Finding Marshmallows That Don't Have Pork Gelatin

January 8, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 5% of the U.S. population identifies as vegetarian or vegan, prompting an increased demand for plant-based alternatives to common foods like marshmallows. The good news is that there are many options for marshmallows that don't have pork gelatin, catering to various dietary restrictions, including those following vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and halal diets.

Quick Summary

Many conventional marshmallows contain gelatin derived from pork, but several brands and types of marshmallows are gelatin-free. These alternatives often use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or rely on non-pork animal gelatin to achieve a similar texture. This guide explores brand-specific options and ingredient labels to help consumers find suitable choices.

Key Points

Check Labels Thoroughly: Look for key phrases like 'vegan,' 'vegetarian,' or a kosher certification symbol to ensure marshmallows are pork-free.
Embrace Vegan Options: Brands like Dandies and Sweet & Sara use plant-based gelling agents (agar-agar, carrageenan) instead of animal gelatin.
Look for Kosher Brands: Certified kosher marshmallows, from brands such as Kosher Gourmet and Bluesky, are guaranteed to not contain pork gelatin.
Consider Beef Gelatin: Some marshmallows, especially kosher ones, use beef or fish-based gelatin as an alternative to pork.
Make Them at Home: For total control, use gelatin substitutes like agar-agar or aquafaba to craft your own homemade, pork-free marshmallows.
Roast With Caution: While many gelatin-free marshmallows can be roasted, their melting and browning behavior might differ slightly from traditional versions.

Understanding Gelatin in Marshmallows

Traditionally, marshmallows have been made using a combination of sugar, corn syrup, water, and gelatin. The gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal collagen (often from pigskin or cowhide), is crucial for giving marshmallows their signature spongy, chewy texture. It creates a stable foam that traps air bubbles, allowing the confectionery to hold its shape. For those avoiding pork, this poses a significant issue, necessitating the search for alternative formulations.

Plant-Based Marshmallows: The Vegan Solution

Vegan marshmallows are a popular and reliable choice for those avoiding all animal products, including pork-based gelatin. These products substitute gelatin with plant-based gelling agents. The most common substitutes are agar-agar (derived from seaweed), carrageenan (also from seaweed), or vegan 'gelatin' substitutes made from starches. A key benefit of vegan marshmallows is that they are guaranteed to be pork-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Brands that offer vegan marshmallows:

Dandies: A well-known brand specializing in vegan marshmallows. They use tapioca syrup and carrageenan to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
Trader Joe's: The popular grocery chain often stocks vegan marshmallow options, typically found in the snack aisle or during seasonal promotions.
Sweet & Sara: This brand produces gourmet vegan marshmallows, often available online or in specialty health food stores.

Kosher and Halal Certified Marshmallows

Another pathway to finding pork-free marshmallows is to look for certified kosher or halal products. Gelatin used in kosher and halal foods must come from permissible animals (e.g., beef or fish) and be processed according to religious dietary laws. A kosher certification explicitly guarantees the product does not contain pork. Kosher marshmallows can be made with fish or beef gelatin, or they may be vegetarian, using agar or another plant-based agent.

Brands that offer kosher marshmallows:

Kosher Gourmet (Paskesz): A brand frequently cited for its certified kosher marshmallows.
Bluesky: Another reliable source for kosher-certified marshmallows.
Only Kosher Candy (Pop Mallows): Offers a variety of kosher dehydrated and mini marshmallows.

Reading the Ingredient Label for Clarity

For any store-bought marshmallow, the most definitive way to know if it's pork-free is to meticulously read the ingredients list. Look for gelatin and check for the source. If it only says 'gelatin,' it's safest to assume it could be pork-based. If it specifies 'beef gelatin' or a plant-based alternative like 'agar-agar' or 'carrageenan,' it's a suitable option. Products explicitly labeled as 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' are your safest bet.

Homemade Marshmallows: The Ultimate Control

For those who want complete control over their ingredients, making marshmallows at home is a simple and rewarding process. Recipes for gelatin-free marshmallows often use agar-agar powder, which can be found in most health food stores or online. Homemade versions also allow for customization of flavors and colors without the risk of hidden animal products.

Comparison of Marshmallow Types


Feature	Conventional (Pork Gelatin)	Vegan (Agar-Agar)	Kosher (Beef Gelatin)
Gelatin Source	Pork	Agar-agar, Carrageenan	Beef, Fish
Texture	Very spongy, bouncy, and chewy	Slightly less elastic, softer, can be less springy	Very similar to conventional, good elasticity
Roasting Behavior	Melts and caramelizes well	Can melt, but may not brown as consistently	Roasts and melts just like conventional
Suitability	Not suitable for pork-free diets	Suitable for vegetarians and vegans	Suitable for kosher/halal diets, not for vegans
Labeling	May only list "gelatin"	Labeled "vegan" or "vegetarian"	Labeled with a kosher symbol (e.g., K, OU)

Conclusion: Navigating the Market for Pork-Free Marshmallows

Finding marshmallows that don't contain pork gelatin is more straightforward than it once was, thanks to a wider selection of specialized products. For a guaranteed pork-free option, vegan marshmallows are the safest bet, as they replace all animal products with plant-based alternatives like agar-agar. Kosher-certified marshmallows also offer a reliable choice, using beef or fish gelatin instead of pork. By carefully reading labels for key terms like 'vegan,' 'kosher,' or specific gelatin types, consumers can confidently navigate the market. For those who prefer the ultimate control, making your own marshmallows at home with plant-based gelling agents is a fun and delicious alternative. Regardless of your dietary reason for avoiding pork gelatin, a sweet and fluffy marshmallow treat is still well within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gelatin is derived from the collagen in various animal tissues, but not all of it is from pork. Gelatin can come from beef, fish, or other animals. However, in many commercial food products, pork gelatin is common, so it's important to check the label for the specific source.

Yes, marshmallows can be made without any animal products. Vegan marshmallows use plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar, carrageenan, or other starches and thickeners instead of animal-based gelatin.

The most reliable way is to check the packaging. Look for certifications like 'kosher' or 'halal,' as these products are guaranteed to be pork-free. If the ingredients list simply says 'gelatin' without a specific source, assume it could be pork-based. Products labeled 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' are also safe options.

Agar-agar is a gelling agent derived from seaweed and is a common vegan alternative to gelatin. It produces a firmer, slightly different texture than gelatin-based marshmallows, but it works effectively as a setting agent.

Kosher marshmallows are certified to be free of pork and adhere to Jewish dietary laws, but they can still contain gelatin from other animals, such as beef or fish. Vegan marshmallows contain no animal products whatsoever, relying on plant-based alternatives for gelling.

Yes, many vegan marshmallows are suitable for roasting. While they may melt and brown slightly differently than traditional marshmallows, brands like Dandies are specifically formulated to hold up well over heat.

Yes, marshmallow creme and fluff often contain little to no gelatin. They typically use egg whites to achieve their fluffy texture and stabilize the foam. However, it's still advisable to check the ingredients list to be certain.