Peeps are an iconic (and polarizing!) treat, and a Peeps tasting is a fun way to gather friends, embrace the sugar rush, and test out different flavors and textures. Whether you’re a Peeps purist or a daring flavor explorer, this guide will help you set up an unforgettable event. This tasting is great for a grownup easter brunch type party (pair it with cocktails), or as a kid activity. It’s actually really fun to challenge kids to taste new flavors and describe them in words.
Step 1: Gather Your Peeps
A great tasting party starts with variety! Try to collect a mix of:
Classic Flavors:
- Original Marshmallow (Yellow, Pink, or Blue)– this is your control Peep, and you’ll need it as the basis of comparison for the others. Do not skip the control peep!
Seasonal & Limited Edition Flavors:
This is where the Peeps tasting becomes really fun. As the Peeps tasting host, it is your job to go around to the various stores and gather up all specialty Peeps of the season. Your party attendees will have seen these in passing and wondered about them, but will likely not have been inclined to buy a whole package just to try the one flavor.
This year’s unusual Peeps flavors are Breyer’s Cookies and Cream (available at Walmart) and Cinnamon Churro (available at Kroger stores), so you’ll for sure want to get those, but also grab a variety of other specialty flavors like Sour Watermelon, Dr. Pepper, Cotton Candy, and Tropical Fruit, just for comparison purposes. If you’re looking for a “most bang for your buck” store, I would head over to Target, where they not only have all of the standard flavors, but they also carry Blue Raspberry Icee (exclusive to Target) and some of the harder to find flavors like Chocolate Pudding and Mike & Ikes.
When I first started doing the Peeps tasting, I included every single flavor available, but I soon discovered this was too many. People will blow their tastebuds out after about 6 bites of Peep and then not be able to discern between the flavors, so make sure those six flavors count! Pick the weirdest six flavors you could find and display them alongside their packages.
Step 2: Set Up the Tasting Area
- Plates & Platters: Arrange Peeps by category (classic, seasonal, wild).
- Label Each Flavor: Use small signs or index cards. Also display the packages so people can read and learn about the flavors. 🙂
- Provide Palate Cleansers: Water, crackers, or mild snacks like pretzels help reset taste buds.
- Scorecards or Notes: Give guests a simple sheet to rate flavors on a scale of 1-5 (categories: taste, texture, appearance, weirdness factor). Here is one I made for you, because I am weird and apparently have too much time on my hands.
Step 3: Tasting & Rating
- Go in Rounds: Start with classics, then move to seasonal and bold flavors.
- Encourage Discussion: Let guests share reactions, compare flavors, and rank their favorites.
- Bonus Challenge: Try a blindfolded taste test!
Step 4: Have Fun with Peeps!
- Peeps Pairing: Offer drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, or soda to test which flavors mix best.
- Peeps Experiments: Try roasting some over a candle or microwave them for a dramatic puff-up.
- Peeps Art Contest: Let guests create sculptures using toothpicks and Peeps.
Step 5: Declare the Winners
- Best Overall Flavor
- Most Surprisingly Delicious
- Most Polarizing Flavor
- Weirdest Texture
- Best Peeps Experiment Result
Wrap up the night with a fun group photo, and send guests home with leftover Peeps or a small prize for the best Peeps critic!
Enjoy your sugar-fueled adventure! 🐥🍭😆
