For those who prefer vegetarian or vegan options, or who may be allergic to gelatin, you can easily replace gelatin in marshmallow recipes. Agar is a popular gelatin alternative made from seaweed that can be used to achieve a texture similar to marshmallows. This ingredient is a strong gelling agent and sets better than gelatin, so you may need to adjust your ratios and methods. For marshmallows, agar must be dissolved in water and boiled for a few minutes to activate its gelling properties. Agar sets at room temperature and sets faster than gelatin, so it’s important to work quickly.
Please note that agar, unlike gelatin, solidifies and does not melt, so the finished marshmallow may have a different texture and melting point, and may melt slightly less well when toasted or dissolved in hot drinks. . Despite these differences, with a little adjustment, vegan marshmallows can be a delicious alternative to traditional marshmallows.