Does Marshmallow Have Any Meat? The Definitive Guide to a Sweet Confection

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that Americans purchase over 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually, yet many remain unaware of a key animal-derived ingredient? This popular, fluffy confection does not contain meat in the traditional sense, but its unique texture comes from a substance sourced from animals.

Quick Summary

Traditional marshmallows contain gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, but no actual meat. This makes most conventional brands non-vegetarian and non-vegan. Plant-based alternatives use seaweed or tapioca starch instead of gelatin.

Key Points

Gelatin, Not Meat: The chewy texture of traditional marshmallows comes from gelatin, an animal protein, not actual meat.
Animal Byproduct: Gelatin is derived from boiling animal bones, skin, and connective tissues, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Vegan Alternatives: Modern vegan marshmallows use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar (from seaweed) and carrageenan to achieve a similar texture.
Original Recipe: Historically, marshmallows were made from the sap of the mallow plant root, before gelatin became a cheaper and more efficient substitute.
Check the Label: To identify vegan marshmallows, always check the ingredients for gelatin and look for a vegan certification logo.

Is There Meat in Marshmallows?

No, there is no meat in marshmallows. The misunderstanding comes from a key ingredient: gelatin. While gelatin is a protein derived from animals, it is a byproduct of meat production, not meat itself. The substance is extracted from the collagen found in the bones, connective tissues, and skin of animals, most commonly cows and pigs. The boiling and processing of these animal parts create the odorless and tasteless substance that provides the springy, chewy texture in many common food products, including marshmallows.

The Role of Gelatin in Marshmallow Production

Gelatin is a critical component in the standard marshmallow recipe. Its primary function is to act as a gelling agent and foam stabilizer. The process involves whipping air into a cooked sugar syrup, which creates a foam. The gelatin then sets this foam into a stable, spongy structure as it cools. Without gelatin, the mixture would simply be a sticky cream or sauce, lacking the firm yet soft consistency we associate with marshmallows. This thermally-reversible property of gelatin is also why marshmallows melt so readily in your mouth or over a campfire.

The History: From Plant to Animal Byproduct

The story of the marshmallow's ingredients has changed significantly over time. Originally, ancient Egyptians made a confection from the sap of the mallow plant (Althaea officinalis), which grows in marshes. This root extract was whipped and mixed with honey for medicinal and culinary purposes. In the 19th century, French confectioners started making a similar treat but found the manual extraction process too laborious. They began to use gelatin as a more efficient and stable substitute for the mallow root, marking the transition to the modern marshmallow recipe.

Vegan and Vegetarian Marshmallow Alternatives

For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet and must avoid animal-derived products like gelatin, the good news is that many alternatives now exist. These products use plant-based gelling agents to mimic the properties of gelatin. Some common substitutes include:

Agar-agar: A flavorless powder derived from red algae, or seaweed, that acts as a powerful gelling agent.
Carrageenan: Another seaweed-derived extract that is used to thicken and stabilize products.
Tapioca Starch or Syrup: Derived from the cassava root, this can also be used as a gelling agent.
Soy Protein: Often used in conjunction with other agents like carrageenan to create the desired texture.

Many brands, such as Dandies and Trader Joe's, produce vegan marshmallows that are widely available. These plant-based versions offer a comparable taste and texture, ensuring that those with dietary restrictions can still enjoy this classic treat.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Vegan Marshmallows


Feature	Traditional Marshmallows	Vegan Marshmallows
Key Gelling Agent	Gelatin, derived from animal collagen (typically from pigs or cows).	Plant-based alternatives like agar-agar, carrageenan, or tapioca starch.
Suitability for Diets	Not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal diets due to animal-based gelatin.	Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. May also be kosher or halal certified, depending on ingredients.
Texture	Known for their distinctive chewy, stretchy, and fluffy quality.	Can be slightly different in consistency, sometimes described as not being as fluffy as gelatin-based ones.
Melting Point	Melts easily at a temperature just below human body temperature, contributing to the 'melt-in-your-mouth' feel.	Melting properties can vary depending on the plant-based gelling agent used.
Common Brands	Kraft Jet-Puffed, Campfire.	Dandies, Trader Joe's (seasonal), Yummallo (check label).

How to Check if Your Marshmallows are Vegan

To ensure your marshmallows are free of animal products, always check the ingredient label. The easiest method is to look for a certified vegan logo on the package. However, if no such logo is present, scan the ingredients list for gelatin. If it contains gelatin, it is not vegan. Some products may use other animal-derived ingredients like honey or bone char-processed sugar, so it is always wise to scrutinize the full list if you are strictly avoiding all animal products.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In short, while marshmallows do not contain meat, traditional versions are made with an animal byproduct called gelatin. This means they are not vegetarian or vegan. Fortunately, with the rise in dietary awareness, many brands now offer plant-based alternatives using ingredients like agar-agar or carrageenan. For those with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns, it is crucial to read the ingredients list carefully to determine whether a particular bag of marshmallows is suitable for consumption. For an in-depth look at gelatin's molecular structure and function, the American Chemical Society provides a detailed explanation: https://cen.acs.org/food/food-science/s-marshmallows-ingredients-work-together/99/web/2021/04.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most traditional marshmallows are not vegetarian because they contain gelatin, an ingredient derived from animal collagen.

Gelatin is made from the collagen extracted by boiling the skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons of animals, primarily cows and pigs.

No, not all brands contain gelatin. Many companies now offer vegan versions that use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or carrageenan instead.

Plant-based alternatives like agar-agar powder, tapioca starch, or carrageenan can be used as a substitute for gelatin in homemade recipes.

Some marshmallow cremes or fluff are 'accidentally vegan' because they use egg whites instead of gelatin, but you should always check the label as some versions may still contain animal products or other non-vegan ingredients.

In the 19th century, candy makers found that using gelatin was a much faster and cheaper alternative to the labor-intensive process of extracting sap from the mallow plant root.

Vegan marshmallows are available from brands like Dandies, and can often be found at grocery stores like Trader Joe's or specialty vegan retailers.