Spring is around the corner, and Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is celebrating with a free 6-ounce Italian Ice giveaway and mystery PEEPS flavor contest.
On Friday, March 20, 2026, Rita’s will celebrate the first day of spring by giving all guests a free 6-ounce Italian Ice at all of its more than 600 locations nationwide. This will likely amount to around one million cups of free Rita’s Italian Ice given away in their annual spring tradition. Fans don’t have to wait to enjoy the sweet treats, though, because Rita’s has been open since March 1 for the season.
This year, Rita’s is teaming up with PEEPS, the iconic marshmallow treat brand, to introduce a New Mystery PEEPS Italian Ice Flavor, which will launch on March 20 as well. But wait – there is a twist! From Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 29, Rita’s is holding a contest inviting fans nationwide to put their taste buds to the test.
The Mystery PEEPS Italian Ice Flavor Guessing Contest will have the Italian Ice in question served as a white Italian ice, with its flavor profile kept completely under wraps. Everyone is encouraged to taste, guess, and join the fun by submitting their flavor guesses online at ritasice.com/peeps for a chance to win prizes. All correct entries will be entered for a chance to win. Five winners will be randomly selected to win free Rita’s Ice for a year and a Rita’s and PEEPS swag pack. *
“For so many people, Rita’s and the PEEPS® Brand are tied to the simple joys and sweet memories that define spring,” said Carmela Hughley, senior vice president of marketing insights and innovation at Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, in a statement. “This collaboration brings together two iconic brands to create a Mystery Italian Ice that feels playful, nostalgic, and mysterious – all while encouraging guests to interact with each of the products in ways they never have before!”
“Partnering with Rita’s was a natural fit for the PEEPS® Brand,” said Caitlin Servian, brand manager for PEEPS, in a statement. “Transforming a beloved PEEPS® Marshmallow flavor into Italian Ice allowed us to introduce our iconic sweetness in a completely new format and add an element of surprise through the Mystery Flavor experience – just in time for spring!”
The Mystery PEEPS flavor is one of seven new Italian Ice flavors debuting in 2026, adding to their rotating selection of over 80 flavors. Other menu items at Rita’s include Frozen Custard, signature Gelati, Concretes, Frozen Coffee, Rita’s Blendinis, Milkshakes, and more.
Customers can earn rewards on their purchases by using the Rita’s Ice app, available at the Apple and Google Play stores, and by visiting ritasice.com/app/. New members receive a free small Ice, Custard, or Gelati after their first purchase.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to U.S. residents 13+. Sweepstakes runs 3/20–3/29/26. Five (5) winners selected at random from eligible correct entries. ARV: $565. Sponsor: Rita’s Franchise Company, LLC. Full rules at ritasice.com/peeps.
