Most people don't spend much time thinking about what's actually in a marshmallow. Sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and something that makes the whole thing puff up soft: that last part is gelatin, and it's the reason conventional marshmallows don't belong on a vegan shelf. Gelatin-free marshmallows swap that ingredient for a plant-based alternative while keeping everything that makes a marshmallow worth eating.
Where Gelatin Comes From And Why It Matters
Gelatin is made by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissue of animals, typically pigs or cows, to extract collagen. That collagen becomes a powder or gel used as a setting agent across a wide range of food products, including marshmallows, gummy candy, gelatin desserts, and certain yogurts. For anyone eating vegan, or keeping halal or kosher, knowing how to spot gelatin on a label is genuinely useful.
The tricky part is that gelatin doesn't always announce itself prominently on a label. Our guide to what candies are vegan covers which popular sweets contain gelatin and which are naturally animal-free, a handy reference for anyone navigating the candy aisle with dietary limits in mind.
What Vegan Marshmallows Are Made From Instead
Vegan marshmallows replace gelatin with plant-derived starches and proteins, most commonly tapioca starch, pea protein, or soy protein. These alternatives create the same soft, pillowy texture and clean sweetness without any animal involvement.
A good vegan marshmallow toasts over a campfire, melts into hot cocoa, and holds its shape in a crispy treat exactly the way a traditional one does. The swap is seamless in practice, and most people who try them can't tell the difference. What you lose is only the gelatin, meaning everything you actually want in a marshmallow stays right there.
The Vegan Marshmallow Brands Worth Knowing
Two brands have consistently led the vegan marshmallow category, and we carry both. Browse our full Dandies collection to see the range, or read on for a closer look at what each brand does well.
Dandies Marshmallows
Dandies is the brand that made vegan marshmallows a mainstream reality, and their reputation is well-earned. The Dandies Air Puffed Marshmallows are soft, fluffy, and completely plant-based: the kind that roasts evenly over a flame, melts into hot chocolate without leaving a film, and holds up in s'mores the way a marshmallow is supposed to. Made by Chicago Vegan Foods, they're certified vegan, Non-GMO Verified, and gluten-free, which makes them one of the more versatile picks for households with multiple dietary needs.
Dandies also makes a Marshmallow Cream for anyone who wants the spreadable version. It pipes cleanly, layers well in desserts, and works as a topping for sweet potatoes or a filling between cookies. We're not judging the spoon-straight-from-the-jar approach either.
Good Mallow Marshmallows
For a more artisan take, Good Mallow brings a softer, more considered quality to the vegan marshmallow category. Their Plant-Based Vanilla Marshmallows come in an 8oz bag and use clean, simple ingredients without sacrificing texture. They're the pick for anyone who wants something that feels a step above the standard: plush, well-flavored, and made with real care in every batch.
Browse the full Good Mallow collection for everything they offer.
How To Use Dairy Free Marshmallows In Your Kitchen
Once you have a bag of vegan marshmallows in the pantry, you might be surprised how often you reach for them. They are incredibly versatile, from campfire classics to baked goods to warm drinks, and dairy-free marshmallows work in every single one of those recipes without any adjustments to your steps or technique.
S'mores, Hot Cocoa, And Campfire Classics
The most immediate use for a vegan marshmallow is the one everyone already knows. Dandies and Good Mallow both toast over an open flame the same way conventional marshmallows do: golden on the outside, molten in the middle.
We recommend sandwiching one between two vegan graham crackers with a square of dark chocolate and you have a s'more that needs no explanation and earns the same crowd response every time!
For hot cocoa, drop a few in the mug and let them soften. They melt quickly and give the drink that classic creamy sweetness. Dandies work especially well here. For more ideas on dairy-free sweets that pair well with vegan marshmallows, our roundup of vegan candy you should try is a good starting point.
Baking And Sweet Recipes With Vegan Marshmallows
In the kitchen, vegan marshmallows perform exactly the same role as conventional ones. Rice crispy treats are the obvious place to start. Our marshmallows and rice crispy treats collection has everything you need, and the process is as simple as it's always been: melt the marshmallows with plant butter, stir in the cereal, and press into a pan.
Dandies Marshmallow Cream is especially useful for bakers who want a ready-made fluff without the melt-and-stir step. It spreads easily, holds up in layered desserts, and works well as a filling or frosting.
Our guide to vegan baking substitutes covers the full swap sheet, including where vegan marshmallows and marshmallow cream fit into standard recipes.
Stock Up On Vegan Marshmallows At VeganEssentials
We carry the full range of vegan marshmallows in one place, from the classic air-puffed varieties to creamy marshmallow fluff and artisan flavors. Every single bag is vetted as 100% cruelty-free. Marshmallows might seem like a small detail, but they show up everywhere, from summer campfires and holiday mugs to baking projects and dessert tables. Keeping a reliable bag in your pantry means you will never get caught guessing over a tricky ingredient list when you just want a s'more. We make it easy to stay stocked.
VegNews Magazine has voted us the Best Online Grocery Store for 19 years running. As a vegan-owned and operated small business, we have been sourcing hard-to-find treats for our plant-based family since 1997. Our tight-knit team works around the clock to pack your orders quickly and answer your questions personally, because we believe every dollar spent should stay inside the vegan movement. Place your order today, and our team will handle the rest.
