Ingredient

Marshmallows

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add marshmallows to foods to provide sweetness, a chewy or soft texture, and …

What it is

Marshmallows are a soft, spongy confection made primarily from sugar, water, gelatin, and air. They get their unique texture from the whipping process that incorporates air into the mixture. Historically, marshmallows were made using sap from the marshmallow plant.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add marshmallows to foods to provide sweetness, a chewy or soft texture, and visual appeal. They are commonly found in cereals, hot cocoa, ice cream, and other dessert items.

Health notes

Marshmallows are primarily composed of added sugars. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no specific amount of added sugars, suggesting limiting them to less than 10 grams per meal. While marshmallows themselves are not regulated as a single food additive, their individual ingredients, such as sugar and gelatin, are permitted by the FDA for use in food. There are no specific health controversies surrounding marshmallows as a whole, beyond the general dietary advice to moderate intake of foods high in added sugars.

Allergen info

Marshmallows are not considered a major allergen. However, some brands may contain ingredients derived from major allergens like soy (e.g., soy lecithin) or wheat (e.g., modified starch), so checking ingredient labels is always recommended.

Products containing Marshmallows

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Ice Cream FRESH & EASY Ice Cream Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 210kcal 4Protein 17Fat 19Carbs FRESH & EASY Rocky Road Light Ice Cream, With Roasted Almonds And Fluffy Marshmallows Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 154kcal 4.6Protein 7.7Fat 21.5Carbs Gluten Free Marshmallow Treats WEGMANS FOOD MARKETS INC Gluten Free Marshmallow Treats Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 400kcal 2.9Protein 8.6Fat 77.1Carbs SHURFINE Rich Cocoa With Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Mix Powdered Drinks 393kcal 3.6Protein 3.6Fat 89.3Carbs Fluffy Marsh Mallow Chocolate Powder BARU Fluffy Marsh Mallow Chocolate Powder Powdered Drinks 367kcal 6.2Protein 6.7Fat 71.4Carbs DUFFLET S'Mores Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 475kcal 7.5Protein 27.5Fat 57.5Carbs SHURFINE Rich Cocoa With Marshmallows Hot Cocoa Mix Powdered Drinks 400kcal 5.7Protein 5.7Fat 85.7Carbs SHURFINE Magic Stars, Frosted Toasted Oat Cereal With Marshmallows Cereal 400kcal 6.7Protein 3.3Fat 90Carbs Conagra Brands SWISS MISS Hot Cocoa Mix With Marshmallows Canister, 39 OZ Non Alcoholic Beverages Not Ready to Drink 412kcal 2.9Protein 7.3Fat 82.3Carbs Conagra Brands SWISS MISS Cocoa Milk Chococlate And Marshmallows Non Alcoholic Beverages Not Ready to Drink 393kcal 3.6Protein 7.1Fat 82.1Carbs Lucky Charms Soft Baked Treats GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Lucky Charms Soft Baked Treats Sweet Bakery Products 391kcal 4.3Protein 15.2Fat 65.2Carbs Hokus Pokus Sweetened Toasted Oat Cereal With Marshmallows, Hokus Pokus Topco Associates, Inc. Hokus Pokus Sweetened Toasted Oat Cereal With Marshmallows, Hokus Pokus Cereal High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 389kcal 5.6Protein 2.8Fat 80.6Carbs
Sugar (495 products) Corn Syrup (432 products) Gelatin (427 products) Salt (383 products) Dextrose (307 products) Modified Corn Starch (233 products) Artificial Flavors (224 products) Soy Lecithin (218 products) Folic Acid (206 products) Natural Flavors (203 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.