr. Pepper and Mike N’ Ike’s. I took the opportunity to try it out.
Check out the taste test at the beginning of this story.
Verdict: Flavors surprisingly true to their quirky inspiration
The surprising triumph of these quirky Peeps additions is their ability to capture the essence of the treats they inspire. The flavor of Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts reminds me of the distinct taste of frosting that I remember from those bleary-eyed school mornings of the early ’10s. Sunny D tasted, well, like Sunny D. It is a characteristically artificial citrus fruit that cannot simply be passed off as “orange” or “fruit juice.”
Perhaps to the dismay of my fellow sweet and spicy lovers, Chili Lime Mango has no pungency, but somehow has a distinct chili flavor. The little marshmallow chick managed to make room for all three main flavors listed on the package. However, although the “lime” component was included in the flavor, it was not able to block out the sugar-like sweetness with stimulation and flavor.
If you’re looking for something other than sweet (really sweet), the new flavors may not be for you, but so are Peeps in general. Don’t eat too many cups of coffee and get full from just coffee like I did.
Peeps Flavors, Products Available for Easter 2026
The new flavors we tried here at USA TODAY aren’t the only unique Peeps products rocking your Easter basket this year. Some products, such as Tropical Punch-flavored bunnies, are only available at select retailers such as Dollar Tree, while more than a dozen other candies, such as cotton candy-flavored Marshmallow Chicks and Giant Bunny Pops, are available at retailers nationwide.
Peeps SunnyD (Target), Peeps Chili Lime Mango (Kroger), Peeps Easter Variety 10-Pack (Sam’s Club), and Peeps Egg Hunt Individually Wrapped Mini Marshmallow Chick (Walmart) are available only at the retailers listed.
Contributor: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY
