Nutrition-Focused Guide: What Marshmallows Have No Dye?

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies and public interest have drawn increased attention to artificial food dyes, leading to a surge in demand for products made with natural ingredients. For those looking to avoid synthetic colorants in their treats, the key question arises: What marshmallows have no dye? This guide explores the brands and homemade options available for a cleaner indulgence.

Quick Summary

Consumers seeking dye-free marshmallows have many options, from traditional brands that make uncolored varieties to specialty vegan marshmallows. This guide examines commercial products and provides insights into making your own naturally-colored confections at home.

Key Points

Brand Variety: Several mainstream brands like Campfire and store brands such as 365 by Whole Foods and Walmart's Great Value offer dye-free white marshmallows.
Vegan Options: For those avoiding gelatin, brands like Dandies, GoodMallow, and Yummallo produce vegan, dye-free marshmallows using plant-based alternatives.
DIY Control: Making marshmallows at home allows for total control over ingredients, enabling the use of natural sweeteners and gelling agents while ensuring no artificial dyes are present.
Natural Colorants: While white is the standard for dye-free marshmallows, natural colors can be introduced using ingredients like beetroot, spinach, or turmeric powder.
Read the Label: The best way to ensure your marshmallows have no dye is to check the ingredient list for specific artificial colors like Red #40, Blue #1, or Yellow #5.
Nutritional Profile: Although healthier in terms of dye-content, marshmallows are still high in sugar and calories, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Understanding Artificial Food Dyes and Natural Alternatives

Artificial food dyes, commonly used to make brightly colored marshmallows and other confections, are synthetic chemicals with no nutritional value. Concerns have been raised regarding potential health effects, particularly in sensitive individuals and children. For example, Red Dye #3 was banned in the US in early 2025, and Red Dye #40 has been linked to potential issues, leading many to seek cleaner ingredient lists. Fortunately, there is a variety of natural alternatives that can be used to color food, including marshmallows.

Natural Coloring Agents

Red/Pink: Beetroot powder or concentrated juice provides a vibrant pinkish-red hue.
Orange: Carrot juice or paprika can be used for an orange tint.
Yellow: Turmeric or saffron can create a golden yellow color.
Green: Matcha green tea powder or spirulina can result in shades of green.
Blue: Butterfly pea flower powder is a popular, natural source for blue coloring.
Brown: Cocoa powder or coffee powder provides a rich, natural brown color.

Commercially Available Dye-Free Marshmallows

As consumer demand for natural products increases, more companies are offering marshmallows without artificial colors. White marshmallows, in particular, are often dye-free, but it's crucial to check the ingredients to ensure no synthetic colors like Blue #1 are added.

Brands with Dye-Free Options

Campfire Marshmallows: The large white varieties from Campfire explicitly state that they contain no artificial colors or flavors, making them a reliable choice for s'mores and hot cocoa.
365 by Whole Foods Market: Whole Foods' store brand offers large marshmallows that are free of artificial dyes and flavors, a solid option for those who shop there regularly.
Walmart Great Value and Aldi: Some store-brand options, like Walmart's Great Value and Aldi's house brands, are known to be dye-free, though ingredients can vary by location and time, so always check the label.

Vegan and Gelatin-Free Options

For those who also avoid gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen, several vegan brands offer dye-free alternatives. These products typically use plant-based gelling agents like carrageenan or soy protein.

Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: A popular brand that is completely vegan and made without artificial flavors or colors. They work well for roasting and baking.
GoodMallow: These vegan marshmallows are also gelatin-free, dairy-free, and made with natural vanilla and flavorings.
Yummallo Vegan Marshmallows: Another plant-based brand offering dye-free marshmallows for a range of uses.

The Art of DIY: Making Your Own Dye-Free Marshmallows

Creating marshmallows at home provides complete control over ingredients, ensuring they are both dye-free and made from high-quality, natural components. Many recipes substitute corn syrup with honey or maple syrup and rely on natural powders for optional color.

