Which Marshmallow Brands are Gluten-Free?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that the vast majority of traditional marshmallow brands in the U.S. contain naturally gluten-free ingredients? However, for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, determining which marshmallow brands are gluten-free can be more complex due to labeling policies and cross-contamination risks.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the gluten-free status of common marshmallow brands, covering labeling practices, cross-contamination concerns, and vegan alternatives. The guide provides clarity for those needing to avoid gluten in their diet.

Key Points

Most Marshmallows are Gluten-Free by Ingredients: Core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but label checks are essential.
Not all Marshmallows are Certified: Brands like Kraft Jet-Puffed are ingredient-safe but not certified gluten-free due to potential flavoring risks.
Certified Options are Safest for Celiacs: Certified brands like Campfire, Dandies, and Trader Joe's minimize cross-contamination risks.
Vegan Marshmallows are Often Gluten-Free: Dandies and Trader Joe's offer certified vegan and gluten-free options.
Cross-Contamination is a Real Risk: Flavored or store-brand marshmallows made in shared facilities may contain trace gluten.
Read Labels, Especially on Peeps: Check Peeps packaging for the "gluten-free" label as not all varieties are safe.
Marshmallow Fluff Can Differ: Fluff products may have a higher cross-contamination risk; check labels carefully.

Understanding Marshmallow Ingredients and Gluten

Traditional marshmallows are primarily made from sugar, water, corn syrup, gelatin, and a whipping agent, ingredients that are naturally gluten-free. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen, and cornstarch, rather than wheat starch, is typically used as a thickener. While the core ingredients are safe, the risk of hidden gluten from natural flavorings or cross-contamination during manufacturing necessitates careful label reading. Specialty flavors may also use glucose syrup derived from wheat, so vigilance is key.

Popular Gluten-Free Marshmallow Brands

Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows

Widely available, Kraft Jet-Puffed marshmallows are often considered safe based on their ingredients. However, they are not certified or labeled "gluten-free" because some natural flavorings may have come into contact with gluten-containing grains. While typically tolerated by those with less severe sensitivities, individuals with celiac disease should be cautious or opt for certified brands.

Campfire Marshmallows

Doumak Inc.'s Campfire marshmallows are a clearly labeled and reliable gluten-free option. The company confirms their marshmallows are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and produced in an allergen-friendly facility, minimizing cross-contamination risks for those with celiac disease or multiple allergies.

Dandies Vegan Marshmallows

An excellent vegan and gluten-free choice, Dandies are made by Chicago Vegan Foods using plant-based ingredients like tapioca syrup and carrageenan instead of gelatin. They are certified gluten-free and produced in a dedicated gluten-free environment.

Trader Joe's Marshmallows

Trader Joe's offers its own brand of vegan and gluten-free marshmallows, free from gelatin and artificial flavors. Available in regular and mini sizes, they are a certified gluten-free option suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Peeps Marshmallow Candies

Peeps' primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is a concern as some varieties are made in facilities processing gluten. Always check the box for an explicit "gluten-free" label to ensure safety. The manufacturer provides a statement clarifying which products are safe.

Store-Brand Marshmallows

Many store brands, such as Walmart's Great Value, have naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, labeling varies, and cross-contamination is a possibility. Always check for a clear "gluten-free" statement or certification, especially for high sensitivity, or contact the manufacturer.

Gluten-Free Marshmallow Comparison Table


Brand	Gluten-Free Labeling	Cross-Contamination Risk	Vegan	Additional Notes
Kraft Jet-Puffed	No	Low to Moderate (due to flavoring)	No (contains gelatin)	Ingredient-safe, but not certified for celiacs.
Campfire	Yes	Very Low (Allergen-friendly facility)	No (contains gelatin)	Highly reliable for multiple allergies.
Dandies	Yes (Certified)	Very Low (Dedicated line)	Yes	Plant-based, explicitly vegan and GF.
Trader Joe's	Yes	Very Low	Yes	Explicitly vegan and gluten-free.
Peeps	Must check label	Moderate (depending on facility)	No (contains gelatin)	Look for the "gluten-free" label.
Store Brands (e.g., Great Value)	Check individual packaging	Varies by manufacturer	Varies	Usually ingredient-safe; check for "gluten-free" labeling.

Navigating the Supermarket Aisle

Checking Labels for Certifications

For those with celiac disease, products explicitly labeled "gluten-free" are crucial. The FDA requires these products to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Looking for this label or a third-party certification seal is the safest approach.

Understanding Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is the transfer of gluten to a gluten-free product during manufacturing. While the FDA limit helps, highly sensitive individuals may react to trace amounts. Brands made on dedicated gluten-free lines or facilities, like Dandies, offer the greatest safety.

Conclusion

While most classic marshmallows are inherently gluten-free by ingredients, explicit certification is the gold standard for individuals with celiac disease. Certified brands like Campfire, Dandies, and Trader Joe's provide the highest assurance against cross-contamination. For those with less severe sensitivities, checking ingredient lists on brands like Kraft Jet-Puffed may be sufficient, but caution is advised, especially with flavored or seasonal varieties. Always prioritize official labeling and, when in doubt, contact the manufacturer. Informed choices ensure safe enjoyment of marshmallows. For more information on gluten-free food labeling, refer to the FDA's official guidance on the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but they must choose brands explicitly certified and labeled as gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Ingredient-safe is not enough for celiacs.

They are gluten-free by ingredient but not certified. Celiacs should be cautious due to potential flavoring sources, although manufacturing risk is generally low.

Yes, Campfire marshmallows are explicitly labeled gluten-free and made in an allergen-friendly facility safe from wheat.

Yes, Dandies are certified gluten-free and vegan, made on a dedicated gluten-free line.

It varies. Some brands' fluff is ingredient-safe but not labeled gluten-free and may have cross-contamination risks. Always check the label.

Look for explicit "gluten-free" labeling or third-party certification. For uncertified products, review ingredients and manufacturer statements on shared facilities.

Always check the specific Peeps box for the "gluten-free" label, as facility practices vary by variety.

Many are ingredient-safe but labeling and cross-contamination policies vary. Check packaging or contact the company for certainty.