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{{short description|Sugar-based confection}}
{{About||the music producer and DJ|Marshmello||Marshmallow (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Infobox food
| name             = Marshmallow
| image            = White Marshmallows.jpg
| caption          = Marshmallows
| alternate_name   = 
| country          = [[France]]
| region           =
| creator          =
| course           =
| type             = [[Confectionery]]
| served           =
| main_ingredient  = Sugar, [[gelatin]], water, and air
| variations       = [[Food coloring]], sprinkles
| calories         =
| other            =
}}

'''Marshmallow''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|ˌ|m|ɑː|r|ʃ|ˈ|m|æ|l|oʊ}}, {{IPAc-en|US|ˈ|m|ɑː|r|ʃ|ˌ|m|ɛ|l|oʊ|,_|-|m|æ|l|-}})<ref>{{cite LPD|3}}</ref><ref>{{cite EPD|18}}</ref> is a [[confectionery]] made from sugar, water and [[gelatin]] whipped to a solid-but-soft consistency. It is used as a filling in baking or molded into shapes and coated with [[corn starch]]. This sugar confection is inspired by a medicinal confection made from ''[[Althaea officinalis]]'', the marsh-mallow plant.<ref name="C&EN">{{Cite journal|url=https://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/84/8416marshmallows.html |journal=Chemical & Engineering News | title=What's that stuff? Marshmallow |last=Petkewich |first=Rachel |volume=84 |issue=16 |year=2006 |access-date=2008-02-10 |page=41|doi=10.1021/cen-v084n016.p041|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Althaea officinalis 002.JPG|thumb|The [[Althaea officinalis|marsh-mallow plant]] (''Althaea officinalis'')]]
The word "marshmallow" comes from the mallow plant species (''[[Althaea officinalis]]''), a wetland weed native to parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia that grows in marshes and other damp areas. The plant's stem and leaves are fleshy, and its white flower has five petals. It is not known exactly when marshmallows were invented, but their history goes back as early as {{BCE|2000|link=y}}. [[Ancient Egyptians]] were said to be the first to make and use the root of the plant to soothe coughs and sore throats and to heal wounds. The first marshmallows were prepared by boiling pieces of root pulp with honey until thick. Once thickened, the mixture was strained, cooled, then used as intended.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Marshmallow.html|title=How Marshmallows are Made|website=www.madehow.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031101656/http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Marshmallow.html|archive-date=2016-10-31}}</ref><ref name=NatConf>{{Cite web|url=http://www.candyusa.com/candy-types/676/|title=Marshmallows|website=www.candyusa.com|publisher=National Confectioners Association|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213105105/http://www.candyusa.com/candy-types/676/|archive-date=2016-12-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Goldstein |first=Darra |title=The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets |date=2015-01-01 |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/acref/9780199313396.001.0001 |isbn=978-0-19-931339-6}}</ref>

Whether used for candy or medicine, the manufacture of marshmallows was limited to a small scale. In the early to mid-19th century, the marshmallow had made its way to France, where confectioners augmented the plant's traditional medicinal value. Owners of small confectionery stores would whip the sap from the mallow root into a fluffy candy mold. This candy, called Pâte de Guimauve, was a spongy-soft dessert made from whipping dried marshmallow roots with sugar, water, and egg whites.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Beasley |first1=Henry |title=The Pocket Formulary: And Synopsis of the British & Foreign Pharmacopoeias: Comprising Standard and Approved Formulae for the Preparations and Compounds Employed in Medical Practice |year=1851 |publisher=John Churchill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=40nNmzddBN8C&q=P%C3%A2te+de+Guimauve.&pg=PA288 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Dorvault |first1=François Laurent Marie |title=L'Officine ou Répertoire géneral de pharmacie pratique |year=1850 |publisher=Labé |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D7Vkx1Ke8GwC&q=P%C3%A2te+de+Guimauve.&pg=PA411 |language=fr}}</ref> It was sold in bar form as a [[throat lozenge|lozenge]]. Drying and preparation of the marshmallow took one to two days before the final product was produced.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The "Queen" Cookery Books|last=Pownell|first=Beaty|publisher=Horace Cox|year=1904|edition=2|location=London}}</ref> In the late 19th century, candy makers started looking for a new process and discovered the [[starch mogul system]], in which trays of modified corn starch had a mold firmly pushed down in them to create cavities within the starch. The cavities were then filled with the whipped marshmallow sap mixture and allowed to cool or harden.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Candyfreak: a journey through the chocolate underbelly of America|last=Almond|first=Steve|date=2005-01-01|publisher=Harcourt|oclc=56661890}}</ref> At the same time, candy makers began to replace the mallow root with gelatin, which created a stable form of marshmallow.<ref name=NatConf />

