Are little marshmallows gluten-free? Decoding the Ingredients

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, and many more have a gluten sensitivity, prompting careful label reading for even the most basic sweets. For those with dietary restrictions, a common question arises: are little marshmallows gluten-free? The answer isn't always a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of little marshmallows depends on the specific brand and production process. Most are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for wheat starch, gluten-containing flavors, or cross-contamination warnings, especially for celiac disease.

Key Points

Check the Label: Don't assume marshmallows are gluten-free; always read the ingredients list to verify.
Watch for Hidden Gluten: Ingredients like unspecified "modified food starch" or certain flavorings could contain gluten.
Be Aware of Cross-Contamination: For celiac disease, check for certified gluten-free labels, as cross-contamination can occur in manufacturing facilities.
Trusted Brands Exist: Many major brands, like Kraft Jet-Puffed and Doumak Campfire, offer naturally gluten-free options.
Choose Certified for Certainty: A certified gluten-free label is the safest bet for highly sensitive individuals.
Size Doesn't Matter: The gluten status is determined by the ingredients and manufacturing, not whether the marshmallow is large or small.
Vegan Options Are Often Safe: Vegan marshmallows like Dandies are usually a safe gluten-free bet, as they avoid gelatin from animal sources.

The Core Ingredients of Marshmallows

Traditional marshmallows are naturally free of gluten, as their core ingredients do not contain wheat, barley, or rye. The recipe is surprisingly simple, primarily consisting of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and water. Sugar provides the sweetness, corn syrup prevents crystallization, gelatin provides the bouncy, fluffy structure, and cornstarch is often used to prevent sticking and for coating.

Potential Sources of Hidden Gluten

Despite the basic, naturally gluten-free recipe, several factors can introduce gluten into marshmallows, making careful label scrutiny essential for anyone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity.

Modified Food Starch: This is one of the most common red flags. While many manufacturers use cornstarch, which is gluten-free, the source isn't always specified. If the label simply says "modified food starch" without specifying the source, like corn, it could potentially be derived from wheat. A brand that is certified gluten-free will explicitly list the source of its starches.
Glucose Syrup: Some glucose syrup is derived from wheat, though in the United States, most is corn-based. While the processing of wheat-derived glucose syrup often removes the gluten, highly sensitive individuals may choose to avoid it if the label isn't specific.
Flavors and Additives: Artificial flavors, colors, or other additives could contain hidden gluten. This is less common but still a possibility, especially with specialty or artisanal marshmallow flavors. If the flavorings contain malt, for example, it is not gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination: Even if the ingredients are entirely gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility is a major concern for those with celiac disease. If equipment is shared with gluten-containing products, trace amounts can make their way into the final product. The best way to avoid this is to look for a certified gluten-free label, which guarantees the product meets strict standards.

Label Reading and Choosing the Right Marshmallows

For safe enjoyment, you must read the ingredients list every time you purchase a new package, as formulations can change.

What to Look For

Explicit "Gluten-Free" Label: The most reliable indicator is a certified gluten-free symbol on the packaging, which means the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, as per FDA guidelines.
Specific Starch Sourcing: Look for ingredients listed as "cornstarch" or other gluten-free sources, not just "modified food starch".
Transparency from Manufacturers: Check the company's website or contact their consumer relations department if you are uncertain about a product's gluten status or production process.

List of Common Gluten-Free Marshmallows Brands

Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows: A popular option widely available, the standard marshmallows from Kraft are considered gluten-free based on their ingredients and production process.
Doumak Campfire Marshmallows: This brand is known to be gluten-free, with the company confirming this on their website.
Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: A great option for both vegan and gluten-free diets, Dandies are certified gluten-free and avoid gelatin.
Haribo Chamallows (Mini Mallows): Certain Haribo mini marshmallow varieties are labeled as gluten-free in some markets, so checking the specific package is crucial.
Trader Joe's Marshmallows: Their private-label marshmallows are labeled gluten-free on their website.

Comparison Table of Popular Marshmallows


Brand	Gluten-Free Label?	Potential Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Kraft Jet-Puffed	No, but ingredients are GF.	Minimal, company states no risk for standard marshmallows.	Widely available, considered safe for most.
Doumak Campfire	No, but ingredients are GF.	Minimal, company states products are GF.	Also generally considered safe for celiac disease.
Dandies Vegan	Yes, certified GF.	No risk, certified gluten-free.	Gelatin-free and suitable for vegans and highly sensitive individuals.
Peeps (some varieties)	Some flavors are labeled GF.	Yes, some products are made in shared facilities.	Always check the package for the gluten-free label.
Store Brand (e.g., Great Value)	Depends on the specific store and product.	Varies by manufacturer.	Read the label carefully, check for cornstarch over modified food starch.

The Difference: Little vs. Regular Marshmallows

There is no fundamental difference in the recipe between little and regular marshmallows that would affect their gluten status. Both are typically made from the same base ingredients of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. The variation in size is simply a manufacturing choice. The same rules apply to both: the gluten status depends on the specific brand's ingredients, additives, and potential for cross-contamination. For example, the same brand might produce a standard mini marshmallow that is safe, but a special seasonal flavor might contain a gluten-based ingredient or be manufactured on different equipment.

Conclusion: Navigating the Marshmallow Aisle

The vast majority of little marshmallows on the market are gluten-free due to their naturally gluten-free core ingredients. However, the presence of potential gluten sources like wheat-derived modified starches, glucose syrup, or the risk of cross-contamination necessitates vigilance. Always read the label thoroughly, and when in doubt, choose a brand that explicitly states it is certified gluten-free for peace of mind, especially if you have a severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently choose the right marshmallows for your hot cocoa, baking, or snacking needs. For more details on safe shopping, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's website.

The Role of Cornstarch vs. Wheat Starch in Marshmallows

Cornstarch and wheat starch are both used in marshmallow production, primarily to coat the marshmallows and prevent them from sticking together. The key distinction is the source. Cornstarch is derived from corn and is naturally gluten-free. Wheat starch is derived from wheat, which is a gluten-containing grain. While highly refined wheat starch may have gluten removed to meet gluten-free standards, the risk remains for those with celiac disease. Choosing a product where the ingredient list specifically mentions cornstarch is a safer option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows are considered gluten-free based on their ingredient list and manufacturing process. A company representative reports there is no risk of cross-contamination during production.

While the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, gluten can appear in marshmallows through modified food starch derived from wheat, wheat-based glucose syrup, or through cross-contamination in facilities that also process gluten products.

No, the risk is not related to size. It depends entirely on the brand's specific ingredients and the manufacturing process. Both little and regular marshmallows can be gluten-free, or a potential risk, depending on the brand.

Cornstarch is a naturally gluten-free ingredient derived from corn, commonly used to coat marshmallows. Modified food starch, however, can be derived from various sources, including wheat, and may contain gluten if not specified as corn-based.

Yes, Dandies vegan marshmallows are certified gluten-free and also free of gelatin. This makes them a safe option for those on both a gluten-free and vegan diet.

Yes, but they must be extremely cautious. It is best to choose marshmallows that are explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free to avoid any risk of cross-contamination, which can be a serious issue for those with celiac disease.

Not necessarily. While many vegan marshmallow brands, like Dandies, are also gluten-free, it is important to always check the label. The term 'vegan' only refers to the absence of animal products, not gluten.