If you’re following a dairy free diet you might be wondering: are marshmallows dairy free? What about other common allergens like soy, eggs, and wheat? In this post, I will answer these questions and give you some allergy friendly brands to look for at the grocery store.
Dairy products can show up in some unexpected places so it’s only natural to question whether a soft and fluffy treat like marshmallows contains dairy or other common allergens.
In this post, we will dive into marshmallow ingredients, what allergens (like dairy) to watch for, and compare common brands.
Many marshmallows produced in the United States only consist of sugar, water, and gelatin. This makes them dairy-free, and in most cases, gluten-free.
Are marshmallows dairy free?
To get straight to the point, the answer is yes – most marshmallows are dairy free.
But heres the sticky situation: allergens can be sneaky and show up where you least expect them. Thats why its important to always read the label and keep an eye out for potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
Cross-contact is like an unwanted food party where different food proteins mix and mingle. If a package says “may contain traces of milk”, that means theres a chance the partygoers might have gotten a little too friendly with the dairy. If you have severe allergies, it might be best to skip the party altogether.
But don’t worry! You can always reach out to the company to get more information about manufacturing practices to make sure the product is safe for you.
Is marshmallow cream dairy free?
Marshmallow cream (aka marshmallow fluff) is usually dairy free. If you have an egg allergy, you should know that it usually does contain egg whites so read labels carefully.
When you start to read ingredient lists of different marshmallow brands and varieties, you’ll quickly notice that they have several ingredients in common.
If youre following a dairy free diet or have other food allergies, knowing your ingredients and where they come from is helpful. In this section, well dive into the ingredients found in marshmallows.
What do we love the most about marshmallows? Their sweetness of course! And without sugar, marshmallows wouldn’t be marshmallows.
Many marshmallow brands use a combination of sugars for the best flavor and texture. These include
- Granulated sugar- comes from sugar beets or sugar cane
- Corn syrup – as you would guess, it’s made from corn.
- Dextrose – is usually made from corn but can be from other grains like rice or wheat. In the US, labeling laws require common allergens like wheat to be clearly listed in the ingredients.
These sugars are dairy free and free from other common allergens like eggs, soy, wheat, and nuts.
If you’ve been reading food labels, you’ve probably noticed modified food starch listed often.
In the US, it is usually from corn or potatoes but can be from wheat or tapioca starch. It helps thicken, stabilize, or emulsify food products. In making marshmallows, it is used to create the perfect texture and prevent them from sticking together.
This ingredient is dairy free but, if you’re avoiding wheat or gluten, look closely at the label to make sure modified food starch does not contain gluten. In the US, this needs to be clearly stated on the label. Again, it isn’t common for it to be derived from wheat but it is possible.
Gelatin is a type of protein that comes from collagen, a substance found in animal bones, joints, and connective tissue.
It creates a springy structure that traps air giving marshmallows their soft and chewy texture.
Gelatin is generally dairy free. If you have a fish allergy, it’s worth noting that some gelatin is derived from various types of fish. The gelatin used in most of the marshmallow brands listed below is derived from pork products.
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a synthetic substance that acts as an emulsifier in marshmallows, aiding in evenly distributing ingredients and getting the perfect texture.
Because it isn’t derived from any foods, it does not contain any allergens like dairy or gluten.
Super Simple Keto Marshmallows (Gluten Free And Dairy Free)
FAQ
What allergens are in marshmallows?
Is there any dairy in marshmallows?
Are campfire marshmallows nut free?
What are the ingredients in marshmallows?
Are marshmallows dairy-free & gluten-free?
Just check the packaging to be sure, especially with new seasonal and specialty flavors. These marshmallows are not dairy-free and not gluten-free. Most contain dairy, wheat, and soy, so they’re unsuitable for people with dairy, wheat, and gluten allergies and intolerances.
How many marshmallows should I eat?
There is no specific quantity of marshmallows that you can or should eat however, it is important to note that marshmallows contain a lot of added sugar and have no nutrient value. Therefore, consuming this in excess just means you are consuming a lot of extra sugar and gaining no value from it. It is best to eat something with some nutritional value.
Can marshmallows be made without dairy?
It is important to note that marshmallows can be made with or without dairy. The traditional ingredients of marshmallows typically contain sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, and vanilla extract, for that signature squishy texture. Some contain artificial flavors or artificial colors.
Is marshmallow gelatin dairy free?
Gelatin is generally dairy free. If you have a fish allergy, it’s worth noting that some gelatin is derived from various types of fish. The gelatin used in most of the marshmallow brands listed below is derived from pork products.