What Are the Marshmallows in Lucky Charms Made Of?

The whimsical marshmallow bits in Lucky Charms cereal, known as “marbits,” have a surprising origin story that involves chopped-up Circus Peanut candies. Beyond their whimsical shapes and flavors, many cereal fans wonder: what are the marshmallows in Lucky Charms made of? The answer lies in a combination of sugars, binders, and a unique drying process that separates them from traditional, fluffy marshmallows.

Quick Summary

Lucky Charms marshmallows, officially called marbits, are primarily made of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, and are air-dried to create their signature crunchy texture, which makes them unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians due to the inclusion of animal-derived products.

Key Points

• Marbits: The marshmallows in Lucky Charms are officially called "marbits," a portmanteau of "marshmallow bits".

• Gelatin: A key ingredient is gelatin, an animal-derived protein that gives them their structure and makes them unsuitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

• Air-Dried: Unlike soft, fluffy marshmallows, Lucky Charms marbits are air-dried to create their signature crunchy texture.

• Primary Ingredients: The marbits are primarily made from sugar, corn syrup, modified cornstarch, dextrose, and gelatin, along with artificial flavors and colors.

• Not Vegan: Due to the animal-derived gelatin and Vitamin D3 from lanolin, the marshmallows are not vegan-friendly.

• Historical Fun Fact: The original inspiration for adding marshmallow pieces reportedly came from chopping up Circus Peanut candies.

The Magical Origin of Marbits

Since 1964, Lucky Charms has been delighting breakfast tables with its mix of toasted oat pieces and colorful, sweet marshmallow charms. The story behind their creation is famously quirky, reportedly inspired by a General Mills employee mixing Cheerios with bits of Circus Peanut candy. This sweet experiment led to the birth of the first cereal to contain marshmallows, which the company officially refers to as “marbits”. Unlike the soft, fluffy marshmallows you use for s'mores, these are intentionally firm and crunchy, designed to withstand the rigors of a milk-filled cereal bowl.

The Ingredients List Explained

So, what exactly is in those colorful, "magically delicious" shapes? A look at the ingredient list reveals the following key components:

• Sugar: The primary ingredient, responsible for the sweet taste.
• Corn Syrup: A liquid sweetener that also helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Modified Cornstarch and Dextrose: These starches and simple sugars are used as thickening agents and binders, contributing to the final texture.
• Gelatin: This is a crucial ingredient for their structure. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, typically from the skin and bones of cows or pigs. Its inclusion is why Lucky Charms are not considered vegan or vegetarian.
• Artificial Flavors: These are added to give the marbits their unique taste.
• Artificial Colors: Various food colorings are used to create the vibrant, eye-catching hues of the hearts, moons, stars, and other shapes. Common colors include Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, and Blue 1.

The Unique Air-Drying Process

The most significant difference between a Lucky Charms marbit and a standard fluffy marshmallow is its texture, and this is due to the manufacturing process. While classic marshmallows are soft and chewy, marbits are crunchy and firm, even in milk.

1. Mixing the Ingredients: The base mixture of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and flavorings is combined and whipped to the right consistency.
2. Forming the Shapes: The mixture is then piped or pressed into the various iconic shapes.
3. Air-Drying: Instead of being left to stay soft, the marbits are subjected to a controlled air-drying process. This process gently and gradually removes moisture from the marshmallows, causing them to harden and develop their signature crunch without becoming brittle. This controlled dehydration ensures they remain firm and retain their vibrant colors until they hit your cereal bowl.

Why Lucky Charms are Not Vegan or Vegetarian

The presence of gelatin is the main reason why the cereal is not suitable for vegans and many vegetarians. For those who avoid all animal products, gelatin's source makes it off-limits. PETA has also pointed out that Vitamin D3 in Lucky Charms often comes from lanolin, a substance derived from sheep's wool, which also goes against a strict vegan diet. While some vegetarians might be more lenient, the animal origin of gelatin means the cereal does not align with a purely plant-based lifestyle.

Lucky Charms vs. Traditional Marshmallows

Feature	Lucky Charms "Marbits"	Traditional Marshmallows
Manufacturing	Air-dried to be crunchy	Whipped and set to be soft
Key Texture	Firm and crunchy	Soft and fluffy
Stability in Milk	Retains shape and crunch	Dissolves and becomes gooey
Dietary Restrictions	Not suitable for vegans or vegetarians (contains gelatin)	Not typically vegan or vegetarian (contains gelatin) unless specifically labelled
Primary Use	Cereal inclusion	Baking, hot chocolate, s'mores

The Evolution of Lucky Charms

Over the years, the cast of "magical charms" has seen many changes, with shapes being introduced, retired, and sometimes brought back. The current lineup of charms includes hearts, stars, horseshoes, clovers, blue moons, unicorns, rainbows, and red balloons. The company has also released special editions with seasonal shapes and exclusive versions containing only the marshmallows.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Sweet Treat

Far from being simple, fluffy marshmallows, the marbits in Lucky Charms are a product of specific ingredients and a controlled air-drying process that gives them their distinct texture. Their composition of sugars, gelatin, and artificial additives is what makes them "magically delicious" and stable in a bowl of milk. However, it is also what disqualifies them from being a vegan or vegetarian-friendly food, a key consideration for those with dietary restrictions. The next time you enjoy a spoonful, you'll have a new appreciation for the food science behind this nostalgic cereal treat. PETA and others have encouraged General Mills to move toward vegan-friendly alternatives.

References

• PETA.org: Ask General Mills to Make Magically Delicious Vegan Lucky Charms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name for the marshmallows in Lucky Charms?

The official name for the marshmallow pieces in Lucky Charms cereal is "marbits," a combination of the words "marshmallow" and "bits".

Are Lucky Charms marshmallows vegan?

No, Lucky Charms marshmallows are not vegan. They contain gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal products like collagen. Some versions also contain Vitamin D3 from lanolin.

Are Lucky Charms marshmallows vegetarian?

Most vegetarians avoid gelatin, so Lucky Charms are not considered vegetarian. Gelatin is derived from animal parts and is not a plant-based product.

Why are Lucky Charms marshmallows crunchy?

The crunchy texture is achieved through a controlled air-drying process during manufacturing. This process removes moisture from the marshmallows, causing them to harden and become firm, unlike soft, traditional marshmallows.

What is gelatin made from?

Gelatin is a gelling agent made from animal collagen, which is extracted by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals, typically cows or pigs.

Do the marshmallows in Lucky Charms melt in milk?

The air-dried process gives Lucky Charms marshmallows a unique texture that resists dissolving quickly in milk, so they stay crunchy longer than traditional marshmallows.

Have the Lucky Charms marshmallow shapes changed over time?

Yes, General Mills has changed and retired many marshmallow shapes over the years. The lineup of 'magical charms' has evolved significantly since the cereal was first introduced.

Can you buy just the Lucky Charms marshmallows?

Periodically, General Mills releases limited-edition products featuring only the marshmallows. Additionally, there are other brands that sell similar marshmallow bits, often referred to as "cereal marshmallows".