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The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Marshmallows: Brands, DIY, and Substitutes

Before you grab that bag of marshmallows for your next bonfire, hot cocoa, or dessert recipe, you might pause and wonder, “Are marshmallows vegan?” For anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle, this is a crucial question. The good news is, while traditional marshmallows are indeed not vegan, the market has evolved significantly. Today, you can find a delicious array of plant-based alternatives that perfectly capture that classic fluffy sweetness. This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about navigating the world of vegan marshmallows, from understanding why conventional versions aren’t suitable to discovering the best store-bought brands and even how to whip up your own at home.

Whether it’s the nostalgic crackle of s’mores by a roaring campfire, the creamy indulgence of a mug of rich hot chocolate, or the delightful chewiness in various baked goods, marshmallows are an iconic sweet treat. Their unique light, airy, and slightly sticky texture makes them a beloved ingredient for desserts and a standalone snack. However, for those committed to a vegan or even vegetarian diet, the traditional marshmallow presents a significant hurdle. Let’s explore why and, more importantly, how you can still enjoy this sugary delight without compromise.

Why Traditional Marshmallows Aren’t Vegan or Vegetarian

The straightforward answer to whether traditional marshmallows are vegan is a resounding “no.” (Apologies to our plant-based friends who might be hoping for a different outcome from conventional brands.)

Trigger warning—I discuss what gelatin is in the paragraph below. If you prefer to skip straight to delicious plant-based options, jump ahead to the next section for store-bought vegan marshmallow brands.

While many may assume marshmallows are simply sugar and air, the key ingredient that gives them their distinctive bounce, elasticity, and structure is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived directly from animal collagen. This collagen is obtained by boiling the skin, connective tissues, cartilage, and bones of various animals, most commonly cows and pigs. This intensive process extracts the collagen, which then forms the gelling agent we know as gelatin. It’s a fundamental component in many foods you might not expect, acting as a thickener, stabilizer, or gelling agent in everything from gummy candies to certain yogurts, making many surprising foods not vegan.

Beyond gelatin, some traditional homemade marshmallow recipes, and even a few commercial varieties, might also incorporate egg whites to achieve a lighter, more stable foam. Eggs, being an animal product, also render these marshmallows non-vegan. Furthermore, some sugars used in marshmallow production, particularly refined white sugar, can be processed using bone char. Bone char is a charcoal derived from animal bones, used to filter and whiten sugar. While not all sugar is processed this way, and it’s less common in Europe than in North America, it’s another consideration for strict vegans, though gelatin remains the primary and most common non-vegan ingredient in conventional marshmallows.

In essence, unless a package explicitly states “vegan” or “plant-based,” it is highly probable that the marshmallows contain animal-derived ingredients and are therefore neither vegan nor vegetarian. This distinction is important because while some vegetarians might consume dairy or eggs, gelatin is universally considered a non-vegetarian ingredient due to its direct animal origin. Understanding these core ingredients is the first step toward making informed and compassionate choices about your sweet treats.

Discovering Store-Bought Vegan Marshmallow Options

The good news for plant-based eaters is that the culinary landscape has dramatically expanded. You no longer have to miss out on the joy of marshmallows! The market is now abundant with fantastic vegan marshmallow brands that offer the same delightful taste and texture as their traditional counterparts, often indistinguishable in quality and experience. These innovations mean you can enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, and all your favorite marshmallow-infused desserts guilt-free. Here are some of the most popular and widely available brands to look out for:

Dandies All-Natural Vegan Marshmallows. Perhaps the most widely recognized and beloved vegan marshmallow brand, Dandies have truly set the standard for plant-based mallows. Made with all-natural ingredients like tapioca syrup, cane sugar, and soy protein, they are completely free of corn syrup, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. Dandies excel in texture, achieving that perfect fluffy yet chewy consistency that holds up beautifully whether you’re toasting them over an open flame for s’mores, letting them melt into your hot cocoa, or incorporating them into baked goods.
- Variety is the Spice of Life: Dandies offer a fantastic range to suit all your needs. Their classic vanilla flavor comes in both large (ideal for classic s’mores and roasting over a fire) and mini sizes (perfect for hot chocolate, crispy treats, or baking). Beyond vanilla, they often release exciting seasonal flavors like rich maple (amazing in fall baking and warm beverages!), festive pumpkin, and refreshing peppermint, adding an exciting twist to your favorite marshmallow-based recipes. You can typically find Dandies in health food stores, major grocery chains, and online retailers, making them incredibly accessible for most consumers.
Trader Joe’s Vegan Marshmallows. Trader Joe’s, known for its unique and often plant-based offerings, also carries its own line of vegan marshmallows. These are a fantastic and often more affordable option for many who have access to this popular grocery chain. You’ll typically find them in the baking aisle, especially around holidays or seasons when marshmallows are in high demand. Their texture and taste are very comparable to traditional marshmallows, making them a reliable choice for any recipe or snack that calls for this sweet treat. They are an excellent staple to pick up on your next Trader Joe’s run.
Smucker’s Marshmallow Topping. While not a conventional marshmallow you can toast or eat by hand, Smucker’s Marshmallow Topping is a delightfully sneaky vegan option. This creamy, gooey topping is made without gelatin, making it a perfect addition to many vegan desserts. It’s fantastic swirled generously into hot chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness, drizzled over vegan ice cream sundaes, used as a delightful filling for pies (like a vegan s’mores pie!), or mixed into fruit dips for a sweet and fluffy component. It’s widely available in most mainstream grocery stores, offering a convenient way to add that marshmallow flavor and unique texture to non-toasting applications.
Yummallo Vegan Marshmallows. Yummallo is another excellent brand that prioritizes accessibility and caters to a broader audience. These vegan marshmallows are often found at large retailers like Walmart, making them a convenient option for a wide range of consumers across various locations. Beyond being completely gelatin-free, Yummallo marshmallows are also certified gluten-free and fat-free, catering to additional dietary preferences and needs without compromising on taste or that desirable fluffy-chewy texture. They are an ideal choice for everyday enjoyment and ensure that plant-based options are readily available in mainstream stores.

