My Top 5 Vegan Marshmallows That Will Change Your Life

Let’s talk about something close to my heart – vegan marshmallows! As someone who went plant-based years ago, I remember the heartbreak of thinking I’d never enjoy a proper s’more again. But friends, those days are OVER.

I’ve personally tested dozens of vegan marshmallows (tough job, I know), and I’m excited to share my absolute favorites that you can order right now from Amazon. Trust me, these will fool even your most skeptical non-vegan friends!

1. Dandies Vegan Marshmallows: The OG Plant-Based Puffs

I still remember my first bite of a Dandies marshmallow – that moment when I realized I could enjoy this childhood treat again. Made by Chicago Vegan Foods, these marshmallows have been my loyal companions on countless camping trips.

Why I’m obsessed:

• They roast PERFECTLY over a campfire – that golden brown exterior with gooey middle? Chef’s kiss!
• I’ve fooled numerous non-vegan friends who couldn’t tell the difference
• They make my hot chocolate experience complete again
• The mini version is my secret weapon for the best vegan rice crispy treats
• They’re certified vegan, kosher, and Non-GMO Project verified (for when your aunt asks you a million questions about what you’re eating)

2. Trader Joe’s Vegan Marshmallows: Budget-Friendly Deliciousness

While I usually grab these during my weekly TJ’s run, you can find them on Amazon too! These have saved many last-minute dessert emergencies in my house without breaking the bank.

Why they’re always in my pantry:

• The price point makes my wallet happy
• The vanilla flavor is chef’s kiss
• They’ve survived (and improved) many experimental late-night dessert creations
• Something about their slightly softer texture makes them melt like a dream in hot drinks
• My non-vegan roommate keeps “accidentally” eating them – they’re that good!

3. Sarah’s Candy Factory Vegan Jumbo Campfire Vanilla Marshmallows: The Campfire Hero

I discovered these at a friend’s summer bonfire and was blown away by how perfectly they roasted. Sarah’s Candy Factory marshmallows have become my go-to recommendation for serious s’mores enthusiasts looking for that authentic campfire experience.

Why I can’t get enough:

• These JUMBO-sized marshmallows are made for impressive s’mores
• They roast beautifully with that perfect golden exterior
• The vanilla flavor is rich and not artificially sweet
• They’re surprisingly sturdy on a roasting stick (no tragic marshmallow casualties!)
• My non-vegan family members specifically request these for our annual camping trip

4. GoodMallow Vegan Marshmallows: The Guilt-Free Option

When I discovered GoodMallow, I felt like I’d found the holy grail of better-for-you marshmallows. I first tried these when looking for a cleaner option with fewer additives, and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my pantry.

Why they’re worth every penny:

• Made with simple, clean ingredients you can actually pronounce
• Lower in sugar than most marshmallow brands
• The texture is remarkably fluffy and light
• They melt beautifully in hot drinks without dissolving too quickly
• I feel slightly less guilty when I inevitably eat half the bag in one sitting

5. Max Mallow Vegan Sugar Free Marshmallows: The Keto-Friendly Wonder

Finding Max Mallow was a game-changer for my keto-curious friends and family members watching their sugar intake. I was skeptical at first (sugar-free marshmallows?), but these little wonders completely changed my mind.

Why I’m addicted:

• Zero sugar but somehow still deliciously sweet (magic? science? both?)
• Only 1-2g net carbs per serving, making them keto-friendly
• They still roast over a fire unlike many other sugar-free options
• Perfect for diabetic friends who thought marshmallows were off-limits forever
• The vanilla flavor is clean and natural, not artificial-tasting like some sugar-free sweets

How I Choose My Vegan Marshmallows (And How You Can Too)

After years of marshmallow “research” (it’s a tough job), here’s what I’ve learned to look for:

• What’s the occasion? For campfires, I grab Dandies. For fancy hot chocolate nights, Ananda’s all the way.
• Check the ingredients: I avoid certain additives, and different brands use different plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar or pectin.
• Flavor mood: Sometimes I want classic vanilla, sometimes I need that Cinnamon Churro excitement in my life.
• Budget reality: I keep TJ’s for everyday use and save the premium brands for special occasions.
• Dietary needs: Some friends have soy allergies, so I check labels carefully when hosting.

