The Un-Vegan Ingredient in Traditional Marshmallows
For many vegans, the discovery that traditional marshmallows contain a non-vegan ingredient can be surprising. The culprit is gelatin, a gelling agent used to give marshmallows their characteristic spongy, chewy texture. Gelatin is a translucent, soluble mixture of proteins and peptides derived from collagen, which is found in the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly cows and pigs. The raw animal materials are processed through a series of stages involving acid or alkali treatments to hydrolyze the collagen and extract the gelatin. This process makes all products containing traditional gelatin unsuitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet. Popular brands like Jet-Puffed are not vegan for this very reason.
The Rise of Plant-Based Gelling Agents
As demand for plant-based foods has grown, so has the innovation in replacing animal-derived ingredients. Manufacturers and home bakers now have a host of vegan-friendly alternatives to achieve the same fluffy, springy texture of a marshmallow without using gelatin. These include:
- Agar-Agar: Extracted from red seaweed, agar-agar is one of the most common and effective gelatin substitutes. It comes in powder, flakes, or bars and forms a strong, odorless gel when boiled with water and then cooled.
- Carrageenan: Also derived from red seaweed, carrageenan acts as a thickening and gelling agent. It is used in many vegan confectioneries to help create the desired consistency.
- Pectin: A natural polysaccharide found in fruits and vegetables, especially apples and citrus peels, pectin is a vegan gelling agent often used in jams and jellies. Special formulations can be used for confectionery like vegan marshmallows.
- Aquafaba: This is the viscous liquid found in a can of chickpeas or other white beans. It is a powerful egg white replacer that can be whipped into stiff peaks, making it an excellent base for homemade vegan marshmallows and fluff.
- Tapioca: Tapioca starch or syrup, derived from the cassava plant, is sometimes used in vegan marshmallow recipes to provide a chewy texture.
Comparing Traditional and Vegan Marshmallows
| Feature | Traditional Marshmallows | Vegan Marshmallows |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Gelling Agent | Gelatin (derived from animal collagen) | Agar-agar, carrageenan, pectin, or aquafaba (derived from plants) |
| Suitable for Vegans | No | Yes |
| Melting Properties | Melts smoothly into a gooey consistency when heated | Can differ by brand; some melt similarly, while others have a firmer texture when heated |
| Texture | Spongy and chewy, with a very gooey center when toasted | Often soft and pillowy, with some variations in texture depending on the gelling agent used |
| Allergens | Usually gluten-free and dairy-free, but not suitable for those with gelatin sensitivities | Many brands are free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, and soy |
| Availability | Widely available in most grocery stores | Available at health food stores, specialty vegan retailers, and increasingly in regular supermarkets |
Popular Brands and Where to Find Them
Luckily, finding vegan marshmallows is becoming easier thanks to several brands that specialize in or offer plant-based options. Some of the most widely recognized include:
- Dandies: A very popular and easy-to-find brand in North America, Dandies makes gelatin-free marshmallows using carrageenan. They are available in various sizes and flavors and are known for their great performance in s'mores.
- Freedom Mallows: This British brand offers a range of vegan and allergen-free marshmallows, including mini and regular vanilla flavors.
- GoodMallow: Another brand offering vegan marshmallows, GoodMallow prides itself on using natural ingredients and being free of artificial additives.
- Trader Joe's: This grocery chain offers its own brand of vegan marshmallows, though they are often seasonal.
- Yummallo: This brand offers a vegan marshmallow variety that is available at major retailers like Walmart.
When purchasing, it is always crucial to check the ingredient list to ensure no gelatin or other animal products were used. Look for a vegan certification logo on the packaging for extra assurance.
The DIY Option: How to Make Your Own Vegan Marshmallows
For those who enjoy a kitchen project, making your own vegan marshmallows is a rewarding process. The most common recipe utilizes aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a vegan egg white replacer. When whipped with cream of tartar, it creates a fluffy meringue-like texture. A cooked syrup of sugar, water, and a vegan gelling agent like agar-agar is then slowly added to the meringue, resulting in a thick, glossy mixture that sets into perfect, homemade vegan marshmallows.
Conclusion
For vegans, the answer to "can vegans eat marshmallows?" is a definitive yes, provided they choose a brand or recipe that uses plant-based alternatives to gelatin. While traditional marshmallows rely on an animal-derived product for their signature texture, a growing market of delicious and equally satisfying vegan marshmallows exists. With innovative ingredients like agar-agar, pectin, and aquafaba, enjoying a fluffy, sweet, and cruelty-free treat is easier than ever. Whether bought from a favorite brand or lovingly crafted at home, vegan marshmallows ensure that s'mores and hot chocolate are inclusive delights for all.
