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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Marshmallow

A marshmallow is a soft, aerated confection traditionally made from sugar, water, and a gelling or whipping agent such as gelatin.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A marshmallow is a soft, aerated confection traditionally made from sugar, water, and a gelling or whipping agent such as gelatin. The modern candy evolved from earlier medicinal preparations made with the marsh-mallow plant (*Althaea officinalis*). Marshmallows are commonly eaten plain, toasted, or used in baking and desserts.

History

Marshmallows originated as medicinal preparations made from the marsh-mallow plant (*Althaea officinalis*). Over time, confectioners adapted the idea into a sweet aerated candy, and modern manufacturing replaced plant sap with gelatin and other ingredients.

Ingredients and production

Commercial marshmallows are made by heating sugar syrup and whipping it with air and a gelling agent, usually gelatin, into a foam. The mixture is then shaped, cut, and sometimes dusted with starch or sugar to prevent sticking.

Uses

Marshmallows are used as a snack, a campfire food, and an ingredient in desserts. They are also used as fillings, toppings, and in confections such as marshmallow creme and shaped seasonal candies.

Cultural significance

Marshmallows are strongly associated with campfires, hot chocolate, and North American confectionery culture. They are also a familiar ingredient in holiday candies and packaged sweets.

Key facts

  • Modern marshmallows are typically made from sugar, water, gelatin, and air whipped into a stable foam.
  • The name comes from the marsh-mallow plant, whose root was used in early medicinal confections.
  • Marshmallows can be eaten plain, toasted over a fire, or used in baking and desserts.
  • Earlier versions used plant root sap before gelatin became the common gelling agent.
  • Marshmallows range in consistency from chewy to very soft depending on formulation.
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Canadian context

Marshmallows are a familiar confection in Canada, especially in campfire cooking, hot chocolate, baking, and holiday treats.

Frequently asked questions

What is a marshmallow?
A marshmallow is a soft, sweet confection made by whipping sugar syrup with air and a gelling agent such as gelatin.
What were marshmallows originally made from?
Early marshmallow confections were made from the root of the marsh-mallow plant (*Althaea officinalis*) mixed with sugar or honey.
Are marshmallows vegetarian?
Not always. Many commercial marshmallows contain gelatin, which is animal-derived, though vegetarian versions also exist.
How are marshmallows used?
They are eaten plain, toasted, used in hot chocolate, and incorporated into desserts, baking, and confectionery fillings.
Why are they called marshmallows?
The name comes from the marsh-mallow plant, which grew in marshy areas and was used in early medicinal sweets.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshmallow
    Supports: General definition, ingredients, historical origin, and common uses
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/marshmallow
    Supports: Historical origin and modern production process
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marshmallow
    Supports: Definition of the confection and plant origin
  4. National Confectioners Association — https://www.candyusa.com/marshmallows/
    Supports: General industry history, production, and common consumer uses