Simple Homemade Marshmallow Recipe

This basic recipe creates classic, naturally white marshmallows.

Ingredients:
- 3 packages unflavored gelatin or a plant-based alternative like agar-agar
- 1 cup cold water, divided
- 2 cups granulated sugar (or natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Grease and dust a baking pan with powdered sugar or arrowroot powder.
2. In a stand mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water to bloom.
3. In a saucepan, combine sugar, remaining water, and salt. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 240°F.
4. With the mixer on low, slowly pour the hot syrup into the gelatin mixture. Increase speed to high and beat until fluffy.
5. Beat in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and let it set for several hours or overnight.
6. Cut and dust the marshmallows with more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Comparing Dye-Free Marshmallow Options


Feature	Traditional Dye-Free (e.g., Campfire)	Vegan Dye-Free (e.g., Dandies)	Homemade Dye-Free
Ingredients	Gelatin, sugar, corn syrup, vanilla. Free of artificial colors.	Plant-based ingredients (tapioca syrup, cane sugar, carrageenan). Free of gelatin and artificial colors.	Customizable with preferred sweeteners (honey, maple syrup), gelling agents, and flavors.
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores.	Found in specialty stores, health food markets, and online.	Requires sourcing ingredients and time to prepare.
Flavor	Classic marshmallow flavor and texture.	Often noted as tasting similar to traditional, with a slightly different texture.	Dependent on the choice of sweetener and flavorings.
Cost	Generally affordable.	Typically more expensive due to specialized ingredients.	Cost can vary depending on ingredient quality and where they are sourced.
Texture	Soft and fluffy, ideal for roasting.	Can be slightly less fluffy but still effective for s'mores and baking.	Ranges from very soft to dense, depending on preparation.

How to Choose the Right Dye-Free Marshmallow

When navigating the options, consider your dietary needs and preferences. Read the ingredients list carefully. For those with sensitivities to corn syrup or refined sugars, homemade versions or specific specialty brands might be the best choice. Vegan options, while pricier, offer an alternative to animal-derived gelatin. For a simple, budget-friendly swap, look for the uncolored versions from major brands. Regardless of your choice, opting for dye-free marshmallows is a step toward a cleaner, more conscious diet.

Conclusion

For those asking what marshmallows have no dye, the answer is more than just one brand. From readily available white marshmallows from commercial brands like Campfire and 365 by Whole Foods to specialty vegan products from Dandies and GoodMallow, there are plenty of options available. For the ultimate control over ingredients, making homemade marshmallows is a rewarding and customizable endeavor. Whether store-bought or made from scratch, embracing dye-free alternatives is a simple way to make a healthier choice without sacrificing a sweet, fluffy indulgence.

Shop Dandies Vegan Marshmallows on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all white marshmallows are automatically dye-free. While the majority of standard white marshmallows contain no artificial colorants, it is always best to check the ingredient list to be certain, as some products may contain them.

Popular vegan and dye-free brands include Dandies, GoodMallow, and Yummallo. These products use plant-based ingredients instead of animal-derived gelatin and are free of artificial colors.

The easiest way to check is by reading the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for specific color names or numbers like 'Blue 1,' 'Red 40,' or 'Yellow 5.' Brands that are free of artificial colors will often state this on the packaging.

Yes, you can easily make naturally colored marshmallows at home using natural food powders or concentrated fruit and vegetable juices. Examples include beetroot powder for red, matcha for green, and butterfly pea flower for blue.

Dye-free marshmallows are healthier in the sense that they do not contain synthetic food dyes, which can be a concern for some individuals. However, they are still a sugary treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Some homemade marshmallow recipes do use corn syrup, but many recipes specifically cater to avoiding it. You can substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more natural result.

Vegan marshmallows, including dye-free options, use plant-based gelling agents instead of gelatin. Common substitutes include carrageenan, agar-agar, or soy protein.