By the early 20th century, thanks to the [[Starch mogul|starch mogul system]], marshmallows were available for mass consumption. In the United States, they were sold in tins as penny candy and used in a variety of food recipes like banana fluff, lime mallow sponge, and [[tutti frutti]]. In 1956, [[Doumak|Alex Doumak]] patented<ref name=patent>{{cite web |url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/d6/62/cd/0452de37f3e955/US2847311.pdf |title=Diagram |website= patentimages.storage.googleapis.com|access-date=2021-04-21}}</ref> the extrusion process that involved running marshmallow ingredients through tubes. The tubes created a long rope of marshmallow mixture and were then set out to cool. The ingredients were then cut into equal pieces and packaged.<ref name=NatConf />

Modern marshmallow manufacturing is highly automated and has been since the early 1950s when the extrusion process was first developed. Numerous improvements and advancements allow for the production of thousands of pounds of marshmallow a day.<ref name=Hartel /> Today, the marshmallow typically consists of four ingredients: sugar, water, air, and a whipping agent.

== Ingredients ==
Marshmallows consist of four ingredients: sugar, water, air, and a whipping agent/aerator (usually a protein). The type of sugar and whipping agent varies depending on the desired characteristics.  Each ingredient plays a specific role in the final product.

The marshmallow is a [[foam]], consisting of an aqueous continuous [[Phase (matter)|phase]] and a gaseous dispersed phase (in other words, a liquid with gas bubbles spread throughout). In addition to being a foam, this also makes marshmallows an "aerated" confection because it is made up of 50% air. The goal of an aerated confection like a marshmallow is to incorporate gas into a sugar mixture and stabilize the aerated product before the gas can escape. When the gas is introduced into the system, tiny air bubbles are created. This is what contributes to the unique textural properties and mouth-feel of this product.<ref name=Dekker>{{Cite book|title=Essentials of Food Science|last1=Christian|first1=Elizabeth|last2=Vaclavik|first2=Vickie|publisher=Marcel Dekker|year=1996|location=New York, NY}}</ref>

=== Protein ===
In marshmallows, proteins are the main surface-active agents responsible for the formation and stabilization of the dispersed air.  Due to their structure, surface-active molecules gather at the surface area of a portion of (water-based) liquid. A portion of each protein molecule is [[hydrophile|hydrophilic]], with a polar charge, and another portion is [[hydrophobe|hydrophobic]] and non-polar. The non-polar section has little or no affinity for water, and so this section orients as far away from the water as possible. However, the polar section is attracted to the water and has little or no affinity for the air. Therefore, the molecule orients with the polar section in the water, with the non-polar section in the air. Two primary proteins that are commonly used as aerators in marshmallows are [[Egg white|albumen]] (egg whites) and gelatin.<ref name=UCLA>{{Cite web|url=https://scienceandfooducla.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/homemade-marshmallows/|title=Homemade Marshmallow|last=Liu|first=Eunice|date=2015|website=scienceandfooducla.wordpress.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221155556/https://scienceandfooducla.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/homemade-marshmallows/|archive-date=2016-12-21}}</ref>

