Are Marshmallows Vegan? The Sticky Truth About Everyone’s Favorite Campfire Treat

Published April 5, 2025 | By GoVeganRecipe

That fluffy, pillowy marshmallow melting over your campfire? It might not be as innocent as it looks. While marshmallows seem like simple sugar clouds, their traditional recipe contains a shocking animal ingredient—and even many “accidentally vegan” foods fail when it comes to this nostalgic treat.

As your brutally honest vegan investigator, I’ve dissected marshmallow ingredients, tested brands worldwide, and even tried making my own to uncover the sticky, non-vegan secrets of this dessert. Here’s what you need to know:

🐄 The gelatin problem: Why 99% of marshmallows aren’t vegan
🔥 Accidentally vegan exceptions (yes, they exist!)
🌱 Best vegan marshmallow brands that actually toast like the real thing
🍬 How to spot hidden gelatin in “plant-based” products

1. Why Most Marshmallows Aren’t Vegan (It’s All About Gelatin)

The Gross Truth About Gelatin

Marshmallows get their iconic bouncy texture from gelatin, a protein made by boiling animal skin, bones, and connective tissues (usually from pigs or cows).

How it’s made:

Animal parts are soaked in acid or alkali for days
Boiled into a collagen-rich broth
Dried and ground into a flavorless powder

Shockingly, gelatin is in:

Traditional marshmallows (like Kraft Jet-Puffed)
“Healthy” marshmallow fluff
Some gummy candies, yogurts, and even vitamins

(Source: FDA Gelatin Production Standards)

2. The 5% That Are Vegan: Surprising “Accidentally Vegan” Marshmallows

While most marshmallows are off-limits, a few mainstream brands don’t contain gelatin:

A. Dandies Vegan Marshmallows

Why they’re great: Toasts perfectly, non-GMO
Texture: Slightly denser than Jet-Puffed
Where to buy: Whole Foods, Thrive Market

B. Trader Joe’s Marshmallows (Seasonal)

Vegan status: No gelatin (but check yearly—recipes change!)
Pro tip: Stock up in summer for s’mores season

C. Sweet & Sara (Online Only)

Best for: Rice crispy treats (holds shape better than Dandies)

Red Flag Brands: Marshmallow Peeps, Campfire Marshmallows, and most store brands contain gelatin.

3. How to Spot Hidden Gelatin (Even in “Plant-Based” Products)

Gelatin hides under sneaky names. Check labels for:

“Gelatin” (obviously)
“E441” (European code for gelatin)
“Collagen hydrolysate” (fancy name for gelatin)
“Natural flavors” (could hide animal-derived gelatin)

Pro Tip: Kosher marshmallows labeled “pareve” are sometimes vegan (but not always—check for fish gelatin).

4. Vegan Marshmallow Hacks: How to Substitute Like a Pro

For Baking:

Aquafaba (chickpea brine) whips like egg whites
Flaxseed gel works for sticky texture

For S’mores:

Toast Dandies slowly—they burn faster than gelatin marshmallows
Use a vegan chocolate bar (like Endangered Species)

DIY Recipe (3-Ingredient Vegan Marshmallows):

1 cup aquafaba  
1.5 cups sugar  
1 tsp vanilla

Whip aquafaba + sugar into stiff peaks, bake at 200°F for 2 hours.

5. The Future of Marshmallows: What’s Changing?

Dandies now in major retailers (Target, Walmart)
New mushroom-based gelatin alternatives in development
Kraft testing vegan Jet-Puffed (rumored for 2025)

Until then: Stick to certified vegan brands or make your own.

🔥 Your Turn: Ever been fooled by “gelatin-free” claims? Share your story below!

Sources:

FDA Gelatin Production Guidelines
PETA’s Accidentally Vegan List
Brand Ingredient Statements (2024)

Tag a vegan camper who needs to know! #VeganMarshmallowExposed 🌱🔥