Pantry & condiments
Vegan alternative to marshmallows: the best substitutes
Everything you need to replace marshmallows with a plant-based substitute — which one to use, the exact ratio, and the mistakes that ruin the result.
Short answer
Key takeaways
- Best all-round swap: Vegan marshmallows (Dandies, Freedom) (s'mores and hot chocolate).
- Ratio: 1:1.
- Pro tip: Aquafaba fluff won't hold a cube shape without agar — use it as a spread, not a sweet.
- 2 vegan alternatives to compare for marshmallows.
Why marshmallows isn't vegan
Set with gelatin.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Vegan marshmallows (Dandies, Freedom) | S'mores and hot chocolate |
| Aquafaba marshmallow fluff | Homemade topping |
How to substitute marshmallows, step by step
- 1
Pick the right substitute for the job
For most recipes use Vegan marshmallows (Dandies, Freedom) — s'mores and hot chocolate. If you need a different texture, Aquafaba marshmallow fluff works for homemade topping.
- 2
Measure using the correct ratio
1:1. Weigh rather than eyeball it — small errors show up much faster when replacing marshmallows.
- 3
Adjust the method
Aquafaba fluff won't hold a cube shape without agar — use it as a spread, not a sweet.
- 4
Taste and correct
Plant swaps are usually a little less salty and less rich than marshmallows. Season at the end and add acid (lemon, vinegar) or umami (miso, nutritional yeast) if the dish tastes flat.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swapping by volume when the recipe measures marshmallows by weight — check the ratio above first.
- Using a sweetened or flavoured version in a savoury recipe.
- Ignoring the method change: Aquafaba fluff won't hold a cube shape without agar — use it as a spread, not a sweet.
- Assuming every packaged product labelled "plant-based" is vegan — some still contain milk powder, honey or egg. Scan the barcode to be sure.
Conversion ratio
1:1.
Pro tip
Aquafaba fluff won't hold a cube shape without agar — use it as a spread, not a sweet.
Replace the job, not just the ingredient
An egg can bind a burger, enrich a cake or create the foam in a meringue. Those jobs need different substitutes: ground flaxseed can help with binding, while aquafaba is useful for whipping.
Review the rewritten method as well as the ingredient list. Changing the amount of liquid, the cooking temperature or the resting time can matter as much as the substitute itself.
- A practical example
- For a creamy pasta, try unsweetened plant cream or blended silken tofu; add acidity and seasoning to taste rather than relying on a cheese substitute alone.
- What to keep in mind
- Substitutions can change allergens, texture and nutrition. Test a small batch before making a dish for guests.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to marshmallows?
- Vegan marshmallows (Dandies, Freedom) is the closest all-round swap — s'mores and hot chocolate. 1:1.
- Why isn't marshmallows vegan?
- Set with gelatin.
- How much do I use instead of marshmallows?
- 1:1.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Aquafaba fluff won't hold a cube shape without agar — use it as a spread, not a sweet.
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