What Brand of Marshmallows Is Kosher? Your Guide to Certified Treats

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 90 million pounds of marshmallows are sold annually in the U.S., but for those observing Jewish dietary laws, finding a suitable brand requires careful label scrutiny. The primary ingredient of concern is gelatin, but several companies now offer certified options, answering the question: what brand of marshmallows is kosher?

Quick Summary

This guide covers certified kosher marshmallow brands, including options with kosher gelatin and vegan alternatives. It explains how to identify kosher certification symbols, common ingredients, and considerations for Passover and dietary needs.

Key Points

Check for Hechsher: Always look for a recognized kosher certification symbol, or hechsher, on the package, such as OU, OK, or Star-K.
Avoid Uncertified Gelatin: Standard marshmallows often contain gelatin from non-kosher animals, so never assume a brand is kosher without certification.
Dandies are Vegan and Kosher: Dandies brand marshmallows are made with plant-based ingredients like carrageenan, making them both vegan and kosher pareve.
Mainstream Brands Can Be Certified: Some varieties of mainstream brands like Jet-Puffed can be kosher certified, so always check the label for the specific certification mark.
Understand Gelatin Sources: Kosher gelatin can be from kosher-slaughtered cows or kosher fish, while plant-based alternatives are also used.
Distinguish Kosher from Kosher for Passover: Products designated 'Kosher for Passover' have an additional certification to meet specific holiday requirements.

For many, marshmallows are a quintessential treat, whether toasted over a campfire, dropped into hot cocoa, or baked into sweet confections. However, standard commercial marshmallows are typically made with gelatin derived from non-kosher animal sources, such as pigs, making them unsuitable for those who keep kosher. Thankfully, a growing number of brands produce marshmallows that adhere to strict Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), using either kosher-certified gelatin or plant-based alternatives.

Kosher Certification: The Key to Knowing

To determine if a marshmallow brand is kosher, you must look for a reliable kosher certification symbol, known as a hechsher, on the packaging. This symbol signifies that the product's ingredients, production equipment, and processes have been overseen by a qualified rabbinic authority. Without this certification, a product is not considered kosher. Several major certification agencies exist, each with its own specific symbol, such as:

The Orthodox Union (OU), one of the most widely recognized certifiers. Its symbol is a 'U' inside a circle.
OK Kosher Certification, whose symbol is a 'K' inside a circle.
Star-K Kosher Certification, which uses a star with a 'K' inside.

Popular Brands of Kosher Marshmallows

Several brands cater specifically to the kosher market or offer kosher-certified versions of their popular products.

Dandies: The Vegan & Kosher Pareve Choice

Dandies All Natural Marshmallows are a popular and widely available choice for those seeking a kosher and vegan option. Their key features include:

Vegan and Gelatin-Free: Made with plant-based ingredients like tapioca syrup and carrageenan, completely avoiding animal-derived gelatin.
Kosher Pareve: Since they contain no meat or dairy derivatives, they are designated 'pareve', meaning they can be eaten with either meat or dairy meals.
Allergen-Friendly: Many Dandies products are also free from common allergens like gluten, peanuts, and dairy.
Non-GMO: They use non-genetically modified ingredients.

Manischewitz: A Passover Favorite

Manischewitz offers marshmallows that are certified kosher, including special versions that are kosher for Passover. Marshmallows made for Passover have an additional certification, often bearing a 'P' symbol, to ensure they meet the stricter dietary rules for the holiday.

Jet-Puffed: The Mainstream Option

While not all varieties may be certified, some mainstream brands like Kraft's Jet-Puffed offer kosher options. For instance, the Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme has been certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU). It is crucial to always double-check the specific product packaging for the hechsher, as certifications can vary by product line and even by location.

Other Specialized Kosher Brands

Several other brands found in kosher markets also offer reliable certified marshmallows:

Paskesz: A brand known for its variety of kosher products, including marshmallows often made with kosher fish gelatin.
Lieber's: Offers a range of kosher marshmallow products in different flavors and sizes.
Savion: Another brand found in kosher groceries, offering both standard and toasted marshmallows.
The PoshMallow: A gourmet option that makes handcrafted, allergen-friendly kosher-pareve marshmallows.

The Gelatin Question: Animal-Based vs. Plant-Based

The ingredient that most dictates a marshmallow's kosher status is its gelling agent. The primary difference lies in the source of this ingredient.

