Are Most Vegan Marshmallows Made of Aquafaba?
The world of vegan alternatives is ever-expanding, and one of the beloved treats making the switch is marshmallows. Many are excited by the prospect of aquafaba, but is it the primary ingredient in most vegan marshmallows? Let’s dive into the details.
The Case Against Aquafaba
Firstly, the concept of using aquafaba as a marshmallow base is relatively new. It has gained traction due to its egg whites replacement properties, but it wasn't immediately embraced by large-scale manufacturers. This is because natural alternatives often face challenges in consistency and sweetness, which are crucial for a marshmallow to taste and behave like its non-vegan counterpart.
Most Commercial Vegan Marshmallows Use Tapioca Starch
Due to these challenges, most commercial vegan marshmallows use tapioca starch as their key component. Tapioca starch is derived from the cassava plant and acts as a gelatin or corn starch substitute. It provides the marshmallow with a sticky, marshmallowy texture while also ensuring good flavor and sweetness. This is why you can find vegan marshmallows from trusted brands like Trader Joe’s, often recommended by many vegans and vegetarians.
DIY Marshmallows Using Aquafaba
On the homemade front, aquafaba stabilized with agar is becoming a popular choice. Agar is a gelling agent derived from red algae, which is well-suited for vegan cooking. While I haven’t personally tried any recipe using this method, many people have reported success in creating a marshmallow-like texture. If you're interested in giving it a try, here’s a basic recipe you might find helpful to get you started:
Homemade Vegan Marshmallows Using Aquafaba
Ingredients: 1 cup aquafaba (from 2 cans of chickpeas) 1 tablespoon agar powder 2 tablespoons sugar (or more to taste) Vanilla extract (optional)
Steps: Heat the aquafaba in a saucepan over low heat until it starts to steam. Stir in agar powder and continue to heat until everything is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Add sugar and vanilla extract (if using), then whisk vigorously until the mixture thickens. Pour the mixture into a greased mold and refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours.
Fairly New but Growing
While commercial marshmallows lean towards tapioca starch for consistency and taste, the use of aquafaba is on the rise. Innovations in vegan cooking and the increasing demand for plant-based options are driving the development of new recipes and techniques. So while most current vegan marshmallows do not primarily use aquafaba, it is definitely a concept worth watching.
Conclusion
In summary, most commercial vegan marshmallows do not primarily use aquafaba; tapioca starch is often the go-to ingredient. However, there are exciting developments and experiments being done in the realm of DIY vegan marshmallows, with aquafaba showing promise. Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought marshmallows or the adventure of homemade treats, there are options available to suit your dietary preferences.
Whether you are a die-hard vegan or just trying to explore plant-based alternatives, you can enjoy marshmallows with peace of mind knowing that there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.