Does Target Have Vegan Marshmallows? Your Guide to Finding Plant-Based Treats

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2025 report shows that many retailers are increasing their plant-based offerings to meet growing consumer demand, and Target is part of this trend. For those asking, 'Does Target have vegan marshmallows?', the answer is yes, though you have to know which brands to look for. Not all marshmallows on the shelf are plant-based, as most mainstream brands contain animal-derived gelatin.

Quick Summary

Target sells vegan marshmallows, primarily stocking Dandies brand products in both mini and regular vanilla flavors, available online and potentially in stores. These plant-based treats are made without gelatin, the animal product found in most traditional marshmallows.

Key Points

Availability at Target: Yes, Target stocks vegan marshmallows, primarily featuring the popular brand Dandies.
Identifying Vegan Products: Always check the ingredients list, as standard brands like Jet-Puffed are not vegan due to containing gelatin.
Gelatin-Free Alternatives: Vegan marshmallows use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar instead of animal-derived gelatin.
Online Shopping Made Easy: Use Target's website filters to specifically search for vegan marshmallows or the Dandies brand.
Versatile Plant-Based Treat: Vegan marshmallows can be used just like traditional ones for s'mores, hot cocoa, and baking.

Yes, Target Carries Vegan Marshmallows

For years, finding vegan alternatives for treats like marshmallows meant a trip to a specialty health food store, but major retailers like Target have expanded their selections significantly. A quick search on the Target website confirms that you can find and purchase vegan marshmallows. The most consistently available vegan option at Target is the brand Dandies, which is known for its plant-based, gelatin-free recipe. These are typically available both online and in the grocery section of physical stores, often in both standard and mini vanilla flavors.

Why Most Traditional Marshmallows Aren't Vegan

If you're new to veganism, you might be surprised to learn that standard marshmallows are not plant-based. The key non-vegan ingredient is gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen. Gelatin is typically sourced from the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals like pigs and cattle, and it's what gives marshmallows their familiar spongy texture. Vegan marshmallow brands like Dandies replace gelatin with plant-based gelling agents such as agar-agar, which is derived from algae.

Finding Vegan Marshmallows at Target

Locating vegan products at a large retailer can sometimes be tricky. Follow these tips to find vegan marshmallows at Target:

Online Shopping: Use the Target website or app and filter your search. Type "vegan marshmallows" or simply search for "Dandies". The product pages are clearly marked with a "Vegan" dietary tag.
In-Store Browsing: Head to the baking aisle where marshmallows are typically located. Look for the Dandies brand specifically. Note that the standard Target brand Good & Gather also sells marshmallows, but these are not vegan, so always check the ingredients list carefully.
Dietary Needs Filtering: Target's website has a dedicated section for "Vegan Foods" that can be a good starting point for discovery beyond marshmallows.

Comparison: Vegan vs. Traditional Marshmallows


Feature	Dandies Vegan Marshmallows	Jet-Puffed Traditional Marshmallows
Key Gelling Agent	Agar-Agar (from algae) and Carrageenan (from seaweed)	Gelatin (from animal collagen)
Allergen Info	May contain soy (check packaging)	Not specified, but standard brands often include dextrose or cornstarch
Availability at Target	Consistent, widely stocked brand	Widely available, often more prominent
Taste & Texture	Very similar to traditional, soft, and fluffy	Traditional taste, gooey and spongy
Uses	S'mores, hot cocoa, baking, rice crispy treats	S'mores, hot cocoa, baking, rice crispy treats

Important Considerations for Strict Vegans

While Dandies marshmallows are explicitly vegan and gelatin-free, there are other potential non-vegan ingredients to be mindful of. For example, some strict vegans avoid cane sugar that may have been processed using animal bone char. However, Dandies uses cane sugar that is confirmed to be processed without bone char and is even Kosher certified, addressing this concern. Always check the packaging for other potential issues, such as shared equipment warnings for allergens like milk, though this is less of a concern for most.

Versatility of Vegan Marshmallows

Vegan marshmallows perform just as well as their traditional counterparts in most applications. The fluffy texture and sweet vanilla flavor make them a perfect substitute in countless recipes. Here are some ideas:

Vegan S'mores: Use Dandies marshmallows along with graham crackers (many brands are accidentally vegan, like Nabisco Original) and vegan chocolate bars.
Hot Cocoa Topping: Add a few mini Dandies to your favorite plant-based hot chocolate for a decadent treat.
Baking: Incorporate them into classic recipes like rice crispy treats, brownies, or other dessert bars that call for marshmallows.

Conclusion

For those on a plant-based diet, finding a brand like Dandies that makes vegan marshmallows is a game-changer, and the fact that Target stocks them makes them widely accessible. With a little label-reading and filtering online, you can easily find and enjoy these gelatin-free treats for all your marshmallow needs. From baking to bonfires, vegan marshmallows are now just a shopping trip away at Target. To explore more plant-based products, visit Target's official vegan foods page. Target's Vegan Foods Section

Frequently Asked Questions

Target most reliably carries Dandies brand vegan marshmallows, which are explicitly marked as vegan and gelatin-free. They are typically available in mini and standard vanilla varieties.

Yes, marshmallows sold under Target's house brand, Good & Gather, are not vegan and contain gelatin. Shoppers should specifically look for the Dandies brand or check the ingredients list.

Yes, in addition to regular marshmallows, Dandies also offers a vegan marshmallow cream, which can be found at Target. This is a plant-based substitute for the traditional, egg white-based marshmallow fluff.

The primary difference is the gelling agent. Regular marshmallows use gelatin, an animal product, while vegan marshmallows use plant-based alternatives like agar-agar, derived from algae.

Dandies vegan marshmallows are also gluten-free. While not a universal rule, many vegan marshmallow brands are formulated without gluten, but it's always best to check the product labeling for confirmation.

Yes, Dandies vegan marshmallows are certified kosher, which further assures that their ingredients and processing meet specific dietary standards.

To find vegan marshmallows online, use the search bar for "vegan marshmallows" or "Dandies." You can also navigate to the "Vegan Foods" section within the grocery department and filter for marshmallows.