Comparison Table: Gelatin Types in Marshmallows


Feature	Standard Marshmallows	Kosher Marshmallows	Vegan/Plant-Based Kosher
Gelatin Source	Typically pig derivatives	Bovine hides or fish gelatin	Plant-based thickeners (agar-agar, carrageenan)
Kosher Status	Not Kosher	Kosher (Pareve or Dairy, check symbol)	Kosher Pareve
Vegan Status	Not Vegan	Not Vegan (contains animal products)	Vegan
Common Brands	Jet-Puffed (standard), Campfire (standard)	Certified Jet-Puffed, Paskesz, Lieber's	Dandies, GoodMallow
Allergen Alert	Not necessarily	May contain fish (if made with fish gelatin)	Generally allergen-free (always check ingredients)

The Fish Gelatin Subtlety

An important consideration with kosher gelatin is whether it is derived from fish. Some kosher-certified marshmallows use fish gelatin, which carries additional dietary rules regarding mixing with meat. Some rabbinic authorities view fish gelatin as maintaining its 'fish' status and advise against mixing such marshmallows with meat, while others do not strictly prohibit it. Some agencies, like OK Kosher, may label products made with fish gelatin with an 'OK-Fish' symbol. For strict observance, it's safest to look for products certified as pareve (without any meat or dairy components).

Finding Kosher Marshmallows for Passover

Passover requires an even higher level of kosher observance, specifically excluding certain fermented grains (chametz). Marshmallows need a special 'kosher for Passover' (K-for-P) certification to ensure that all ingredients and equipment used during production meet these stringent requirements. Brands like Manischewitz are known for offering these specialized products during the holiday season.

Conclusion: Verifying Your Marshmallow Brand

For those observing kosher dietary laws, the days of avoiding marshmallows are over. With a variety of brands offering certified kosher options, from vegan-friendly Dandies to mainstream choices like certified Jet-Puffed, consumers have more choices than ever before. To ensure a product is genuinely kosher, always look for a reputable hechsher on the packaging, and be mindful of the specific type of gelatin used, especially if observing stricter rules like during Passover or when consuming with other food groups. For reliable information on certification requirements, consider referencing a reputable source like the STAR-K Kosher website.

Visit the STAR-K Kosher Website for Certification Details

How to Verify a Marshmallow Brand is Kosher

Check the label: Always look for a reliable kosher certification symbol on the packaging, such as OU, OK, or Star-K.

Know the hechsher: Familiarize yourself with the symbols used by different kosher certifiers to ensure you recognize and trust the authority behind the certification.

Consider the gelatin: Understand that kosher gelatin comes from fish or kosher animals, not pigs. Vegan marshmallows use plant-based thickeners, making them inherently kosher pareve.

Be mindful of pareve: Look for the 'pareve' designation, which means the marshmallows can be consumed with both meat and dairy dishes, particularly important if they contain fish gelatin.

Consult for Passover: During Passover, ensure the packaging explicitly states 'Kosher for Passover' (K-for-P) as the standards are stricter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all marshmallows are kosher because most commercial brands use gelatin, a key ingredient, that is derived from non-kosher animals like pigs. Kosher marshmallows must use gelatin from kosher sources or a plant-based alternative.

Kosher gelatin is typically made from the hides or bones of kosher-slaughtered animals, such as cows, or from the scales and skins of kosher fish. It can also be a vegan substitute like agar-agar or carrageenan.

Yes, Dandies brand marshmallows are certified kosher. They are also vegan, made without any gelatin, and are labeled as kosher pareve.

Some products under the Jet-Puffed brand, such as the Marshmallow Creme, are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU). However, it is essential to check the specific product packaging for the kosher symbol, as certification may not apply to all items.

Kosher marshmallows adhere to standard Jewish dietary laws, while 'Kosher for Passover' marshmallows meet stricter regulations for the holiday, ensuring no leavened grain products (chametz) were used in their production. Products like those from Manischewitz are often certified for Passover.

Yes, it is possible to find kosher marshmallows in a regular supermarket. Brands like Dandies are often found in the natural foods aisle, and some certified versions of mainstream brands like Jet-Puffed may be available. Look for the kosher symbol on the package.

'Pareve' is a kosher designation indicating that a food product contains neither meat nor dairy ingredients. This means kosher pareve marshmallows can be consumed with both meat and dairy meals.

No, the taste and texture can vary depending on the gelling agent used. Marshmallows made with different types of kosher gelatin or plant-based alternatives may have slight differences in mouthfeel and flavor.

Other brands that produce kosher marshmallows include Paskesz, Lieber's, Savion, and the gourmet option The PoshMallow.

The cost of kosher marshmallows can vary. Some specialty kosher brands may be more expensive due to specialized production, while vegan options like Dandies are priced competitively with other natural brands.