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Luscious pistachio and saffron marshmallows from 240Sweet Gourmet Artisan Marshmallows are an example of complex flavors of handmade marshmallows. There are also single-note flavors: Grapefruit, Mango, Passionfruit, Strawberry and more—that are divine. Photo by River Soma | THE NIBBLE.
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| WHAT IT IS: Gourmet handmade and homemade marshmallows. |
| WHY IT’S DIFFERENT: Great artisan confectioners raise the marshmallow to the level of the finest gourmet confections. Many wonderful flavors. |
WHY WE LOVE IT: So light, so airy, so flavorful: a better sweet snack than a piece of chocolate. Really! Plus, fat-free (or very low fat) and gluten-free. |
| WHERE TO BUY IT: See individual listings. |
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Homemade Marshmallows, Handmade Marshmallows
CAPSULE REPORT: As a fine confection, marshmallows don’t get the respect that they deserve. That’s because supermarket marshmallows—the frame of reference for most of us—are about as appealing as cotton balls. You have to melt them into hot chocolate or s’mores to get any kind of satisfaction.
But there’s a new generation of artisans selling handmade gourmet marshmallows: the marshmallow equivalent of a really fine box of chocolate, but much more affordable. Starting with homemade marshmallows, they have won fans nationwide with their ethereal, melt-in- your-mouth puffs of flavor.
They are so light and satisfying that we’d rather have marshmallows than a piece of chocolate (most of the time). Mmmm.
For those watching their fat intake, most marshmallows are fat-free. In general, marshmallows are gluten-free. Some have toppings with gluten, such as graham cracker crumbs.
We’ve even found halal, kosher and vegan versions.
So if you have a sweet tooth paired with a palate that demands the best, check out this year’s crop of handmade marshmallows.
- Join us on the the first page of our Marshmallow Overview to see what’s happening in the realm of modern homemade and handmade marshmallows.
- To jump right to the brand reviews, start here.
- Before you click away, take a peek at the article index below.
The History Of Marshmallows
Marshmallows take their name from the marsh mallow plant (Althea officinalis), which does indeed grow in marshes. Mallow refers to a species of plants that also includes rose mallow, Indian mallow and tree mallow.
The root of the marsh mallow plant produces a sticky, white, almost jelly-like substance. Supposedly, the Egyptians combined it with honey to make candy, as early as 2000 B.C.E. By the time of the Greeks, it was used for medicinal purposes. In today's confections, it's been replaced with gelatin and egg whites.
The transition to the modern marshmallow confection began with the French, around 1850. More marshmallow history.
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