==== Albumen (egg whites) ====
Albumen is a mixture of proteins found in [[egg white]]s and is utilized for its capacity to create foams. In a commercialized setting, dried albumen is used as opposed to fresh egg whites. In addition to convenience, the advantages of using dried albumen are an increase in food safety and the reduction of water content in the marshmallow. Fresh egg whites carry a higher risk of ''Salmonella,'' and are approximately 90 percent water. This is undesirable for the shelf life and firmness of the product. For artisan-type marshmallows, prepared by a candy maker, fresh egg whites are usually used. Albumen is rarely used on its own when incorporated into modern marshmallows, and instead is used in conjunction with gelatin.<ref name=Greweling>{{Cite book|title=Chocolates and confections: Formula, theory, and technique for the artisan confectioner|last=Greweling|first=Peter|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|year=2013|isbn=978-0-470-42441-4|location=New York|pages=296–311}}</ref>

==== Gelatin ====
[[Gelatin]] is the aerator most often used in the production of marshmallows. It is made up of [[collagen]], a structural protein derived from animal skin, connective tissue, and bones. Not only can it stabilize foams, like albumen, but when combined with water, it forms a thermally-reversible gel. This means that gelatin can [[melting|melt]], then reset due to its temperature sensitivity. The melting point of gelatin gel is around {{convert|95|F|C}}, which is just below [[normal body temperature]] (around {{convert|97|F|C}}). This is what contributes to the "melt-in-your-mouth" sensation when a marshmallow is consumed—it actually starts to melt when it touches the tongue.<ref name="UCLA" />

During preparation, the temperature needs to be just above the melting point of the gelatin, so that as soon as it is formed, it cools quickly, and the gelatin sets, retaining the desired shape. If the marshmallow rope mixture exiting the extruder during processing is too warm, the marshmallow starts to flow before the gelatin sets. Instead of a round marshmallow, it takes on an oval form. Excessive heat can also degrade or break down the gelatin itself. Therefore, when marshmallows are being produced at home or by artisan candy makers, the gelatin is added after the syrup has been heated and cooled down.

In commercial operations, the gelatin is cooked with the sugar syrup, rather than being added later after the syrup has cooled. In this case, kinetics play an important role, with both time and temperature factoring in. If the gelatin was added at the beginning of a batch that was then cooked to 112–116&nbsp;°C in 20–30 minutes, a significant amount of gelatin would break down. The marshmallow would have reduced springiness from that loss of gelatin. But since the time the syrup spends at elevated temperature in modern cookers is so short, there is little to no degradation of the gelatin.<ref name="Hartel">{{Cite book|title=Candy Bites: The Science of Sweets|last1=Hartel|first1=Richard|last2=Hartel|first2=AnnaKate|publisher=Copernicus|year=2014|isbn=978-1-4614-9382-2|location=New York|pages=199–202}}</ref>

In terms of texture and mouth-feel, gelatin makes marshmallows chewy by forming a tangled 3-D network of polymer chains.  Once gelatin is dissolved in warm water (dubbed the "blooming stage"), it forms a [[Dispersion (chemistry)|dispersion]], which results in{{how|date=June 2021}} a [[cross-link]]ing of its helix-shaped chains.  The linkages in the gelatin protein network trap air in the marshmallow mixture and immobilize the water molecules in the network. The result is the well-known spongy structure of marshmallows. This is why the omission of gelatin from a marshmallow recipe results in [[marshmallow creme]], since there is no gelatin network to trap the water and air bubbles.<ref name="UCLA" />

=== Sugars ===
A traditional marshmallow might contain about 60% corn syrup, 30% sugar, and 1–2% gelatin. A combination of different sugars is used to control the solubility of the solution.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Hartel|first1=Richard W.|last2=Ergun|first2=Roja|last3=Vogel|first3=Sarah|date=2011-01-01|title=Phase/State Transitions of Confectionery Sweeteners: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Aspects|journal=Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety|language=en|volume=10|issue=1|pages=17–32|doi=10.1111/j.1541-4337.2010.00136.x|issn=1541-4337}}</ref> The corn syrup/sugar ratio influences the texture by slowing crystallization of the sucrose. The smooth texture of marshmallows relies on disordered, or amorphous, sugar molecules. In contrast, increasing the sugar ratio to about 60–65% produces a grainy marshmallow.<ref name="Hegenbert" /> Temperature also plays an important role in producing smooth marshmallows by reducing the time window for ordered crystals to form. To ensure the sugars are disordered, the sugar syrup solution is heated to a high temperature and then cooled rapidly.<ref name="ACS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2014-2015/candymaking.html|title=The Sweet Science of Candy Making|last=Husband|first=Tom|date=October 2014|website=www.acs.org|publisher=American Chemical Society|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222061852/https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2014-2015/candymaking.html|archive-date=2016-12-22}}</ref>

