Emily Chan
Gelatin is made from the collagen of boiled skin, bones, and tissue of animals like pigs, cows, chickens, and fish.
It is typically what gives gummy candies and desserts their texture. Gelatin binds water into the confection, keeping marshmallows fresh for longer.
Some types of jarred marshmallow fluff include egg whites in their list of ingredients. The protein structure of egg whites gives marshmallow fluff a light and airy texture.
Most sugar in the United States comes from sugarcane or sugar beets. Sugar beets produce vegan white sugar in just one process.
Meanwhile, non-organic cane sugar is processed a second time with animal bone char to make the crystals white. As a result, strict vegans will pass up products that contain cane sugar.
Some marshmallows are vegan because plant-based starches are used to provide them with their bounce.
These plant-based substances include tapioca, corn starches, cellulose gum, xanthan gum, and carrageenan.
There are a variety of vegan-friendly marshmallow options at grocery stores today. For instance, Trader Joe’s offers three vegan marshmallow options that include mini marshmallows and mini peppermint marshmallows.
The brand Smucker’s also offers a vegan marshmallow fluff to top your ice cream with or make softer puffed rice treats. Time to stock up on marshmallows for trick-or-treaters!
