Yes, Walmart Carries Vegan Marshmallows
For years, finding vegan alternatives to common sweet treats often required a trip to a specialty health food store. But thanks to growing demand, major retailers like Walmart have expanded their selections to include more plant-based options, including marshmallows. Shoppers can now find popular gelatin-free marshmallows from brands like Dandies and Yummallo, making it easy to grab everything needed for your next batch of vegan s'mores or hot cocoa.
Why Traditional Marshmallows Aren't Vegan
At the heart of a standard marshmallow's fluffy and chewy texture lies gelatin. This ingredient is a protein extracted from the hides, bones, and connective tissues of animals, most commonly pigs and cattle. Gelatin is what gives conventional marshmallows their distinctive bouncy structure. Because this is an animal-derived product, it is not considered vegan or vegetarian. For those following a plant-based diet, finding a suitable replacement has historically been a challenge, but the availability of brands like Dandies and Yummallo at stores like Walmart has solved this issue.
How to Find Vegan Marshmallows at Walmart
While the availability of specific products can vary by location, there are several reliable ways to find vegan marshmallows at your local Walmart or through their online store.
- Search Online: The most direct method is to visit the Walmart website or app and search for "vegan marshmallows" or a specific brand like "Dandies" or "Yummallo." The search results will show local store availability, as well as products that can be delivered to you.
- Check the Baking Aisle: In many stores, vegan marshmallows are stocked alongside conventional ones in the baking ingredients aisle. This is the best place to start your in-store search.
- Look for Seasonal Displays: During holidays like summer or winter, check seasonal displays or the campfire section, as marshmallows are often featured more prominently there.
- Browse the Health Foods Section: If you don't have luck in the main baking aisle, some stores may place vegan products in a dedicated health foods or organic section.
Featured Vegan Marshmallow Brands at Walmart
Walmart has been known to carry two of the most popular brands in the vegan marshmallow market.
- Dandies: A highly popular and well-regarded vegan marshmallow brand by Chicago Vegan Foods. They are made with plant-based ingredients like tapioca syrup, vegan protein, and carrageenan, which is derived from seaweed. They come in both regular and mini sizes and have a great track record for toasting and baking.
- Yummallo: This brand launched a new line of vegan marshmallows at Walmart in 2021. They are gelatin-free, made with ingredients such as sugar, corn starch, and rice protein. Reviewers often note their excellent taste and reasonable price point.
Comparison Table: Vegan vs. Traditional Marshmallows
To help you decide which marshmallow is right for your needs, here is a quick comparison.
| Feature | Dandies Vegan Marshmallows | Yummallo Vegan Marshmallows | Traditional Marshmallows (e.g., Jet-Puffed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability at Walmart | High (in-store and online) | High (in-store and online) | Very High (in-store and online) |
| Key Gelling Agent | Carrageenan (seaweed extract) | Agar-Agar (seaweed extract), Rice Protein | Gelatin (animal-derived collagen) |
| Roasting Performance | Toasts well, with a slightly firmer texture and a crispy exterior | Toasts well and offers a classic melty consistency | Standard, known for its gooey, melty texture |
| Baking Suitability | Excellent for crispy treats and other recipes | Very good for baking and melting in recipes | The industry standard for baking |
| Allergen Info | Generally allergen-friendly, check specific packaging | Check package for specific allergen claims | Varies by brand, always check ingredients |
Tips for Using Vegan Marshmallows
Whether you're making s'mores or baking, vegan marshmallows are a versatile ingredient. Here are a few tips to get the best results:
- For Toasting: Both Dandies and Yummallo toast beautifully over a fire. Dandies tend to hold their shape a bit better, while Yummallo marshmallows offer a more classic gooey result. For the perfect vegan s'mores, pair them with graham crackers (many are accidentally vegan) and a dairy-free chocolate bar. VegNews has some great vegan s'mores ideas: https://vegnews.com/vegan-marshmallow-guide.
- For Hot Cocoa: Adding vegan marshmallows to hot cocoa is a great way to top off a warm treat. Unlike traditional marshmallows that melt and blend more, some vegan alternatives may hold their shape longer or get a bit gooier, providing a different but equally enjoyable experience.
- For Crispy Treats: Dandies are particularly lauded for their performance in vegan crispy rice treats. They melt down smoothly and hold the treats together well, just like their traditional counterparts.
The Final Word on Vegan Marshmallows at Walmart
Walmart has definitively made its aisles more inclusive for plant-based eaters by stocking popular and high-quality vegan marshmallows. The availability of brands like Dandies and Yummallo ensures that vegan consumers don't have to miss out on classic treats. By knowing what to look for and where to find these products, you can enjoy all your favorite marshmallow-based recipes without compromise.
Conclusion
Finding vegan marshmallows at Walmart is not only possible but also quite easy with the right information. Shoppers can rely on the retailer for popular and affordable brands like Dandies and Yummallo, both available in-store and online. These gelatin-free treats, made from plant-based ingredients, offer the same delicious experience as traditional marshmallows and are perfect for a variety of uses, from campfire s'mores to baking. The expansion of plant-based options at major retailers is a testament to the growing market and demand, making veganism more accessible for everyone.
What are vegan marshmallows made of?
Vegan marshmallows replace animal-based gelatin with plant-based alternatives such as agar-agar, carrageenan (from seaweed), or sometimes rice protein.
Can vegan marshmallows be roasted for s'mores?
Yes, vegan marshmallows from brands like Dandies and Yummallo can be toasted over a campfire and work perfectly for making s'mores.
Where are vegan marshmallows located in Walmart?
They are typically found in the baking aisle alongside traditional marshmallows, but some stores may place them in a dedicated health foods or seasonal section.
Do vegan marshmallows taste different from regular ones?
While the texture may vary slightly, many people find that vegan marshmallows taste very similar to traditional ones, and brands like Dandies are praised for their flavor.
Is Yummallo a vegan marshmallow brand?
Yes, Yummallo offers a specific vegan marshmallow product that is sold at Walmart.
Do all marshmallows contain gelatin?
No, while most traditional marshmallows do contain gelatin, vegan alternatives are specifically made without it, using plant-based gelling agents instead.
Are Dandies marshmallows more expensive than standard marshmallows?
Vegan marshmallows, including Dandies, may sometimes be more expensive per ounce than conventional marshmallows due to their specialized ingredients and smaller production scale, but are becoming more affordable.