==== Sugarcane and sugar beet ====
[[Sugarcane]] and [[sugar beet]] are the two primary sources of sugar, consisting of sucrose molecules. Sucrose is a disaccharide that consists of one glucose and fructose molecule. This sugar provides sweetness and bulk to the marshmallow while simultaneously setting the foam to a firm consistency as it cools.<ref name="Hegenbert">{{Cite web|url=https://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/specialty-nutrients/sweet-facts-confection-creation|title=The Sweet Facts of Confection Creation|last=Hegenbert|first=Scott|date=1995|website=www.naturalproductinsider.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220135819/http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/1995/04/the-sweet-facts-of-confection-creation.aspx|archive-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> Sucrose, and sugars in general, impair the ability of a foam to form, but improve foam stability. Therefore, sucrose is used in conjunction with a protein like gelatin. The protein can adsorb, unfold, and form a stable network, while the sugar can increase the viscosity.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Food Chemistry|last=Fennema|first=Owen|publisher=Marcel Dekker|year=1996|isbn=978-0-8247-9346-3|location=New York, NY}}</ref> Liquid drainage of the continuous phase must be minimized as well. Thick liquids drain more slowly than thin ones, and so increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase reduces drainage. A high viscosity is essential if a stable foam is to be produced. Therefore, sucrose is a main component of marshmallow. But sucrose is seldom used on its own because it tends to crystallize.

==== Corn syrup ====
[[Corn syrup]], derived from [[maize]], contains [[glucose]], [[maltose]], and other [[oligosaccharides]]. Corn syrup can be obtained from the partial hydrolysis of [[cornstarch]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corn%20syrup|title=Corn Syrup|website=www.Merriam-Webster.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220114934/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corn%20syrup|archive-date=2016-12-20}}</ref> Corn syrup is important in the production of marshmallow because it prevents the crystallization of other sugars (like sucrose). It may also contribute body, reduce sweetness, and alter flavor release, depending on the Dextrose Equivalent (DE) of the glucose syrup used.

The DE is the measure of the amount of reducing sugars present in a sugar product in relation to glucose. Lower-DE glucose syrups provide a chewier texture, while higher-DE syrups make the product more tender.<ref name="Hegenbert" /> In addition, depending on the type of DE used, can alter the sweetness, hygroscopicity, and browning of the marshmallow. Corn syrup is flavorless and cheap to produce, which is why candy companies love using this product.

==== Invert sugar ====
[[Inverted sugar syrup|Invert sugar]] is produced when sucrose breaks down due to the addition of water, also known as hydrolysis. This molecule exhibits all the characteristics of honey except the flavor because it is the primary sugar found in honey. This means that invert sugar has the ability to prevent crystallization and produce a tender marshmallow. It is also an effective [[humectant]], allowing it to trap water and prevent the marshmallow from drying out. For some candies, this is not a good trait to have, but for marshmallows, it is an advantage since it has a high moisture content.<ref name="Hartel" />

==== Fruit syrups ====
While not widely used for traditional or commercial recipes, [[fruit syrups]] have been proposed as an alternative sugar for marshmallows.<ref name="goztok2022">{{cite journal | title = Investigation of the use of various fruit juice concentrates instead of corn syrup in marshmallow type products: A preliminary study | journal = International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science | last1 = Goztok | first1 = S.P. | last2 = Gunes | first2 = R. | last3 = Toker | first3 = O.S. | last4 = Palabiyik | first4 = I. | last5 = Konar | first5 = N. | volume = 30 | date = 2022 | article-number = 100616 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2022.100616| s2cid = 253198704 }}</ref>

=== Additional ingredients ===

==== Flavors ====
Unless a variation of the standard marshmallow is being made, vanilla is always used as the flavoring. The vanilla can either be added in extract form or by infusing the vanilla beans in the sugar syrup during cooking. This{{clarify|date=May 2018}} is the best technique to get an even distribution of flavor throughout the marshmallow.<ref name="Greweling" />

