Marshmallows are food that brings everyone back to their childhood. The fluffy, airy texture and sweet flavor are enjoyed by all ages. They are used in several different recipes, including smores. But are marshmallows gluten-free?
While marshmallows do not contain gluten, they are often processed in locations where gluten is present, making cross-contamination possible. If you have a severe gluten allergy, stay away from any marshmallow that is not labeled as gluten-free. If you are looking for certified gluten-free and healthier alternatives, try Max Mallow Cinnamon Toast Marshmallows or La Nouba marshmallows.
Marshmallows act as an additive in many foods that we eat every day, adding sweetness to cereal bars, making ice cream more delectable (and colorful), and adding texture to different desserts. The most common use of marshmallows is by roasting them over a fire to make s’mores. Keep reading for more info on marshmallows, some healthier alternatives, and some gluten-free versions and lower in sugar.
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History of Marshmallows
Marshmallows have been a staple in American culture for over a hundred years. Marshmallows were first made from leftover roots and stalks of the marshmallow plant, growing wild in parts of Europe and Africa. The gelatinous material was used as a remedy for sore throats and to make other medicines more palatable. In 1848, a German confectioner named Julius Sturgis invented an alternative way of making the sweet treat that didn’t include processing marshmallow plants. This new method involved “cooking” sugar with corn syrup. In 1880, Auguste Emy was credited with inventing commercially prepared marshmallows by whipping egg whites together with water to create a fluffy texture.
There were several advancements made in the making of marshmallows over the next few decades. In 1920, the Malters Company introduced a way to quickly and inexpensively prepare marshmallows by replacing egg whites with gelatin. In 1946, Alex Doumak perfected this process by introducing it to his company called Doumak Inc. He created a machine that cut sheets from a previously cooked sugar-gelatin mixture that was then pressed into a thin layer and covered with cornstarch. His product eliminated the need for whipping which sped up production time and decreased costs.
In 1990, Alex Doumak sold his company to Beatrice Foods, which incorporated their manufacturing equipment into the process, thus creating an even faster system for producing marshmallows. During the 1980s, marshmallows began to be used outside of their traditional applications in baking. They are now used as a decoration in different types of desserts or are eaten by themselves.
Are Marshmallows Healthy?
No, marshmallows are made mostly from sugar, making them a bad choice for anyone who has diabetes and those wishing to lose weight or eat healthily. If you are looking to add marshmallows to a recipe or just enjoy them as is, there are several healthier alternatives mentioned below.
Are Marshmallows Candy?
While marshmallows are a sugar-based confection, they are not considered candy as they are not boiled at any point during the manufacturing process. Some would disagree, but the definition of candy, according to Merriam-Webster, is “crystallized sugar formed by boiling down sugar syrup,” making them different from candy.
What Are Marshmallows Really Made Of?
This question is more common than you might think. While marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, people tend to think there is much more to them. The addition of air makes these treats unique and seemingly more complex than they are.
Are These Popular Brads Gluten-Free?
Are Jet-Puffed Marshmallows Gluten-Free?
Jet-Puffed marshmallows are one of the most popular brands around. They were first introduced in 1958 and first sold in 1959. Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows are frequently gluten-free, as well. As a result, they don’t indicate whether or not their marshmallows are gluten-free. However, some of their items – including marshmallows – have a 50 percent chance of containing natural flavorings from suppliers that do business with other grains that contain gluten. If you are extra sensitive to gluten, you should opt for something different.
Are Campfire Marshmallows Gluten-Free?
Campfire marshmallows are labeled on the package as gluten-free. This means there is no risk of cross-contamination with these marshmallows, and there is no gluten in any of the ingredients.
Marshmallows Nutritional Facts and Ingredients
Jet-Puffed Marshmallows
This famous brand of marshmallows contains no ingredients that have gluten in them, but cross-contamination is possible based on where the marshmallows were made. Check the packaging for the gluten-free logo.
Ingredients:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Dextrose
- Modified Cornstarch
- Water
- Gelatin
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (Whipping Aid)
- Natural And Artificial Flavor
- Blue 1
Nutritional Facts (Per 29 g Serving):
- 100 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 25 mg Sodium
- 24 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 17 g Sugars
- 1 g Protein
Campfire Regular Marshmallows
Campfire is another popular brand of marshmallows. They state that they are gluten-free on their bag, making these a good choice if you need a gluten-free marshmallow.
