What Are Marshmallows Made From?

You may have never paused to think about the fluffy topping on your hot cocoa or that jar of marshmallow fluff sitting forgotten in your pantry, but marshmallows have a fascinating backstory.

What Exactly Are Marshmallows?

This sweet snack is named after the marshmallow plant, known for its medicinal roots and leaves that have been used for centuries. Sadly, the chewy root doesn’t resemble the sugary marshmallows we enjoy today.

Marshmallows began as a treat made from the sap of the marshmallow plant, whipped with sugar for both medicinal purposes and an unexpectedly tasty snack. Over time, the recipe has evolved, but the name has remained.

What Are Marshmallows Made From?

Though they originated as a medicinal product made from the marshmallow plant, today’s marshmallows are mostly sugar. Their flavor comes from artificial sources, while sugar and corn syrup create the signature sticky sweetness.

The airy, chewy texture of marshmallows comes from gelatin, the same ingredient that makes Jell-O wiggle. To prevent them from sticking together, they’re coated in a layer of cornstarch and powdered sugar.

How Are Marshmallows Made?

With such a straightforward list of ingredients, the true magic of marshmallow-making lies in the technique. Following the original recipe, sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin are whipped together to incorporate air into the sticky mixture. As the sugar-gelatin blend expands, it traps air bubbles, and once it sets, it forms an irresistibly fluffy texture.

Are Marshmallows Vegan?

Most commercially available marshmallows are not vegan due to the use of gelatin, which is made from the connective tissues of animals. However, as vegan diets have grown in popularity, some brands have developed vegan-friendly marshmallows. These versions use alternatives like tapioca starch or agar to replicate gelatin and create that classic fluffy, chewy texture. If you follow a vegan lifestyle or avoid animal products, be sure to read the ingredient list carefully.

Homemade Marshmallows vs. Store-Bought Marshmallows

The ingredients and method for making homemade marshmallows are similar to the ones used in store-bought varieties. The difference lies in the fact that at home, there’s no need for preservatives or chemicals to help whip the batter, as the process is done on a smaller scale. Additionally, some commercial marshmallows are colored to appear whiter, which isn’t necessary when making them yourself.

While commercial producers use large factory machinery and industrial mixers, a stand mixer is all you need to make marshmallows at home. Many homemade marshmallow recipes include egg whites, a practice that was once more common in mass-produced marshmallows. Today, most manufacturers rely on chemical stabilizers instead.

How to Make Homemade Marshmallows

Check out Emily’s Famous Marshmallows Recipe for a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make your own marshmallows, complete with a full list of ingredients. Here’s a quick preview of what you can expect when you try this highly rated recipe:

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a pot, heating until it reaches a temperature between 250 and 265 degrees F.
2. Mix gelatin with water, then remove the syrup from heat and whisk in the gelatin mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then slowly pour the syrup mixture into the egg whites while continuing to beat until the whites are very stiff.
4. Mix in vanilla, spread the mixture into a prepared pan, and let it sit overnight before cutting.

How Long Do Marshmallows Stay Fresh?

When stored properly, homemade marshmallows can last up to three weeks at room temperature, though they’re so tasty they likely won’t last that long. Unopened store-bought marshmallows can remain fresh for up to eight months in the pantry. After that, they’re still safe to eat, though they may taste a bit stale. Once opened, aim to eat them within two months, though up to four months is fine—just expect a less fluffy texture.

What to Do With Homemade Marshmallows

If you can resist devouring them straight away, homemade marshmallows are incredibly versatile. Start with classic uses like floating in hot chocolate, making s’mores, or preparing rice cereal treats. If you want to show off your marshmallows on their own, try dipping them in chocolate or rolling them in colorful sugar. You can also incorporate homemade marshmallows into your favorite marshmallow-based desserts, which typically call for store-bought marshmallows.