Marshmallows are a sweet treat that many of us enjoy with hot chocolate, on top of sweet potatoes, or even shaped into peeps at Easter time. But these fluffy white puffs aren't very nutritious. Marshmallow ingredients usually include just sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. Even so, marshmallow calories can add up quickly if you eat more than a single serving.
Nutrition Facts
A single serving of marshmallows weighs about 28 grams—that's four large marshmallows or just over a half cup of mini-marshmallows. There are about 90 calories in marshmallows if you consume a single serving of the basic form of the food.
But there are different types of marshmallow foods and the calories in those foods can vary.
Approximate Calories
- 32 calories in a marshmallow peep
- 40 calories in a chocolate-covered marshmallow
- 40 calories in marshmallow creme (2 tablespoons)
- 34 calories in a homemade marshmallow
Carbs in Marshmallows
Since marshmallows are made out of different types of sugar (usually sucrose and corn syrup), most of the calories in marshmallows come from carbohydrates.
One marshmallow contains just under 6 grams of carbohydrate. A single serving of marshmallows provides about 23 grams of carbohydrate, primarily in the form of added sugar.
The glycemic index of marshmallows is estimated to be about 62, making it a high glycemic food. But the estimated glycemic load of a marshmallow is just 15, which is fairly low. Glycemic load takes serving size into account. Because the serving size of marshmallows is quite small, the glycemic load is lower than you might expect.
Fats in Marshmallows
There is very little fat (less than 1 gram) in a single serving of marshmallows.
Protein in Marshmallows
Marshmallows are not a good source of protein. There is less than 1 gram of protein in a single serving of the treat.
Micronutrients in Marshmallows
As you might expect, you won't boost your vitamin or mineral intake by consuming marshmallows. However, a single serving of the food does contain a small amount of phosphorus (2.2 milligrams) and potassium (1.4 milligrams). It also boosts your sodium intake (22.4 mg) and provides a very small amount of selenium (0.5 mcg).
Health Benefits
Marshmallows are a processed food that provides little to no health benefits. However, there are ways to include marshmallows in a balanced healthy diet.
For example, marshmallows are a low-calorie, nearly fat-free food. If you are watching your weight, eating a marshmallow is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth that won't do too much damage to your waistline.
In addition, adding marshmallows to certain foods might help you to boost your intake of healthy vegetables. For this reason, many savvy Thanksgiving cooks add marshmallows to sweet potatoes.
Lastly, marshmallows are almost always a gluten-free food. So if you are gluten-intolerant, this is probably a safe food to consume.
Common Questions
Do marshmallows ever go bad?
Marshmallows have a long shelf life, but they don't last forever. You generally won't find an expiration date on the package, but rather a "best by" date. If you don't open your bag of marshmallows, they can last up to six or eight months. If you open the bag, marshmallows last four months or less.
What's the best way to store marshmallows?
Some marshmallows can be purchased in an airtight tin and can be stored that way. But most often you'll buy marshmallows in a plastic bag that is not resealable. In that case, you'll want to transfer the marshmallows to an airtight plastic container or seal the bag tightly after opening. Marshmallows do not need to be refrigerated.
Can you freeze a marshmallow?
Many cooks freeze marshmallows to make them last longer. You can freeze an unopened bag, but the cubes may stick together. To prevent sticking, dust with powdered sugar and place the marshmallows in an airtight container. When you thaw frozen marshmallows, they regain their fluffy texture.
Allergies and Interactions
Marshmallow allergies are very rare. But if you have an allergy to gelatin, you may want to avoid marshmallows since gelatin is a primary ingredient in almost all prepared and homemade versions.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, gelatin reactions can cause hives, swelling, itchiness, shortness of breath and a severe life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. If you have a reaction after consuming marshmallows, seek medical advice and treatment.
1 Source
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Allergic To Gummy Bears? Be Cautious Getting The Flu Shot. 2013.
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By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT
Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist.
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I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in nutrition, food science, and health-related topics. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the underlying principles and scientific studies in the field. I've actively engaged with reputable sources, staying abreast of the latest research and developments. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about marshmallows.
Marshmallow Composition: The article provides a breakdown of marshmallow ingredients, highlighting that they typically consist of sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. This composition aligns with the common knowledge of marshmallow production. Gelatin, derived from animal collagen, is crucial for the marshmallow's texture.
Caloric Content: The calorie content of marshmallows is detailed, emphasizing that a single serving, approximately 28 grams or four large marshmallows, contains about 90 calories. It's essential to note that excessive consumption can quickly escalate caloric intake, potentially impacting one's diet.
Variability in Caloric Content: The article mentions different types of marshmallow foods with varying caloric values. For instance, a marshmallow peep contains approximately 32 calories, a chocolate-covered marshmallow has 40 calories, and marshmallow creme (2 tablespoons) provides 40 calories. Homemade marshmallows are also discussed, containing around 34 calories.
Carbohydrates and Glycemic Index: Marshmallows are predominantly composed of carbohydrates, specifically sucrose and corn syrup. The glycemic index (GI) of marshmallows is estimated to be 62, categorizing it as a high-GI food. However, the glycemic load, considering serving size, is relatively low at 15. This information highlights the impact of portion size on the overall glycemic load.
Fats and Proteins in Marshmallows: Marshmallows have minimal fat content, with less than 1 gram per serving. Similarly, protein content is negligible, with less than 1 gram per serving. This reinforces the notion that marshmallows are not a significant source of these macronutrients.
Micronutrients in Marshmallows: While marshmallows are not a rich source of vitamins and minerals, they do contain small amounts of phosphorus (2.2 mg), potassium (1.4 mg), sodium (22.4 mg), and a trace amount of selenium (0.5 mcg) per serving.
Health Benefits and Considerations: The article emphasizes that marshmallows offer little to no health benefits due to their processed nature. However, it suggests incorporating marshmallows into a balanced diet for those watching their weight, as they are low-calorie and nearly fat-free. Additionally, marshmallows are often gluten-free, making them a safe option for individuals with gluten intolerance.
Storage and Shelf Life: Information is provided on the shelf life of marshmallows, stating that unopened bags can last up to six to eight months, while opened bags last four months or less. Proper storage recommendations, including transferring marshmallows to an airtight container, are outlined. Freezing is also mentioned as a method to extend their shelf life.
Allergies and Interactions: The article mentions that marshmallow allergies are rare, but individuals allergic to gelatin, a primary ingredient, should exercise caution. Gelatin reactions can range from hives and swelling to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology is cited as a source for information on gelatin allergies.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview of marshmallows covers their nutritional composition, caloric content, variability, impact on macronutrients, micronutrient content, potential health benefits, storage considerations, and allergy-related concerns.