==== Acids ====
Acids, such as cream of tartar or lemon juice, may also be used to increase foam stability. The addition of acid decreases the pH. This reduces the charge on the protein molecules and brings them closer to their [[isoelectric point]]. This results in a stronger, more stable interfacial film. When added to egg whites, acid prevents excessive aggregation at the interface. However, acid delays foam formation. It may therefore be added toward the end of the whipping process after a stable foam has been created.<ref name="Dekker" />

== Manufacturing process ==
[[File:Marshmallow.webmhd.webm|thumb|Video of making marshmallows]]
[[File:Just Born Peeps in an Easter Basket.jpg|thumb|[[Just Born]] [[Peeps]] in an Easter basket]]

=== Commercial process ===
In commercial marshmallow manufacture, the entire process is streamlined and fully automated.

Gelatin is cooked with sugar and syrup. After the gelatin-containing syrup is cooked, it is allowed to cool slightly before air is incorporated. Whipping is generally accomplished in a rotor-stator type device. Compressed air is injected into the warm syrup, held at a temperature just above the melting point of gelatin. In a marshmallow aerator, pins on a rotating cylinder (rotor) intermesh with stationary pins on the wall (stator) provide the shear forces necessary to break the large injected air bubbles into numerous tiny bubbles that provide the smooth, fine-grained texture of the marshmallow. A continuous stream of light, fluffy marshmallow exits the aerator en route to the forming step.

The marshmallow confection is typically formed in one of three ways. First, it can be extruded in the desired shape and cut into pieces, as done for [[Jet-Puffed Marshmallows|Jet-Puffed marshmallows]]. Second, it can be deposited onto a belt, as done for [[Peeps]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dupzyk |first1=Kevin |others=Photographs by Christopher Payne |title=A Visit to the Peeps Factory |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/magazine/peeps-factory.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=April 6, 2023 |quote=That all changed in 1954. That's when [[Bob Born]], who was a member of the family that founded the company, and a colleague invented a machine that could make Peeps automatically.}}</ref> Third, it can be deposited into a starch-based mold in a mogul to make various shapes.<ref name="Hartel" />

=== Home making process ===
[[File:Handmade Marshmallows by FatMatt (4774326832).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.8|A freshly-cut batch of homemade marshmallows]]
The home process for making marshmallow differs from commercial processes. A mixture of corn syrup and sugar is boiled to about {{convert|252|°F|°C}}. In a separate step, gelatin is hydrated with enough warm water to make a thick solution. Once the sugar syrup has cooled to about {{convert|100|°F|°C}}, the gelatin solution is blended in along with desired flavoring, and whipped in a [[mixer (appliance)|mixer]] to reach the final density. The marshmallow is then scooped out of the bowl, slabbed on a table, and cut into pieces.<ref name="Greweling" />
{{clear}}

== Roasted marshmallows and s'mores ==
A popular [[camping]] or backyard tradition in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web|title = 47. Cook on a campfire|url = http://www.ntsouthwest.co.uk/2013/08/47-cook-on-a-campfire/|website = National Trust's South West Blog|access-date = 2015-11-21|first = Claire|last = Bolitho|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151121144249/http://www.ntsouthwest.co.uk/2013/08/47-cook-on-a-campfire/|archive-date = 2015-11-21}}</ref> North America,  New Zealand and Australia is the roasting or toasting of marshmallows over a [[campfire]] or other open flame.<ref>[http://www.campfiremarshmallows.com/about/history-of-campfire-marshmallows/ History of Campfire Marshmallows] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103073113/http://www.campfiremarshmallows.com/about/history-of-campfire-marshmallows/ |date=2011-11-03 }}. campfiremarshmallows.com</ref> A marshmallow is placed on the end of a stick or [[skewer]] and held carefully over the fire.  This creates a caramelized outer skin with a liquid, [[melting|molten]] layer underneath. Major flavor compounds and color polymers associated with sugar [[Maillard reaction|browning]] are created during the [[caramelization]] process.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/11/15774634/marshmallows-smores-camping-camp-fire-summer-food-science|title= The science behind a perfectly-toasted marshmallow|date= 2017-06-11}}</ref>