When shopping for vegan marshmallows, always double-check the ingredient list for explicit terms like “gelatin-free,” “plant-based,” or “vegan certified.” Most reputable vegan brands will clearly label their products, making it easier for you to make an informed choice and enjoy your sweet treats worry-free, knowing they align with your dietary and ethical preferences.

Crafting Your Own: The Best Homemade Vegan Marshmallows

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and enjoy the satisfaction of creating culinary delights from scratch, making your own vegan marshmallows is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing for customization and a guarantee of plant-based purity, but the process itself is quite enjoyable, transforming simple components into a fluffy, irresistible confection. My vegan marshmallow recipe offers a fantastic starting point, utilizing clever plant-based swaps to achieve that classic marshmallow magic. Here’s a closer look at the star ingredients that make homemade vegan marshmallows possible:

Agar Agar (The Gelatin Game-Changer). This incredible ingredient is derived from red algae, a type of seaweed, and is a powerhouse in vegan cooking and baking. Agar agar acts as a potent gelling agent, functioning identically to gelatin but entirely from a plant source. It comes in various forms: powder, flakes, or bars. For marshmallow making, powdered agar agar is usually preferred due to its consistent potency and ease of use. When boiled in water or another liquid, it activates and creates a firm, jelly-like substance upon cooling. Unlike gelatin, agar agar sets at room temperature and remains stable even in warmer conditions, providing a robust yet delicate structure to your marshmallows without any animal products. It’s completely flavorless, ensuring your marshmallows taste purely of vanilla and sweetness, making it an indispensable vegan thickener.
Aquafaba (The Egg White Mimic). As mentioned, traditional homemade marshmallows often rely on egg whites for their airy texture and stability, as whipped egg whites create the foundation for the foam. This is where aquafaba steps in as a revolutionary vegan alternative. Aquafaba is simply the viscous liquid found in canned chickpeas or the cooking water from dried chickpeas. Discovered as a culinary marvel by vegan chefs, this starchy, protein-rich liquid can be whipped vigorously, just like egg whites, forming stiff peaks that provide incredible volume and lightness to your marshmallows. It’s a heavy-hitter in vegan baking and cooking, proving its versatility in everything from meringues to mousses and macaroons. The key is to whip it thoroughly in a very clean bowl with clean beaters until it transforms into a light, foamy, and stable cloud.
Cream of Tartar (The Stabilizer). While aquafaba does an amazing job mimicking egg whites, a little help from cream of tartar ensures its stability and prevents it from collapsing. Cream of tartar is an acidic salt (specifically, potassium bitartrate) that acts as a leavening agent and stabilizer. In the context of vegan marshmallows, it works by stabilizing the whipped aquafaba. It strengthens the aquafaba’s protein structure and helps it hold its beautiful, airy texture, much like it would with egg whites. This prevents your marshmallows from deflating and helps them maintain that perfect fluffy consistency, contributing significantly to the overall success and texture of your homemade treats.

Making your own vegan marshmallows is not just about the delicious outcome; it’s also about the joy of crafting something special. You can customize flavors (think raspberry or coffee!), colors, and even shapes, making them truly unique and a fun project for the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and prepare for a delightful culinary adventure. Ready to start? Grab my complete vegan marshmallow recipe here and unleash your inner marshmallow artisan!

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Vegan Marshmallows

Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about both store-bought and homemade vegan marshmallows, it’s time to explore the myriad of delicious ways to enjoy them. From classic campfire treats to innovative dessert additions, vegan marshmallows can elevate almost any sweet experience, proving that going plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun.

