Do all marshmallows contain gelatin? Exploring vegan, vegetarian, and halal options

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to food experts, most commercial marshmallows are made with animal-derived gelatin, but not all of them do. The question of 'Do all marshmallows contain gelatin?' is crucial for those with dietary restrictions, as a growing number of brands offer plant-based and other alternatives.

Quick Summary

Many common marshmallow brands contain animal-derived gelatin, but plant-based versions are increasingly available, using alternatives like agar-agar or carrageenan to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, halal, and kosher diets.

Key Points

Gelatin is animal-based: Most traditional, mainstream marshmallows use gelatin derived from animal collagen, making them unsuitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Plant-based alternatives exist: A variety of vegan and vegetarian marshmallows are available, substituting gelatin with plant-based gelling agents.
Key substitutes are agar-agar and carrageenan: These seaweed-derived thickeners are common in commercially produced plant-based marshmallows and create a stable, fluffy texture.
Aquafaba is a homemade option: The liquid from canned chickpeas, known as aquafaba, can be whipped into a foam and used to make homemade vegan marshmallows.
Check for specific dietary certifications: For religious dietary needs like halal or kosher, look for specific certifications on the packaging, as ingredients can differ.
Read the ingredient list: The simplest way to determine if a marshmallow contains gelatin is to check the ingredient list on the package for either 'gelatin' or a plant-based substitute.

Understanding the Role of Gelatin in Traditional Marshmallows

For most of the 20th century, the classic fluffy, soft, and chewy marshmallow was synonymous with a single ingredient: gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from the collagen of animal bones, connective tissues, and hides, most often from pigs or cows. When heated and whipped with sugar, corn syrup, and water, gelatin creates a stable foam that holds its shape, giving marshmallows their iconic texture. This dependence on an animal-based product means that traditional marshmallows are not suitable for those following vegetarian, vegan, halal, or certain kosher diets. The original marshmallows, however, were made from the sap of the mallow root, a natural, plant-based thickener that was later replaced by the more cost-effective and readily available gelatin.

The Rise of Plant-Based and Specialty Marshmallows

In response to growing demand from consumers with dietary restrictions and ethical concerns, a market for gelatin-free marshmallows has flourished. Food manufacturers and home cooks have developed successful alternatives that replicate the texture and mouthfeel of traditional marshmallows without animal products. These alternatives have made it possible for vegans, vegetarians, and those adhering to religious dietary laws to enjoy campfire s'mores, hot cocoa, and other treats.

Common Gelatin Substitutes in Marshmallows

Several plant-based ingredients can be used to replace gelatin, each with its own properties:

Agar-agar: Derived from red algae, agar-agar is a popular vegetarian and vegan substitute for gelatin. It creates a firm, jelly-like consistency and is readily available in powdered or flaked form. Marshmallows made with agar-agar tend to have a slightly different, more delicate structure than traditional ones, but they still deliver a satisfying texture.
Carrageenan: Another seaweed-derived ingredient, carrageenan is used in many vegan food products as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent. Some brands, like Dandies, use a combination of tapioca starch and carrageenan to create their signature fluffy, gelatin-free marshmallows.
Aquafaba: This is the liquid from cooked chickpeas and is a remarkable vegan substitute for egg whites, capable of being whipped into a stiff foam. Many DIY vegan marshmallow recipes use aquafaba as the base to achieve a light, airy texture similar to that of traditional marshmallows.
Other ingredients: Some recipes and brands may also use modified food starch, soy protein, or a blend of other plant-based hydrocolloids to achieve the desired structure and texture.

Dietary Considerations: More Than Just Vegan

For many, the choice of marshmallow extends beyond a simple preference for plant-based foods. Religious dietary guidelines play a significant role:

Halal: Islamic dietary law prohibits the consumption of pork, so marshmallows containing porcine gelatin are not halal. Halal-certified marshmallows, such as those by Ziyad, are available and explicitly state they use 100% halal beef gelatin.
Kosher: Similarly, kosher law dictates that certain animal products are prohibited or must be processed in a specific way. Marshmallows made with porcine gelatin are not kosher. Kosher-certified marshmallows, some of which may use fish gelatin, are available for those adhering to these rules.

