Marshmallows. I don’t know about you, but for me, the thought of these sweet, fluffy wonders sends me straight back to recollections of campfire roasts and hot cocoa topped with gooey goodness.
Here’s the deal breaker, though: the fluffy marshmallows we all have in our memories contain gelatin, which is sourced directly from the bones, skin, and connective tissues of pigs. So, yes, marshmallows have pork.
But I’ve got good news for you. There are marshmallows out there that are 100% without pork. And believe me, they’re just as delicious.
In this article, I’m going to uncover the truth behind what goes into those regular marshmallows and, more importantly, guide you toward alternatives that respect your dietary choices.
What’s In Marshmallows?
Marshmallows are a sugary snack with more than 2000 years of history!
Originating in ancient Egypt, the earliest marshmallow-like treat was made from the sap of the mallow plant (Athaea officinalis), which grows in marshes – giving us the name marshmallow.
Mixed with honey and nuts, it was considered so special that it was reserved for gods and royalty. However, the candy’s shape and consistency back then remain a mystery to us today.
As we fast-forward to the mid-1800s in France, marshmallows took a leap from the realm of divinity to local candy stores, and they became incredibly popular.
At that time, candy makers painstakingly extracted the sap from the mallow root and whipped it into a fluffy mold, a process usually done by hand. With high demand and a time-consuming process, innovation was called for.
Enter the starch mogul system in the late 1800s. This new method allowed the creation of marshmallow molds from modified cornstarch, and crucially, the mallow root was replaced by gelatin, giving the marshmallows their stable form.
These sweet treats made their way across the Atlantic to the United States in the early 1900s, and they’ve been a hit ever since.
The production of marshmallows was revolutionized in 1948 when Alex Doumak patented the extrusion process.
This method, which is still in use today, involves piping the marshmallow mixture through tubes, cutting them into equal pieces, and packaging them up.
The 1950s saw a boom in the popularity of marshmallows, with them featured in a variety of food recipes. According to experts, Americans now consume more than 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually.
These days, the making of marshmallows differs quite a bit from the ancient method.
Gelatin has fully replaced the mallow root sap, and it’s mixed with corn syrup, starch, sugar, and water. So, compared to the early days, it’s not even vegetarian now.
What Exactly is Gelatin?
Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, a structural component found in animals’ skin, bones, and connective tissues.
Its creation involves several stages, namely:
- Raw Material Collection: Gelatin production starts with the collection of raw materials, predominantly pig skins, cow hides, and animal bones, all rich in collagen.
- Cleaning and Preparation: These raw materials are meticulously cleaned to eliminate impurities. The process typically includes soaking in potent solutions to break down non-collagenous materials.
- Extraction: After cleaning, the materials are simmered in hot water. This hydrolysis process breaks down the molecular bonds between individual collagen strands and transforms them into gelatin.
- Purification: The solution, now rich in gelatin, goes through a purification process that involves several rounds of filtration and evaporation.
- Drying: The gelatin solution is then chilled and solidified, dried, ground, and sifted into a fine powder for distribution.
- Packaging: Finally, the gelatin powder is packed and ready for distribution.
Most gelatin is typically made from the body parts of cows and pigs, but it’s not unusual for chickens and fish to also be used for this purpose.
The Solution: Vegan Marshmallows
The alternative to traditional marshmallows is vegan marshmallows; which use plant-based gelling agents to replicate the texture provided by gelatin.
Here’s a basic outline of the process:
- Choice of Gelling Agent: The key to making vegan marshmallows is finding a plant-based substitute for gelatin. Several options are available, including agar-agar (a product made from algae), carrageenan (another seaweed-based product), and pectin (a type of fiber found in fruits).
- Creating the Marshmallow Base: The chosen gelling agent is dissolved in hot water or plant-based milk. Sugar and a sweetener like corn syrup are added to the mixture and heated until the sugar dissolves.
- Whipping the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, the mixture is whipped until it becomes fluffy and gains volume. This can be done with an electric mixer.
- Setting: The whipped mixture is then poured into a mold dusted with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking. It’s left to set until firm, usually for a few hours or overnight.
- Cutting and Coating: Once set, the marshmallow slab is cut into individual marshmallows and each piece is dusted with more powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent them from sticking together.
However, one has to keep in mind that the exact recipe and process might change depending on the recipe or manufacturer.
Frankly, I’m not familiar with the manufacturing process of brands like Dandies, but I would assume is akin to the one above.
If you’d like to make some vegan marshmallows at home, here’s a great recipe:
Vegan Marshmallow Alternatives
If you can’t bother with making some vegan marshmallows at home, there are a few brands that manufacture them.
Here are a few of them:
- Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: Known for their traditional marshmallow taste and texture, Dandies are a popular choice among vegans. They come in both regular and mini sizes, perfect for any dish that requires marshmallows. Plus, they are free from artificial flavors and colors.
- Trader Joe’s Marshmallows: These marshmallows are a seasonal product at Trader Joe’s, but when they’re in stock, they’re a great vegan and gluten-free option. Their marshmallows come in both regular and mini sizes.
- Max Vegan Mallows: This brand stands out as they offer sugar-free vegan marshmallows. They’re also keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and diabetic-friendly, offering a unique alternative for those on specific dietary plans or who are simply looking to reduce sugar intake​​.
- Yummallo Vegan Marshmallows: Yummallo offers a simple, straightforward vegan marshmallow option. They’re gluten-free, peanut-free, and free from artificial flavors and colors. These marshmallows are available at select stores, including Walmart​.
I’m sure you’re able to find even more (particularly online using websites like Amazon), but the ones above are typically the ones other vegan folks recommend, so I also ran with these since they’re deemed the most popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always check the ingredient label for any animal-based ingredients like gelatin. If there are no animal-derived ingredients listed, it’s likely to be vegan.
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the manufacturer or conduct further research to ensure you’re getting a vegan product.
No, they typically contain high amounts of sugar (much like regular marshmallows) so they should be consumed in moderation.
Yes, you can! Vegan marshmallows can be used in the same ways as traditional marshmallows – in hot cocoa, for roasting over a fire, or in your favorite dessert recipes.
They might have a slightly different texture, but they should work well in all the same applications.
Vegan marshmallows are available in many health food stores, some conventional grocery stores, and online.
Brands like Dandies, Trader Joe’s, and Yummallo offer vegan options.
Always check the ingredients and, when in doubt, consult the manufacturer or retailer to ensure the marshmallows are truly vegan.
While the taste can slightly vary depending on the ingredients used, many people find that vegan marshmallows taste quite similar to their non-vegan counterparts.
Any Other Suggestions?
If you’ve discovered a brand that deserves to be on this list, or if you have thoughts on the ones I’ve mentioned, I’d love to hear from you.
Your feedback is invaluable in making this guide as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and ideas!