Ingredients:
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Modified Food Starch (Corn)
- Gelatin
- Water
- Dextrose
- Natural Flavors
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
Nutritional Facts (Per 28 g Serving):
- 90 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 15 mg Sodium
- 22 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 15 g Sugars
- 1 g Protein
Smash Mallow – Toasted Vanilla
Smash Mallow makes marshmallows that are gluten-free and made with simple and non-GMO ingredients. These are a great alternative to traditional marshmallows as they don’t contain corn syrup, are egg-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
Ingredients:
- Organic Cane Sugar
- Tapioca Syrup
- Invert Sugar
- Gelatin
- Water
- Natural Vanilla Flavor
- Sea Salt
- Fruit And Vegetable Juice For Color
- Tapioca Starch
Nutritional Facts (Per 30 g Serving):
- 100 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 25 mg Sodium
- 22 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 18 g Sugars
- 1 g Protein
Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Marshmallows
Max Mallow Marshmallows – Classic Vanilla
These marshmallows are a great healthy alternative to traditional marshmallows. They are sugar-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, diabetic-friendly and gluten-free. The best part is, one bag is only 90 calories!
Ingredients:
- Xylitol (from birch)
- Monkfruit Sweetener Blend (non-GMO erythritol and monk fruit extract)
- Inulin (from chicory)
- Grass Fed Gelatin (bovine)
- Medium Chain Triglycerides
- Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides (bovine)
- Salt
- Natural
- Vanilla Flavor
Nutritional Facts (Per 16 g Serving):
- 15 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 35 mg Sodium
- 5 g Total Carbohydrates
- 2 g Dietary Fiber
- 0 g Sugars
- 3 g Sugar Alcohol
- 1 g Protein
Max Mallow Cinnamon Toast Marshmallows
If you are looking for a gluten-free marshmallow with a touch of cinnamon, Max Mallow Cinnamon Toast Marshmallows are for you. They are also sugar-free, dairy-free, paleo, keto, diabetic-friendly and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Xylitol
- Prebiotic Inulin Powder (chicory and/or artichoke)
- Monkfruit Sweetener Blend (non-GMO erythritol and monk fruit extract)
- Grass Fed Gelatin (bovine)
- Grass Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides (bovine)
- MCT Oil
- Salt
- Natural Cinnamon Flavor
Nutritional Facts (Per 16 g Serving):
- 15 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 35 mg Sodium
- 5 g Total Carbohydrates
- 2 g Dietary Fiber
- 0 g Sugars
- 3 g Sugar Alcohol
- 1 g Protein
La Nouba Marshmallows
These are another great alternative to regular marshmallows. These are sugar-free, low-calorie, low-carb, and gluten-free. They also behave just like regular marshmallows with no additives, preservatives, or waxes.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Sweeteners (Maltitol, Isomalt, Maltitol Syrup, Lactitol)
- Gelatin
- Natural colorants
- Flavoring (vanilla)
Nutritional Facts (Per 15 g Serving):
- 40 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 0 mg Sodium
- 12 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 0 g Sugars
- 5 g Sugar Alcohol
- <1 g Protein
Dandies All Natural Minis
Dandies marshmallows are an excellent option for those who also want a vegan-friendly marshmallow. They also are gluten-free and plant-based, making these a no-brainer.
Ingredients:
- Tapioca Syrup
- Cane Sugar
- Tapioca Starch and/or Potato Starch
- Water
- Carrageenan
- Soy Protein
- Natural Vanilla Flavor
Nutritional Facts (Per 15 g Serving):
- 90 Calories
- 0 g Total Fat
- 0 g Saturated Fat
- 0g Trans Fat
- 0 mg Cholesterol
- 0 mg Sodium
- 22 g Total Carbohydrates
- 0 g Dietary Fiber
- 20 g Sugars
- 0 g Protein
Related Questions
Are Marshmallows Vegan?
No, marshmallows are not considered vegan as many brands contain gelatin which is derived from animals such as pigs and cows. Some brands don’t use animal-derived gelatin in their marshmallows including, Dandies, Trader Joe’s, and Funky Mello.
Are Marshmallows Keto?
No marshmallows are not considered keto as they contain high amounts of carbs and sugar. There are some brands that are made with no sugar and these would be ideal for those on the keto diet.
Are Marshmallows Dairy-Free?
Yes, marshmallows are mainly water, sugar, and gelatin (depending on the brand). This makes them ok for those cutting dairy from their diets, but always check the packaging as there is always the potential for additives, especially in flavored marshmallows.