Are sugar-free marshmallows a thing? A guide to low-carb, keto-friendly alternatives

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturer ChocZero, specific brands of keto marshmallows contain zero added sugar and are sweetened with monk fruit. This confirms that, yes, are sugar-free marshmallows a thing?—and they are a real option for those managing their sugar intake.

Quick Summary

Sugar-free marshmallows exist and are widely available for keto, diabetic, and low-carb diets, using alternative sweeteners and gelling agents. They offer a guilt-free way to enjoy classic marshmallow treats like s'mores and hot cocoa, with a texture and taste similar to traditional versions.

Key Points

They are a real product: Many specialized brands like ChocZero and Max Mallow produce sugar-free and keto-friendly marshmallows.
They use alternative sweeteners: Instead of sugar, they are sweetened with monk fruit, allulose, erythritol, or other low-glycemic options.
DIY recipes are available: You can make your own sugar-free marshmallows at home using simple ingredients and a stand mixer.
Melting and toasting properties differ: While they melt, sugar-free marshmallows may not toast to a golden brown like traditional ones due to the lack of caramelized sugar.
They are suitable for various diets: These marshmallows are often low-carb, keto, and safe for diabetics, providing a healthier alternative.
Flavor and texture can vary: The taste can depend on the specific sweetener used, but the fluffy texture is well-replicated in many products and recipes.

A Sweet Surprise: The Existence of Sugar-Free Marshmallows

For years, marshmallows, a staple of s'mores and hot cocoa, seemed off-limits for those on sugar-restricted diets. But with the rise of keto, paleo, and diabetic-friendly eating, the market has responded with innovative new products. Today, sugar-free marshmallows are not just a possibility; they are a delicious reality, readily available from specialty brands online and in some stores. These fluffy treats replace traditional corn syrup and refined sugar with low-glycemic sweeteners, providing the classic texture and sweet flavor without the added carbs and sugar spike.

The Sweet Science Behind Sugar-Free Marshmallows

Traditional marshmallows are made primarily from sugar, water, and gelatin, whipped into a fluffy confection. The sugar is crucial for the structure and consistency, so replicating the texture without it requires ingenuity. Manufacturers and home bakers use a variety of alternative sweeteners and gelling agents to achieve the familiar result. The most common substitutes are sugar alcohols and natural, low-calorie options.

Common sugar-free marshmallow sweeteners include:

Monk Fruit: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener known for its clean, non-bitter taste.
Allulose: A rare sugar that the body does not metabolize, making it a zero-carb option. It behaves similarly to sugar when cooked, which is why it's a popular choice for homemade keto marshmallows.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that is also zero-calorie. When used in a powdered form, it can help prevent crystallization, a common issue in candy making.
Maltitol: Another sugar alcohol used in some products, though it can cause digestive upset in larger quantities and has a minor impact on blood sugar.
Stevia: A natural, zero-calorie plant-based sweetener that works best when blended with other sugar alternatives in marshmallow recipes.

How Do Sugar-Free Marshmallows Compare to Traditional Ones?

While modern innovations have come close, there are some key differences between sugar-free and regular marshmallows, particularly regarding their ingredients, nutritional value, and culinary behavior.


Feature	Traditional Marshmallows	Sugar-Free Marshmallows
Key Sweetener	Refined white sugar, corn syrup	Monk fruit, allulose, erythritol, xylitol
Carbohydrates	High carbs from sugar	Low to zero net carbs
Calories	High from sugar and carbs	Significantly lower calories
Melting Properties	Melts easily and toasts to a golden brown	Melts well, but may not toast or brown in the same way, can become dense when stale
Gluten-Free	Typically gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination	Often explicitly gluten-free
Flavor	Standard, classic sweet flavor	Flavor can vary depending on the sweetener used; some may have a slight aftertaste
Texture	Soft, spongy, and fluffy	Excellent replication of classic texture, but can be slightly denser when fresh and harder when stale

Finding and Making Your Own Sugar-Free Treats

For those who prefer a store-bought option, brands like ChocZero and Max Mallow offer keto-friendly marshmallows that use monk fruit and allulose. These products can be found online and in select health food stores. Always check the ingredients list to understand the type of sweetener used and its potential impact on your digestion. For a reliable online source, check out the options from ChocZero.

For the avid baker, making your own sugar-free marshmallows at home is a rewarding process that gives you complete control over the ingredients. Most recipes use simple components and a stand mixer to achieve the desired fluffiness. Here is a basic list of ingredients you would need for a DIY recipe:

Gelatin powder (grass-fed is often preferred)
Water
Your choice of keto-friendly granular sweetener (e.g., allulose, xylitol)
Vanilla extract or other flavorings
A pinch of salt
Powdered sweetener or starch (e.g., arrowroot) for dusting

Making them at home is a fun and delicious way to ensure your marshmallows are exactly to your taste and dietary specifications. The process involves blooming the gelatin, creating a hot syrup from the sweetener and water, and then whipping the mixture until it becomes thick and marshmallow-like.

Enjoying Sugar-Free Marshmallows: Culinary Uses

Once you have your sugar-free marshmallows, the possibilities are endless. They can be enjoyed in all the classic ways, making them a fantastic substitute for their sugary counterparts:

Hot Cocoa: Drop a few into a mug of sugar-free hot cocoa for a comforting and indulgent beverage.
S'mores: Create a diabetic-friendly s'mores experience using sugar-free chocolate and low-carb graham crackers.
Baking: Use them as a topping for keto-friendly desserts or melt them down to create crispy treats with low-carb cereal.
Snacking: Enjoy them right out of the bag for a simple and satisfying sweet treat.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, "Are sugar-free marshmallows a thing?" is a resounding yes. With the help of innovative sweeteners and a growing market for diet-friendly products, these fluffy, low-carb treats are now accessible for those managing sugar intake. Whether you buy them from a specialized brand or whip them up in your own kitchen, sugar-free marshmallows prove that you don't have to sacrifice your dietary goals to enjoy a sweet indulgence. By understanding the ingredients and options available, you can safely enjoy this classic treat in a way that aligns with your nutritional needs.

Optional Outbound Link

For a detailed, step-by-step recipe for making keto and paleo-friendly marshmallows, visit the Gnom-Gnom website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find sugar-free marshmallows online through websites for brands like ChocZero and Max Mallow, or through large retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Some specialty health food stores may also carry them.

Yes, you can. Sugar-free marshmallows work well for s'mores, especially with sugar-free chocolate and low-carb crackers. However, be aware that they may melt more quickly and not brown or toast in the same way as traditional marshmallows.

Common sweeteners include natural, zero-calorie options like monk fruit and allulose, as well as sugar alcohols like erythritol and maltitol.

Many brands create sugar-free marshmallows to be diabetic-friendly, using low-glycemic sweeteners that don't spike blood sugar. It is always wise to check the product's nutritional information and consult a doctor or dietitian before incorporating new foods into your diet.

The flavor is often very similar, but it can depend on the specific sweetener used. Some people may notice a slight aftertaste with certain sugar substitutes, while others find the taste almost indistinguishable from traditional marshmallows.

Yes, many recipes are available online for making sugar-free marshmallows at home. The process typically involves gelatin, water, and a keto-friendly sweetener like allulose or xylitol.

Unlike sugary marshmallows that crystallize, some sugar-free varieties, particularly those using monk fruit, can become denser and harder when exposed to air over time. Storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their texture.