Let’s Talk S’mores

Ok, I can’t write about marshmallows without sharing my perfect vegan s’more formula: Dandies marshmallows + dark chocolate + graham crackers that don’t contain honey (check the label!). Toast that marshmallow until it’s dark brown (not burnt!), and you’ll be in plant-based heaven.

Final Marshmallowy Thoughts

Who would have thought that little pillows of sweetness could bring so much joy? Whether you’re a longtime vegan who misses the marshmallows of your childhood or just someone looking to try more plant-based options, these five picks will not disappoint.

I’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite! And remember, life’s too short not to have emergency marshmallows in your pantry at all times. Trust me on this one.

Your Burning Vegan Marshmallow Questions, Answered!

If there’s one thing I know about my fellow marshmallow enthusiasts, it’s that we have questions! Here are the answers to the most common questions I get about these fluffy little wonders:

Are vegan marshmallows healthy?

Let’s keep it real – vegan marshmallows are still treats, not kale. While they skip the animal products (yay!), they’re still basically sugar clouds. I enjoy mine guilt-free but in moderation. My philosophy? Life needs sweetness, just maybe not an entire bag in one sitting (learned that lesson the hard way). If you’re looking for genuinely healthy vegan treats, check out my article on nutritious vegan snacks that actually taste good.

What are vegan marshmallows made of?

It’s kind of magical – instead of gelatin (which comes from animal collagen), vegan marshmallows use plant-based gelling agents like carrageenan (from seaweed) or agar-agar. Add in tapioca syrup, cane sugar, vanilla, and a bit of kitchen wizardry, and voilà! Fluffy vegan goodness that no animals had to contribute to.

Can you roast vegan marshmallows?

Absolutely YES! This was literally my first test when I found Dandies – straight to the backyard with a skewer. Most vegan marshmallows brown and get gooey just like the ones from my pre-vegan campfire days. Some brands (like Dandies) actually roast better than others, so if campfires are your jam, choose wisely.

Are vegan marshmallows gluten-free?

Many are! My celiac friend and I can enjoy the same marshmallowy goodness since brands like Dandies and Trader Joe’s marshmallows are gluten-free. But always, always check the label because formulations change, and not all brands avoid gluten-containing ingredients.

How do vegan marshmallows compare to regular marshmallows in baking?

After countless batches of rice crispy treats (I take my “research” seriously), I’ve found most vegan marshmallows work beautifully in baking. They might melt slightly differently – sometimes faster – so keep an eye on them. Pro tip: For rice crispy treats, I lower the heat and stir more gently to get that perfect gooey bind.

Where can I buy vegan marshmallows?

They’re everywhere now! I’ve spotted Dandies at Target, Whole Foods, and even some conventional grocery stores. Amazon is my go-to when I want options delivered right to my door – they carry all five brands in this article and more! For the fancy artisanal ones, try natural food stores or specialty online retailers. When traveling, I always check Happy Cow or use the “vegan marshmallow near me” search trick – they’ve saved many a hotel room hot chocolate night.

Do vegan marshmallows melt in hot chocolate?

Oh my goodness, YES. In fact, watching my Dandies minis slowly melt into my oat milk hot chocolate is one of life’s simple pleasures. Some brands melt more evenly than others – Trader Joe’s and Dandies minis are my top picks for the perfect hot chocolate experience.

Are there sugar-free vegan marshmallows?

They’re rare, but they do exist! I’ve tried a few brands that use alternative sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Fair warning: the texture isn’t quite the same as their sugary cousins, but they’ll satisfy a marshmallow craving if you’re watching your sugar intake. Most health food stores online have options.

How long do vegan marshmallows last?

In my house? About 3 days tops! But officially, they have a shelf life similar to regular marshmallows – usually several months in a cool, dry place. I’ve noticed some brands dry out faster once opened, so I keep mine in an airtight container (when they survive long enough to need storage).

Can I make vegan marshmallows at home?

You absolutely can, you ambitious soul! I’ve tried it using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas – sounds weird, works amazingly), agar-agar, and sugar. It’s definitely more advanced-level vegan baking and took me three attempts to get it right. If you try it, clear your schedule, prepare for a bit of mess, and have store-bought backup just in case!