Are Marshmallows Gluten-Free?

By Hayley Simpson / Last Modified On May 25, 2023

Think your days of hot chocolate with marshmallows and or Rice Krispies treats are over? Think again!

Today we’re answering a very important question: Are marshmallows gluten-free?

From the most famous marshmallow brands to recipes that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth, get all of your questions answered here!

Are Marshmallows Gluten-Free?

Is there gluten in marshmallows? The short answer is: No, there is no gluten in marshmallows.

Most marshmallows produced in the United States are naturally gluten-free. That’s because the main ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin.

That said, some brands like to change things up and include additional flavorings, preservatives, and syrups that aren’t safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

How Can I Tell If Marshmallows Are Gluten-Free?

Here are our top tips for choosing gluten-free marshmallows during your next grocery run.

Look for the Gluten-Free Label

Look for branding that includes the terms gluten-free or certified gluten-free. This FDA regulation confirms the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. In layman's terms, it’s the safest option for people with celiac disease.

Avoid “May Contain”

Stay away from labels that say “may contain gluten or wheat.” This blanket term is commonly used when there’s a trace amount of gluten, thanks to cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. With so many gluten-free marshmallow brands available, we suggest avoiding the risk.

Double-Check the Ingredients

If there’s no gluten-free label or “may contain” statement, check the ingredients. There will often be an ingredient that contains wheat, barley, or gluten. This is particularly important if you buy flavored or dipped marshmallows.

Check for – and avoid – the following glutinous ingredients:

• Malt syrup
• Wheat starch
• Glucose syrup
• Hydrolyzed or regular wheat protein
• Wheat flour
• Triticum vulgare or spelta

10 Gluten-Free Marshmallow Brands

The moment you’ve all been waiting for: Discovering which marshmallow brands are gluten-free!

Here are our favorite brands:

Campfire by Doumak

It’s a good day whenever you can whip up a pan of Rice Krispies Treats, and we’re thrilled to report that Campfire Marshmallows are gluten-free. Besides the S’More Pops, the entire Campfire marshmallow line is gluten-free, such as:

• Regular
• Mini marshmallows
• Mini fruit
• Fruitswirlers
• Seasonal products (like Eggswirlers).

Dandies

 

Dandies Marshmallows are so delightfully light and fluffy. While you might find us snacking on these vanilla-flavored marshmallows all day, the mini marshmallows are absolutely perfect for hot cocoa.

The good news is that Dandies Marshmallows tick a lot of boxes:

• Gluten-free
• Vegan
• Kosher
• No gelatin
• No artificial colors or flavors

The gluten-free label covers all marshmallow flavors, like maple, pumpkin, and peppermint.

Related: Transform your s’mores with homemade gluten-free graham crackers.

Elyon

Elyon is a brand hailing from Israel. The brand’s Natural Vanilla Marshmallows are gluten-free and kosher. You can easily buy them via Instacart or Kroger.

Good & Gather

Good & Gather Marshmallows are safe for people with celiac disease and are found exclusively at Target. We recommend taking a detour on your next Target trip. They’re also available in mini packets.

Hammond’s

 

Hammond’s Candies might make the most luxe marshmallows on the market. When you’re feeling fancy (and when aren’t you?), feel free to take a bite out of these gluten-free confections. Some of their enticing and eclectic flavors include:

• Birthday Cake
• Caramel Pumpkin
• Chocolate Chip
• Strawberry Cream
• Toasted Coconut
• Vanilla Bean

Paskesz

 

The Paskesz Candy Company is a leading brand in the kosher food market. Operating out of Brooklyn, it’s been family owned for over 60 years. Paskesz Marshmallows include mini, flavored, and jumbo gluten-free marshmallows, too.

Peeps

 

It’s hard to resist popping brightly-colored Peeps Marshmallows in your mouth. These iconic Easter treats are available all year round – and every shade of the rainbow comes with a gluten-free label.