Comparison Table: Traditional vs. Plant-Based Marshmallows


Feature	Traditional Marshmallows	Plant-Based Marshmallows
Primary Gelling Agent	Animal-derived gelatin (from collagen)	Agar-agar, carrageenan, or aquafaba
Texture	Chewy, elastic, melts smoothly	Can vary, often slightly softer or more delicate, some brands match traditional texture well
Melting Properties	Melts consistently, ideal for s'mores	Can be more delicate; melting properties vary by brand and substitute
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegan, vegetarian, halal, or many kosher diets	Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and typically also kosher and halal diets (always check label)
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores (e.g., Kraft Jet-Puffed)	Available in health food stores, specialty markets, and online (e.g., Dandies, Freedom Mallows)

Brands that Offer Gelatin-Free Marshmallows

Many brands now cater to the growing market for plant-based treats. Some of the most well-known vegan marshmallow brands include:

Dandies: A popular and widely available brand known for its classic marshmallow taste and texture. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, and use plant-based ingredients.
Trader Joe's: Offers vegan marshmallows that are clearly labeled, making them easy to identify.
Freedom Mallows: A UK-based brand that offers a variety of vegan marshmallows and is also certified halal and kosher.
Yummallo: An option available at major retailers that provides a gelatin-free alternative.
The PoshMallow: Specializes in handcrafted, decadent marshmallows that are certified Kosher-Pareve and do not contain top allergens.

Making Your Own Gelatin-Free Marshmallows

For those who enjoy baking, making homemade marshmallows is a rewarding process that guarantees you know exactly what goes into your food. There are countless recipes available online using ingredients like agar-agar or aquafaba to replicate the airy texture. This option allows for complete control over ingredients and flavors, perfect for satisfying specific dietary needs.

Nutritional Information and Conclusion

Regardless of whether they are made with gelatin or a plant-based substitute, marshmallows are a sweet treat and are not a significant source of nutrients. They are predominantly composed of sugar and corn syrup, offering little in the way of protein, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. A balanced diet is important, and marshmallows should be enjoyed in moderation. However, for those with dietary restrictions, the availability of gelatin-free options means that everyone can participate in the fun of enjoying this classic confection. By simply checking the ingredient label, you can confidently find a marshmallow that aligns with your dietary needs.

Link to a reliable resource for homemade vegan marshmallow recipes

Conclusion

The notion that all marshmallows contain gelatin is a common misconception. While animal-based gelatin is the traditional ingredient and is found in most major brands, a growing and diverse market of plant-based alternatives now exists. Consumers following vegan, vegetarian, halal, or kosher diets can easily find suitable, high-quality marshmallows made with substitutes like agar-agar, carrageenan, or aquafaba. A quick check of the ingredient list or a search for specialty brands will help you find the perfect option for your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all marshmallows contain pork gelatin. While some traditional brands use porcine (pork-derived) gelatin, many alternatives use gelatin from other sources, such as beef or fish, or are entirely plant-based.

Vegetarians and vegans can eat marshmallows if they are specifically labeled as plant-based or vegan, meaning they do not contain animal-derived gelatin. Traditional marshmallows are not suitable for these diets.

Agar-agar is a gelling agent derived from red algae, and it is a common plant-based and vegan substitute for animal gelatin in marshmallow recipes.

You can determine if a marshmallow contains gelatin by reading the ingredients list on the package. If the ingredients simply say "gelatin," it is animal-derived. If it's a plant-based version, it will specify a substitute like agar-agar or carrageenan.

Not necessarily. While some kosher marshmallows use plant-based alternatives and are therefore vegan, others may use fish or kosher beef gelatin, which is not suitable for a vegan diet. Always check the specific certification and ingredients.

Brands that offer gelatin-free marshmallows include Dandies, Trader Joe's (look for the vegan label), Freedom Mallows, Yummallo, and The PoshMallow.

Vegan marshmallows contain no animal products, including gelatin. Halal marshmallows must meet Islamic dietary laws, which means they must use gelatin from a halal-certified animal source (like beef) or a plant-based substitute. All vegan marshmallows are halal, but not all halal marshmallows are vegan.

Availability varies by location. While major national brands containing gelatin are widespread, gelatin-free options are increasingly common in health food stores, specialty markets, and the natural/organic sections of conventional grocery stores.