Marshmallows are one of those foods that seem completely innocent until you find out what's actually in them. Fluffy, white, sweet. How could they not be vegan? Well, the answer might disappoint you.

Traditional marshmallows are not vegan. The main reason is gelatin, which is derived from the bones, skin, and connective tissue of animals (usually pigs or cows). It's what gives marshmallows that soft, springy texture, and it's in nearly every mainstream brand on the shelf.

What's in Regular Marshmallows?

A typical bag of Jet-Puffed or store-brand marshmallows contains a pretty short ingredient list:

• Corn syrup
• Sugar
• Gelatin
• Dextrose
• Modified corn starch
• Water
• Natural and artificial flavors
• Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (whipping aid)
• Blue 1 (in some brands)

Gelatin is the third ingredient. It's not a trace amount. Without gelatin, you don't have a marshmallow. At least not a traditional one. It's the structural backbone of the entire product, trapping air bubbles to create that characteristic fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What Is Gelatin, Exactly?

Gelatin is a protein made by boiling animal body parts in water. Specifically, manufacturers use the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments of cows and pigs. The collagen in these tissues breaks down into gelatin when heated. After processing, the gelatin is dried into powder or sheets and sold to food manufacturers.

It shows up in all kinds of products beyond marshmallows: gummy bears, Jell-O, some yogurts, and certain medications with gel capsules. If you're curious about other candies that use gelatin, take a look at our article on whether Haribo gummy bears are vegan (spoiler: they're not).

There's no way to make gelatin without animal parts. Synthetic or plant-based gelatin doesn't exist in the traditional sense. Vegan marshmallow brands use entirely different ingredients to replicate the texture, which we'll get to in a minute.

Vegan Marshmallow Brands That Actually Taste Good

The good news is that vegan marshmallows exist, and they've improved dramatically over the years. You don't have to skip s'mores season.

Dandies

This is the gold standard for vegan marshmallows. Dandies are made by Chicago Vegan Foods, and they're the brand most people think of when they think "vegan marshmallow." They use tapioca starch and carrageenan instead of gelatin to get that puffy texture.

Dandies come in regular and mini sizes, plus vanilla and maple flavors. They toast over a campfire just like regular marshmallows (they get that same golden-brown char on the outside with a gooey center). They melt well in hot cocoa too. You can order them on Amazon here.

Taste-wise, Dandies are slightly less sweet than Jet-Puffed marshmallows, which most people actually prefer. The texture is a tiny bit denser when eaten straight from the bag, but once toasted or melted, the difference basically disappears.

Trader Joe's Vegan Marshmallows

If you shop at Trader Joe's, they carry their own brand of vegan marshmallows. They're affordable and work well for baking. The texture is comparable to Dandies, though the flavor is a little more subtle. These are a seasonal item at some locations, so they may not always be available.

Other Options

Yummallo and a few other smaller brands also make vegan marshmallows. Availability varies by region. If you can't find any locally, Amazon is your best bet. Dandies ships well and the shelf life is solid.

Can You Use Vegan Marshmallows for Baking?

Yes, absolutely. Vegan marshmallows work in Rice Krispies treats, s'mores, sweet potato casserole topping, and hot chocolate. The melting behavior is slightly different from gelatin-based marshmallows (they can take a little longer to fully melt), but the results are comparable.

For Rice Krispies treats specifically, Dandies minis are the way to go. They melt faster than the full-size version and distribute more evenly through the cereal mixture. Just use the same ratio you'd use with regular marshmallows.

S'mores are where vegan marshmallows really shine. Dandies toast beautifully. They puff up, develop a crust, and get gooey inside. Pair them with a vegan chocolate bar and graham crackers (most graham crackers are vegan, but check the label for honey). It's hard to tell the difference from a traditional s'more.

Other Sneaky Gelatin Foods to Watch For

If you're avoiding gelatin in marshmallows, you should know it hides in plenty of other places too. Jelly Belly jelly beans contain beeswax and confectioner's glaze, which are other animal-derived ingredients common in candy. Popsicles are another food where the vegan status depends heavily on the brand and flavor.

The easiest rule of thumb: if a food is jiggly, squishy, or gelatinous, check the label. Gelatin can show up in gummy vitamins, frosted cereals, cream cheese, sour cream, and even some wines and beers (where it's used as a fining agent).

The Verdict on Marshmallows

Regular marshmallows are not vegan. Gelatin is a fundamental ingredient, and there's no getting around the fact that it comes from animal bones and skin. Every major mainstream brand (Jet-Puffed, Kraft, store brands) uses gelatin.

But you're not stuck without marshmallows. Dandies and other vegan brands have made it easy to enjoy s'mores, hot cocoa, baking, and everything else that calls for a marshmallow. They taste great, they toast perfectly, and they're widely available online even if your local store doesn't carry them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do marshmallows contain gelatin?

Gelatin gives marshmallows their signature fluffy, spongy texture. It traps air bubbles during the whipping process, which creates that light and springy consistency. Without gelatin or a substitute, the mixture would just be sugar syrup.

Are marshmallow fluff and marshmallow creme vegan?

It depends on the brand. Some marshmallow creme products (like Ricemellow by Suzanne's Specialties) are vegan. Others contain egg whites. Marshmallow Fluff brand does contain egg whites, so it's not vegan. Always read the label.

Are Lucky Charms marshmallows vegan?

No. Lucky Charms marshmallows (called "marbits") contain gelatin. The cereal as a whole is not vegan.