The History of Easter Candy: Peeps, Jelly Beans, and Chocolate Bunnies!

That chocolatey and exciting time of the year is back!

With Easter right around the corner, candy enthusiasts should be excited about all the iconic delights we have this spring season. While Easter carries a deep sense of religion and culture for most people in our part of the world, it has also become synonymous with sugary treats and chocolatey treats. As we like to put it- “Easter is a time of celebration, renewal, and of course, sweet cravings!”

Did you know that Easter candies have a rich backstory as well? It’s not just today that we line store shelves with pastel-coloured goodies. It’s been happening for generations. From the iconic marshmallow Peeps to classic jelly beans and the beloved chocolate bunny, Easter candy has a rich history.

The Origin Story of Easter Candy

Easter started with a deep cultural story and then got picked up by the rest of the world as an occasion and reason to celebrate and feast. Traditionally, it marks the end of Lent which is a period of fasting and self-reflection. To understand the tradition of giving sweets during Easter, we have to go back to Medieval Europe. During that time, sugar used to be a luxury item. Hence, the exchange of sweet treats was limited to special occasions once or twice a year. As sugar became more widely available, confectioners began crafting candies that reflected the themes of Easter like rebirth, renewal, and fertility.

Today, Easter candy is a booming industry, with millions of pounds of chocolate, marshmallow, and sugary treats being sold worldwide each year. Wholesale candy suppliers in Canada and beyond stock up months in advance to make sure that customers can enjoy their favorite Easter treats in bulk. But among the vast assortment of Easter confections, three stand out as the undisputed champions of the holiday: Peeps, jelly beans, and chocolate bunnies.

Marshmallow Peeps

Peeps are one of those candies that are staples when it comes to Easter. These sugary, marshmallow treats shaped like chicks and bunnies have become a holiday favourite, appearing in bright yellow, pink, blue, and purple hues every spring. But their history is more recent than many might think.

Peeps were first introduced in 1953 by the Just Born candy company, a Pennsylvania-based confectioner. The original Peeps were handmade, with each batch taking 27 hours to skilfully craft. However, thanks to automation, the process was dramatically shortened to just six minutes, allowing Peeps to be mass-produced and distributed nationwide. Since then, Peeps have expanded beyond Easter, with seasonal variations appearing for Halloween candies, Christmas, and even summer-themed treats.

Over the years, Peeps have evolved in both flavour and form, with varieties including chocolate-dipped Peeps, sour Peeps, and even mystery-flavoured editions. Whether you love them or find them a little too sweet, there’s no denying their status as one of Easter’s most iconic candies.

The Iconic Jelly Beans

Jelly beans may seem like a modern candy, but their roots trace back to the 19th century. These small, chewy candies with a hard shell were first mentioned in 1861 when Boston confectioner William Schrafft encouraged sending them to Union soldiers during the American Civil War. Their durability and long shelf life made them an ideal wartime treat.

It wasn’t until the 1930s that jelly beans became associated with Easter. Their egg-like shape made them a natural fit for the holiday. Soon, they were featured in Easter baskets across North America, cementing their place as a seasonal favorite.

Today, jelly beans come in an endless variety of flavours, be it classic fruit or even gourmet options like toasted marshmallows, buttered popcorn, and even spicy cinnamon. In Canada, wholesale candy suppliers stock up on bulk jelly beans in preparation for the holiday to ensure that customers have plenty to fill their Easter baskets.

The Easter Special Chocolate Bunnies

There is one Easter candy that is above all the others and it’s the chocolate bunny! The tradition of chocolate bunnies dates back to 19th-century Germany, where the Easter Bunny was already a well-established folklore figure. German chocolatiers began moulding chocolate into the shape of rabbits, which was considered a symbol of renewal back then.

When German immigrants brought their Easter traditions to the United States, chocolate bunnies quickly gained popularity. By the early 20th century, American confectioners were mass-producing them, and they soon became a staple of Easter celebrations. Today, chocolate bunnies come in all shapes and sizes, from solid milk chocolate versions to hollow varieties filled with caramel or peanut butter- yum!

For those looking to stock up for the season, bulk chocolate bars in Canada provide an easy way to create custom Easter treats. Many chocolatiers meltdown these bars to craft handmade chocolate bunnies, truffles, and eggs, keeping the tradition alive in homes and bakeries alike.

But, how did Easter become a global phenomenon?

The commercialization of Easter candy has turned it into a billion-dollar industry. What began as a small tradition has expanded into a global business, with brands producing themed candies months in advance. Major retailers dedicate entire aisles to Easter confections, and social media trends—like Peeps-themed baking challenges—keep these treats relevant year after year.

In Canada, bulk candy suppliers prepare well in advance so that stores and businesses have enough stock for the holiday rush. The demand for Easter treats is so high that some candies, particularly limited-edition flavours, sell out within weeks of hitting the shelves.

Easter candy isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s a tradition that spans generations. Whether you prefer the sugary fluff of Peeps, the chewy burst of jelly beans, or the rich taste of chocolate bunnies, each treat carries a history that adds to its charm.

As Easter approaches, candy lovers will once again flock to stores to fill their baskets with these bulk chocolate bars in Canada. Whether you’re buying from a local chocolatier or ordering from wholesale candy suppliers in Canada like Candyville, there’s no shortage of delicious options to celebrate the holiday. After all, Easter wouldn’t be the same without a little something sweet!