Vegan marshmallows are made from soy protein and carrageenan, a seaweed extract. This mix yields a soft, bouncy texture, distinct from gelatin-based versions.
Most store-bought marshmallows contain gelatin. Gelatin is a protein made from animal collagen, which is obtained from the bones, cartilage, and skin of animals. This is why most store-bought marshmallows are not considered vegan, but there are vegan options out there.
In this article, we’ll understand what vegan marshmallows are made of, and the list of vegan marshmallow brands available to buy today.
How Do You Know Marshmallows Are Vegan?
The easiest way to know if marshmallows are vegan is to check the packaging for a vegan certification symbol. Vegan products are marked with a “certified vegan logo” that verifies them as 100% vegan.
This symbol is not the only way to tell if marshmallows are vegan, since some products might not have the certification symbol or clear vegan indication. In this case, you need to look out for some ingredients used in the product.
Here’s a list of ingredients to watch out for when shopping for vegan marshmallows:
- Eggs
- Gelatin
- Food coloring
- Sugar
Marshmallows that are not vegan-friendly contain these ingredients. Gelatin is the main ingredient used in traditional marshmallows, eggs are gotten from animals; and sugar, while not organic, is not vegan-friendly.
What Are Vegan Marshmallows Made Out Of?
Vegan marshmallows are made using soy protein and seaweed-derived carrageenan. This blend forms a bouncy yet softer structure than gelatin-based ones, offering a delightful treat for those seeking plant-based options.
Each brand of vegan marshmallow might contain a different ingredient, but the common ingredients you will find in all of them are a gelling ingredient (carrageenan, agar-agar), water, etc.
The goal is to replace the main ingredient, which is gelatin, with plant-based alternatives like carrageenan and agar-agar.
Both carrageenan and agar-agar are derived from seaweed.
Although, there are vegan-friendly marshmallow brands in stores, always read the ingredient list to be sure of what’s actually in your food, especially if you have allergies.
What Brands of Marshmallows Are Vegan?
Below, you’ll find a list of vegan marshmallow brands, presented in no particular order. I’ll also provide a small note about each brand and a link to their website.
1. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is an American grocery chain and they also have their brand of vegan marshmallows, offered exclusively during the summer months.
If you’re keen on securing a stock, timing is key. Trader Joe’s vegan marshmallows are gluten-free.
2. Dandies
Dandies is a very popular brand that produces vegan marshmallows. They also produce both regular-sized and mini marshmallows.
Dandies also have unique flavors like maple and seasonal options such as pumpkin and peppermint. This brand is also gluten-free.
3. Sweets From the Earth
Sweets From the Earth is a Canadian company that produces gluten-free vegan marshmallows. This brand focuses on using only plant-derived ingredients that are healthy for lactose-intolerant individuals and people who have dietary restrictions or allergies.
4. Yummallo
Yummallo has different varieties of marshmallow options to choose from. Keep in mind that not all their products are vegan, you should probably read through the label carefully.
Yummallo’s vegan marshmallows satisfy gluten-free preferences and are mainly available at Walmart and other online retailers.
5. Goodland Farms
If longevity is your aim, the large 1.5-pound bag of vegan marshmallows from Goodland Farms might be your ideal choice. Available mainly through Amazon in the US, these marshmallows are both vegan and gluten-free.
6. Max Vegan Mallows
Max Sweets has different vegan marshmallow flavors to choose from. The company is US-based but ships worldwide.
All their marshmallows are sugar-free and gluten-free.
7. Ananda’s
Ananda’s is a UK company that offers different varieties of flavored vegan marshmallows. While UK-based, they do offer international shipping, ensuring global accessibility. They’re also gluten-free.
8. Freedom Confectionary
Another UK-based company, Freedom Confectionary, makes plain, flavored, and chocolate-covered vegan marshmallows. They also ship their products internationally for vegans worldwide to enjoy. These marshmallows are also gluten-free.
9. The Naked Marshmallow Company
This company produces different flavored marshmallows, but not all products are vegan-friendly. This UK-based company also ships to international customers.
Like the others, their marshmallows are gluten-free.
10. Mallow Puffs
Mallow Puffs makes vegan marshmallows coated in Belgian chocolate. They come in different flavors, such as vanilla, raspberry, and salted caramel.
This vegan marshmallow brand is produced in a facility that also handles milk, nuts, peanuts, and gluten so there is a risk of cross-contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Marshmallows Vegetarian?
Traditional marshmallows aren’t vegetarian since they contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. However vegetarians can purchase vegan marshmallow brands since they’re fully plant-based.
Do Vegan Marshmallows Melt?
Yes, vegan marshmallows are formulated to melt similarly to traditional gelatin-based marshmallows. They’re designed to be gelatin-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, yet still capable of melting perfectly over a fire or in the oven.
Are Jet-Puffed Marshmallows Vegan?
No, Jet-Puffed marshmallows are not vegan-friendly. Despite their popularity in North America, these marshmallows contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient, which renders them unsuitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Are Marshmallows Dairy-Free?
Generally, marshmallows do not contain dairy. However, it’s important to verify by checking the ingredient label, especially for unique flavors, special editions, or chocolate-covered varieties. If dairy is a concern, carefully read for cross-contamination details. When in doubt, reaching out to the company directly can provide the information needed for clarity.
Is Marshmallow Fluff Vegan?
Marshmallow fluff is often not vegan due to the presence of eggs or egg whites. Yet, some vegan options are available. One is Smuckers Marshmallow Topping, which is coincidentally vegan and can be found in local stores or online. Another is Suzanne’s Ricemellow Creme, accessible through their website. Always verify product details to ensure a vegan choice.
Are Marshmallow Peeps Vegan?
No versions or types of marshmallow Peeps are considered vegan because they all contain gelatin. “Our marshmallow candies are not vegan because they contain pork-derived gelatin,” as stated in the “Ingredients and Allergen Info” from Just Born, the manufacturer of Peeps.
Are Lucky Charms Marshmallows Vegan?
Lucky Charms marshmallows are not vegan. Despite the ingredient label indicating less than 2% gelatin, any trace of gelatin, no matter how minimal, renders them unsuitable for a vegan diet. Therefore, Lucky Charms marshmallows cannot be considered vegan due to the presence of gelatin.
Are Kraft Marshmallows Vegan?
No, Kraft marshmallows are not vegan. They contain gelatin, and currently, Kraft doesn’t produce any marshmallows that are classified as vegan or vegetarian. The presence of gelatin in Kraft marshmallows makes them unsuitable for a vegan diet.