Are Marshmallows Gluten Free?
Usually yes — but some brands add wheat starch.
Sugar, water, and gelatin are gluten free, yet certain mainstream marshmallows include wheat starch or barley-derived flavoring, and artificial dyes add another watch-out.
Most marshmallows are gluten free, but always verify the label.
Classic Jet-Puffed-style marshmallows start with corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, and starch, which are gluten free when sourced from corn. Specialty brands occasionally dust marshmallows with wheat starch to prevent sticking, and colorful mini marshmallows can rely on barley malt flavoring. Clean-label brands remove those risks and also skip the artificial dyes that often ride with marshmallow treats.
- Sugar + gelatin base is naturally gluten free.
- Some brands dust marshmallows with wheat starch.
- Artificial colors like Red 40 are common—choose dye-free options if you are avoiding them.
Ingredient Analysis
Corn syrup & sugar
These refined carbohydrates do not contain gluten but send blood sugar soaring.
Wheat starch dusting
A handful of mainstream brands prevent sticking with wheat starch; the allergen statement should call it out.
Barley malt flavor and dyes
Flavor packets or bright colors can lean on barley malt or petroleum-based dyes—skip them if you need strict avoidance.
Is it GF/DF/Vegan/Healthy?
Gluten-Free
Check for wheat starch or barley malt in flavored varieties.
Dairy-Free
Traditional marshmallows do not contain dairy.
Vegan
Gelatin is animal derived; choose plant-based marshmallows if you are vegan.
Healthy
Marshmallows are pure sugar with negligible nutrients.
What to Look for on Labels
Scan the allergen line
Look for “contains wheat” or “may contain wheat” statements on private-label marshmallows.
Seek certified GF logos
Brands like Dandies and Trader Joe’s gluten-free marshmallows call out their testing.
Watch the dye list
If you are avoiding artificial colors, pick vanilla-only marshmallows or naturally colored options.
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