Are Marshmallows Vegan? Recipe to Make Vegan Marshmallows at Home

Craving something sweet on your vegan journey? Enter marshmallows – these sugary clouds that melt in your mouth offer a blissful moment. Oh, wait! Are marshmallows vegan? If you’re a vegan, this question might be top of mind.

Marshmallows, with their various consistencies—fluffy solids, semi-liquids, and creamy options for ice cream toppings—have a rich history as one of the oldest sweet treats. Let’s jump into the spongy marshmallows world, answering your query, “Are marshmallows vegan?” 

Find out what makes them vegan, the growth of vegan marshmallows, and how these delightful plant-based alternatives are made.

What is the history of Marshmallows?

Originally, marshmallows were made from mallow plant sap in  Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The plant’s roots serve medicinal purposes, acting as a laxative and anti-inflammatory.

Around 1850, France began modern marshmallow production using a slow casting and molding process. By 1900, mass production became efficient with the starch mogul system, which replaced mallow root with gelatin and other ingredients.

What are marshmallows made of?

Marshmallows are mainly composed of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, whether produced in a candy factory or at home. However, the key component that gives marshmallows their light and airy texture is whipped air. 

Are marshmallows vegan?

The straightforward answer to: ‘Are marshmallows vegan’? is, No! 

Traditional marshmallows are not vegan-friendly, because of gelatin. Gelatin is an ingredient obtained from the skin, bones, and cartilage of animals. This derivation from animals makes gelatin a non-vegan substance. 

Though gelatin gives marshmallows their fluffy and chewy texture it kicks them out of vegan-friendly treats.

Are all marshmallows vegan?

No, not all marshmallows are vegan. There are greater chances that most you find in grocery stores are not vegan marshmallows. Why? Because they contain gelatin—derived from animals.

Before buying, make sure you check the ingredient list on the packet of these fluffy delights. Those with no gelatin are suitable for your vegan diet. Do not worry! As plant-based options gain popularity, finding vegan marshmallows is getting easier.

When were the vegan marshmallows introduced?

In the early 2000s, there was a spike in plant-based choices. Why are marshmallows not vegan? This question caught the attention of creative thinkers and they got busy producing vegan-friendly marshmallows.

These animal-friendly treats quickly became popular among vegans, vegetarians, and those who prefer ethical and eco-friendly options. 

What are vegan marshmallows made of?

Let’s break it down; What makes a marshmallow vegan-friendly?

All marshmallows that ditch the gelatin and are made up of plant-based derivatives are considered to be vegan marshmallows. The main components are agar-agar, which comes from seaweed, and carrageenan, derived from red seaweed. 

These ingredients give the marshmallows their spongy texture, making them a vegan-friendly treat for all you marshmallow fans out there.

What brands sell vegan marshmallows?

Many brands noticed the need for vegan-friendly options and now provide yummy plant-based marshmallows. Here is a list of top vegan marshmallow brands that cater to your sweet tooth without compromising your values.

1. Dandies
2. Yumallow Vegan Marshmallows
3. Trader Joe’s Marshmallows
4. Freedom Confectionery

It depends on where you live and where this vegan marshmallow can be found at nearby health food stores, specialty shops, or online. Moreover, you can also look for vegan alkaline foods as a substitute if you plan to stick to vegan diet.

Bonus Tip: Make sure to check labels and ingredients because recipes can change, and new brands might pop up.

How to make vegan marshmallows at home?

We know you’re a fan of marshmallows and following a vegan lifestyle. 

You’re in luck! Because it’s recipe time!

Let’s explore what ingredients you need to make vegan marshmallows at home. And how can you make them?

Ingredients

To satisfy your sweet tooth, here is the list of ingredients to make vegan marshmallows at home:

• ½  Cup Powdered sugar
• ½  Cup Cornstarch
• ½  Cup Chilled Aquafaba—Liquid from cooked chickpeas
• ¼  Teaspoon Cream of tartar
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla essence
• Syrup— 1 Cup Granulated sugar + ⅓ Cup Water
• Agar Mixture—4 teaspoons Agar powder + ¼ cup Granulated sugar + 2/4 cup Water

Recipe

• Get a 9-inch pan with parchment paper and dust a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
• Whisk aquafaba and cream of tartar until soft peaks form (about 10 minutes)
• On a medium-high flame, mix granulated sugar and water to prepare the syrup.
• Simmer without stirring until the syrup reaches 240°F.
• After removing the syrup from the heat, slowly pour it into the aquafaba while whisking.
• Whisk for about 5 minutes until glossy, with stiff peaks.
• Add vanilla extract.
• In another saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together granulated sugar, water, and agar-agar powder (to make vegan gelatin mixture)
• Boil and whisk continuously for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Turn on the mixer and slowly pour the agar mixture into the aquafaba.
• Whisk until the agar is fully mixed. 
• Pour the marshmallow mix into the pan, spreading evenly.
• Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and cool for 4 to 6 hours, or until set.
• Once set, dust the tops with a mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
• Cut the vegan marshmallows into your preferred shapes.

Taadaaa! Your favorite vegan marshmallows are ready!

Bonus tips:  We want you to have a great experience making vegan marshmallows at home, so here are some success tips:

• Prep your ingredients before starting.
• Don’t over-beat the aquafaba to avoid stiffness.
• Slowly add the agar mixture to prevent clumping.
• Use a thermometer for sugar syrup; cool if above 240ºF.
• To store vegan marshmallows, roll the sides in the powdered sugar mix to prevent sticking.

Also Read: Is Caramel vegan? How to make vegan Caramel at home?

And it’s a wrap! Now you know if marshmallows are vegan and what’s their sugary history. Traditional marshmallows aren’t vegan because of gelatin, but no worries! Brands are making vegan marshmallows now. Just check those labels and ingredient lists before buying.

And hey, if you don’t feel like hitting the store, use the easy recipe above to make vegan marshmallows at home. Cheers to choosing vegan and enjoying fluffy marshmallows! 

Are marshmallows vegan and gluten-free?

Not all marshmallows are vegan or gluten-free. Marshmallows that contain dairy products like caramel and chocolate are not vegan. Some marshmallow brands in the UK use cornstarch instead of wheat, which makes them gluten-free. 

Does all marshmallow contain gelatin?

Marshmallow brands that use powdered marshmallow roots in the manufacturing process do not use gelatin. Traditional marshmallows do not contain gelatin, while commercial brands of marshmallows use gelatin. It is better to read labels before buying. 

Can vegans eat marshmallow fluff?

Marshmallow fluff is not vegan. It contains egg white, corn syrup, artificial flavour, and sugars. Egg white and sugars in marshmallow fluff are not vegan. It is better for vegans to look for vegan substitutes like Dandies, Yumallow Vegan Marshmallows, and Trader Joe’s Marshmallows. 

Are marshmallows halal?

A few marshmallow brands are halal, but others are not. Only brands with a label of “halal” are halal for Muslims, while others are not. If they contain jelly beans, alcohol and pork byproducts, they are not halal. 

Is marshmallow available in veg?

Most marshmallows are made of sugars and gelatin, which is non-vegan. However, there are vegan marshmallow brands that use maize or corn starch as a substitute for wheat and do not use chocolate or dairy products. You can check out the list of vegan marshmallow brands mentioned above. 

Are jet-puffed marshmallows vegan?

No, Jet-Puffed marshmallows are not vegan. They contain gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, water, dextrose, artificial flavours, and tetrasodium pyrophosphate. Gelatin and sugar make it non-vegan. 

Also Read:

Is Coke Vegan?

Are Oreos Vegan?

Is Soy sauce vegan?

Are Takis vegan?