Sprouts

If you have a Sprouts Farmers Market near you, you’re in luck: Their affordable mini and large marshmallows are gluten-free options.

Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s is a brand that offers vegan and gluten-free marshmallows that are made without artificial flavors or gelatin. Available in regular, mini, and peppermint mini, we think that the minis are perfect for topping gluten-free sweet potato casserole.

Yummallo

While Walmart’s Great Value Marshmallows don’t come with a gluten-free label, Yummalo Marshmallows – available exclusively at Walmart – do. This line of vegan and gluten-free confections is extensive and plenty of fun:

• Popcorn
• Unicorn Poop
• Rainbow varieties in micro, mini, regular, and jumbo sizes.
• Fruit Mix
• Vanilla-Flavored Dehydrated (perfect for cocoa)
• Marshmallow Spaghetti

Marshmallow Brands That Aren’t Gluten-Free

To keep things simple, some of the most popular marshmallow brands don’t necessarily have gluten-containing ingredients, but they also don’t include a gluten-free label.

• Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows
• Happy Belly Marshmallows from Amazon
• 365 by Whole Foods Market Large Marshmallows
• Walmart Great Value Marshmallows

Certain people with gluten sensitivities might feel fine purchasing these products, but folks with celiac disease might prefer sticking to clearly-labeled, gluten-free marshmallows.

Is Marshmallow Fluff Gluten-Free?

Marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme) is made from similar ingredients, like corn syrup and sugar. However, the main ingredient that gives it that quintessential “fluff” is egg whites. While these are all naturally gluten-free ingredients, look for marshmallow fluff with a gluten-free label.

Here are our top gluten-free recommendations:

• Marshmallow Fluff - The original brand that invented the genius Fluffernutter sandwich.
• TOONIE MOONIE Organic Marshmallow Creme - Made from five simple, organic ingredients.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Celiacs Eat Marshmallows?

Yes, celiacs can absolutely eat marshmallows! Just stick to the aforementioned gluten-free marshmallow brands!

Are Jet-Puffed Marshmallows Gluten-Free?

While Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows don’t include gluten-containing ingredients – and some consumers say they’ve enjoyed them without side effects – they aren’t labeled as gluten-free.
Kraft admits that, in this instance, the product hasn’t undergone strict testing to validate the absence of gluten. Therefore, it can’t be labeled as gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Are Campfire Marshmallows Gluten-Free?

Yes, every Campfire Marshmallow variety is gluten-free except the S’More Pops (which contain graham crackers).

Are Walmart’s Store Brand Marshmallows Gluten-Free?

Walmart Great Value Marshmallows and Mini Marshmallows contain gluten-free ingredients but not a gluten-free label. Therefore, due to the risk of cross-contamination, we don’t recommend this particular brand to people with celiac disease.

Are Marshmallows Dairy-Free?

Yes, most marshmallows are dairy-free because they’re typically made from three ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. That said, you should always double-check the ingredients list for trace amounts (and steer clear of marshmallows dipped in milk chocolate).

Are Marshmallows Vegan?

Most marshmallows aren’t vegan as they contain gelatin, an animal byproduct. There are, however, plenty of vegan marshmallows like Dandies, Yummalo, and Trader Joe’s.

Popular Recipes Using Gluten-Free Marshmallows

So, are marshmallows gluten-free? The ones on our list are! For some inspiration, check out some of our popular gluten-free marshmallow recipes that will add some sweetness to your day!

• Marshmallow fudge uses just two ingredients, including marshmallow fluff.
• Gluten-free brownies can be transformed into rocky road baked goods.
• Gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough can be taken up a notch with a few marshmallows.
• Hot cocoa is a reliable standard for chilly days.

If you don't want to bake your own gluten-free cookies or cakes, we feel you! Sometimes life gets in the way. We recommend checking out Nothing Bundt Cakes’ gluten-free chocolate chip cookie cakes. These handcrafted cakes are scrumptious down to the last bite!