As sugar costs went down in 19th century, in 1892 a New Jersey newspaper reported that "'Marshmallow roasts' are the newest thing in summer resort diversions." There were more mentions of the trend throughout 1890s, implicitly (and sometimes explicitly) referring to home-made marshmallows, as commercial process was yet to be invented.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Lisa |date=Jun 30, 2017 |title='Morsels for the gods': The delicious history of roasting marshmallows |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/history-roasting-marshmallows-1.4168167 |website=CBC News}}</ref>

[[S'more]]s are a traditional campfire treat in the United States, made by placing a toasted marshmallow on a slab of [[chocolate]], which is placed between two [[graham cracker]]s. These can then be squeezed together, causing the chocolate to begin melting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/s'more|title=Definition of S'MORE|website=www.m-w.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218165303/http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/s'more|archive-date=2007-12-18}}</ref>

<gallery>
RoastingMarshmallow.jpg|Roasting a marshmallow
Roasted marshmallow Jussaro.jpg|A roasted marshmallow
HersheySmore.jpg|An open-faced s'more
</gallery>

== Nutrition ==
Marshmallows are defined in US law as a food of [[minimal nutritional value]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/foods-minimal-nutritional-value|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528145328/http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/foods-minimal-nutritional-value|archive-date=May 28, 2015|title=Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value|date=13 September 2013|website=www.fns.usda.gov|series=Appendix B of 7 CFR Part 210|publisher=[[Food and Nutrition Service]], United States Department of Agriculture|language=en|access-date=2017-08-04}}</ref>

== Dietary preferences ==
[[File:Mousse with marshmallows.jpg|thumb|Toasted vegan marshmallows served with [[chocolate mousse]]]]
The traditional marshmallow recipe uses powdered [[Althaea (plant)|marshmallow root]], but most commercially manufactured marshmallows instead use [[gelatin]] in their manufacture. [[veganism|Vegans]] and [[Vegetarianism|vegetarians]] avoid gelatin, but there are versions that use a substitute non-animal gelling agent such as [[agar]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.peta.org/living/food/gelatin-alternatives/|title=Gelatin Alternatives|work=PETA|access-date=2017-10-24|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024154216/https://www.peta.org/living/food/gelatin-alternatives/|archive-date=2017-10-24}}</ref> In addition, marshmallows are generally not considered to be [[kashrut|kosher]] or [[halal]] unless either their gelatin is derived from kosher or halal animals or they are vegan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ok.org/ja/kosherspirit/tishrei5780/closer-look-gelatin/|title=A Closer Look - Gelatin - Kosher Spirit|website=OK Kosher Certification|language=ja|access-date=2019-12-31}}</ref>

[[Marshmallow creme]] and other less firm marshmallow products generally contain little or no gelatin, which mainly serves to allow the familiar marshmallow [[confectionery|confection]] to retain its shape. They generally use [[egg white]]s instead. Non-gelatin, egg-containing versions of this product may be consumed by [[ovo vegetarianism|ovo vegetarians]]. Several brands of vegetarian and vegan marshmallows and [[marshmallow fluff]] exist.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.peta.org/living/food/vegan-gelatin-free-marshmallow-brands/|title=These Gelatin-Free Marshmallow Brands Will Have You Ready for Vegan S'mores Season|work=PETA|access-date=2017-10-24|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024153903/https://www.peta.org/living/food/vegan-gelatin-free-marshmallow-brands/|archive-date=2017-10-24}}</ref>
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== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Chocolate-coated marshmallow treats]]
* [[Chubby Bunny]], children's game involving marshmallows
* [[Divinity (confectionery)]]
* [[Flump (sweet)]]
* [[Marshmallow creme]]
* [[Peeps]]
* [[Stanford marshmallow experiment]]
* [[Stay Puft Marshmallow Man]]
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wiktionary}}
{{Commons category|Marshmallows}}
* [https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question128.htm The Marshmallow Explained] at [[HowStuffWorks.com]]

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