The Quintessential S’mores Experience: This is arguably the most iconic use for marshmallows, synonymous with outdoor gatherings and childhood memories. With vegan marshmallows, you can recreate this beloved treat without compromise. Pair your perfectly toasted vegan marshmallow (which browns beautifully!) with vegan graham crackers (many brands are accidentally vegan, but always check the label for honey or dairy derivatives!) and a square of your favorite rich vegan chocolate for a gooey, crispy, and utterly satisfying s’more.
Luxurious Hot Cocoa Topping: A steaming mug of vegan hot chocolate simply isn’t complete without a generous topping of fluffy mini vegan marshmallows. Watch them slowly melt into a creamy, sweet cloud, adding an extra layer of warmth, indulgence, and visual appeal to your cozy beverage. For an extra treat, try a dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.
Irresistible Crispy Treats: Vegan marshmallows are a dream come true for making plant-based crispy rice treats. Simply melt them down gently with vegan butter (like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance), mix with puffed rice cereal, and press into a pan for a chewy, sweet, and incredibly easy dessert that everyone will love, regardless of their dietary preferences. You can even add a touch of vanilla extract or sprinkles for extra flair.
Baking and Desserts: Get creative in the kitchen! Vegan marshmallows can be incorporated into a wide range of baked goods. Think delightful marshmallow-filled cookies (like a s’mores cookie!), as a fluffy, slightly caramelized topping for sweet potato casserole, swirled into rich vegan brownies for an extra layer of gooeyness, or used to create beautiful marshmallow frostings and glazes for cakes and cupcakes. Their melting properties make them excellent for creating a gooey layer in various dessert bars or even a vegan rocky road ice cream.
Rich Vegan Fudge: Many traditional fudge recipes call for marshmallows to achieve that smooth, creamy texture. Vegan marshmallows can be easily melted down with vegan chocolate chips, plant-based milk, and other ingredients to create decadent, dairy-free fudge that’s perfect for gifting during holidays or simply indulging whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Roasting Perfection: Don’t underestimate the simple pleasure of roasting vegan marshmallows directly over a flame. They caramelize beautifully, developing a slightly crisp exterior and a wonderfully gooey, molten interior, just like traditional marshmallows. The slightly smoky flavor imparted by the flame adds an extra dimension of deliciousness that is hard to resist.
Straight from the Bag: Sometimes, the simplest pleasure is the best. Vegan marshmallows are so delicious on their own that they make a fantastic, light, sweet, and satisfying snack straight from the bag – perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a little sweet treat.

The versatility of vegan marshmallows means you never have to miss out on your favorite sweet traditions. Their delightful texture and sweet flavor make them an indispensable ingredient for any plant-based pantry, proving that compassionate eating can be incredibly delicious.

The Rise of Vegan Alternatives: Ethical and Environmental Benefits

The increasing availability and popularity of vegan marshmallows and other plant-based alternatives reflect a broader, significant shift in consumer preferences and culinary innovation. This growing movement is driven by a powerful combination of ethical, health, and environmental considerations, making plant-based eating more accessible and appealing than ever before.

Choosing vegan marshmallows, and indeed any plant-based product, directly supports animal welfare by opting out of industries that rely on animal exploitation. For many vegans, avoiding ingredients like gelatin, which comes from the boiled down skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, is a core ethical principle. The development of delicious, widely available, and accessible vegan alternatives means that enjoying beloved treats no longer has to come at the expense of these deeply held ethical values, providing a compassionate choice for everyone.

Beyond ethics, the environmental footprint of plant-based products is generally significantly lower than that of animal-derived products. Livestock farming is a major global contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation (for pasture and feed crops), and water pollution. By choosing plant-based alternatives, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable food system, helping to mitigate climate change, conserve natural resources, and reduce the overall ecological impact of their diets. The innovation in creating substitutes like agar agar and aquafaba showcases how nature provides abundant and efficient alternatives that can replace resource-intensive animal products.

Furthermore, for individuals with certain allergies or dietary restrictions, plant-based marshmallows often offer a safer and more inclusive option. Many vegan marshmallows are also gluten-free, fat-free, and free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, expanding their appeal to an even wider audience. This growing market demonstrates that it is entirely possible to create delicious, satisfying, and familiar foods using only plant-derived ingredients, making the vegan lifestyle more accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable for everyone.

Conclusion: Embrace the Sweetness of Vegan Marshmallows

In conclusion, the question “Are marshmallows vegan?” might lead to a nuanced answer regarding traditional varieties, but the good news for plant-based enthusiasts is overwhelmingly positive. Thanks to innovative food science and a growing demand for ethical and sustainable options, the world of vegan marshmallows is vibrant and expanding. Whether you prefer the convenience of widely available store-bought brands like Dandies, Trader Joe’s, Yummallo, or Smucker’s topping, or you relish the creative challenge of whipping up your own batch with ingenious ingredients like agar agar and aquafaba, you no longer have to forgo this delightful treat.

From roasting perfect s’mores over a crackling fire to floating mini marshmallows in your favorite hot cocoa, or incorporating them into innovative baked goods, vegan marshmallows deliver on all fronts: taste, texture, and versatility. By choosing these plant-based alternatives, you’re not only treating yourself to a delicious snack but also making a conscious decision that benefits animal welfare and the environment. So go ahead, explore the delightful world of vegan marshmallows, and sweeten your life the compassionate way!

More Vegan Resources to Explore

How to Make Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Is Honey Vegan?
Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Is Yeast Vegan?
How to Make Vegetable Broth with Veggie Scraps