Marshmallows contain animal-based gelatin, but vegan versions are available.
Conventional marshmallows contain gelatin, which is derived from the skins and bones of pigs and cows. However, vegan marshmallow varieties are available for people who do not eat animal products. These may be thickened with agar (from red algae), carageenen (seaweed extract) or plant-based gums. Vegan marshmallows can be used in hot cocoa, s'mores, rice crispy bars and rocky road brownies, as well as baked on top of holiday yams. They are readily available online and at a number of grocery outlets and vegan-related businesses. In addition, there are several resources for homemade recipes.
Instructions
1. Several online sources sell and ship vegan marshmallows directly to consumers.
Browse online stores specializing in vegan food products. Vegan Essentials based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and Cosmos Vegan Shoppe, operating from Atlanta, Georgia, both sell vegan marshmallow items. Cold packs may be recommended for shipping during warm weather.
2. Local food co-ops are known for fresh produce, but they also carry vegan products.
Join a member-owned local food co-op. Cooperatives, like the Moscow Food Co-op in Idaho and La Montanita Co-op in Albuquerque, New Mexico, often carry vegan food products. Co-ops also may be open to stocking or ordering new items upon request, since members (who are also consumers) own the stores.
3. Large natural food chains like Whole Foods Market stock vegan items.
Shop health food and natural food stores. Dozens of Whole Foods Market locations across the country stock vegan marshmallows in their dairy, bakery or refrigerated departments. Local health food stores like Abby's Health & Nutrition in Tampa, Florida, also carry vegan products.
4. Conscientious shoppers often can find vegan ingredients at regular grocery stores.
Explore baking and natural foods aisles in supermarket chains. Many Midwest-based Hy-Vee grocery store locations in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri carry vegan marshmallows and marshmallow cream, among other vegan products. The company features HealthMarket departments with natural and organic items.
5. Veggie-friendly eating establishments sometimes sell vegan packaged foods.
Frequent vegetarian restaurants, caf s and coffee shops that sell vegan foods. These include Green Restaurant in Tempe, Arizona; Zephyr Vegetarian Caf in Long Beach, California; Beans & Leaves Coffee & Tea Caf in Long Grove, Illinois; and Green Life Caf in Philadelphia.
6. Smaller specialty markets may carry a selection of vegan foods.
Stop in at vegan grocery stores. Food Fight! in Portland, Oregon; All Vegan Shopping in San Diego; and Pangea in Rockville, Maryland, sell vegan marshmallows in their stores and online.
7. Some religious groups advocate vegetarianism and may be sources of vegan products.
Check out Seventh-day Adventist Church bookshops. The Adventist Book Center in Mount Vernon, Ohio, stocks vegan treats. Many Adventists advocate vegetarianism and avoid animal-based foods that are thought of as "unclean."
8. Sweet shops may sell vegan ingredients as well as prepared baked goods and candy.
Seek vegan sweets at specialty bakeries and candy stores. One popular brand, Sweet and Sara, produces vegan marshmallows in different flavors, as well as vegan marshmallow treats. The company distributes its products online and at numerous locations around the country, but also operates its own marshmallow factory in Queens (New York City), which is open by appointment.
9. Animal-related organizations may have outlets for selling vegan food items.
Visit animal sanctuaries that have gift shops. Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York, carries Sweet and Sara products.
10. Home cooks can make vegan marshmallows in their own kitchens.
Make your own marshmallows without using gelatin or other animal products. Vegetarian cookbooks, magazines and websites have recipes for homemade vegan marshmallows. New Zealand-based Angel Food sells a vegan marshmallow mix online. Add sugar, water, corn or rice syrup, vanilla and cornstarch to the mix to make 50 vegan marshmallows.
Tags: sell vegan, vegan marshmallows, carry vegan, vegan marshmallow, vegan products