Fluff you, Jet-Puffed
I’ll admit it—I’ve always been a marshmallow traditionalist (I get it from my mother).
Jet-Puffed marshmallows were always my go-to for every marshmallow need: hot cocoa, s’mores, and sneaky handfuls straight from the bag (I really love them frozen).
So when I found Dandies Vanilla Vegan Mini Marshmallows on Thrive Market I decided to give them a try- but didn’t expect much…
but man, was I wrong.
How different could a marshmallow be? It turns out, very different—and in the best way possible.
First, let’s talk about the price.
Dandies are available on Thrive Market at $4.29 per bag (minimum purchase of 2 bags). On Amazon, you can buy them in a pack of six for $24.95, making them the best deal compared to Thrive Market’s six bags for $25.74… or Walmart’s exorbitant $9.99 for a single bag.
For a product that’s free of gelatin, corn syrup, artificial flavors, and artificial colors, the Amazon price feels like a steal.
What makes these marshmallows so special though?
These marshmallows aren’t just vegan—they’re also non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and made in a peanut- and tree nut-free facility.
They’re designed for anyone and everyone, whether you’re vegan, allergen-conscious, or just want marshmallows that don’t have more than
questionable ingredients like gelatin, corn syrup, dextrose, tetrasodium pyrophosphate (a whipping agent), natural AND artificial flavor, AND BLUE DYE 1?!?!?!?!
Literally every single ingredient besides sugar in Jet-Puffed marshmallows should call for concern.
Uhm…Jet-Puffed…Why is there blue dye number 1 in my white marshmallows?!
That doesn’t make any sense.
When it comes to taste, Dandies delivered in a way I didn’t expect. Opening the bag is like stepping into a cloud of sweet vanilla meringue.
Reminded me of my grandma’s Forgotten Cookie recipe…
Yeah, I know. Based on the name, you have no clue what those are. They’re just like vanilla meringue cookies, essentially, but with chocolate chips in them…
No, you can’t have the recipe… unless you ask. ;)
They’re squishy and quite a bit denser than the Jet-Puffed marshmallows. They have a firmer texture than your traditional marshmallows and I found that, in itself, oddly satisfying.
While they’re sweet like Jet-Puffed, the flavor has a unique richness that’s hard to describe—it’s cleaner and somehow more “real.”
…more homemade marshmallow-like.
I had my family of four (including myself) put Dandies to the ultimate test.
My oldest child ate a couple and made a strange face at first but then nodded her approval. She stood here next to me for all of 1 minute to try them before wandering off (likely plotting her marshmallow heist). Ha!
I asked my youngest, our resident marshmallow connoisseur, which he liked better: the usual marshmallows (Jet-Puffed) or these. He smiled mid-bite and declared, “These are better!”
My husband, ever the skeptic, walked off with a handful and returned with an eyebrow raised,
holding one up like a prized gem, saying, “These are good!”
As for me, let’s just say
I’m never buying Jet-Puffed again.
After tasting Dandies, the others feel like sugary fluff with absolutely no soul.
To put things into perspective, here’s how Dandies stack up nutritionally against Jet-Puffed:
While the numbers are close (and Dandies does have more sugar), the difference in taste and quality is undeniable.
Dandies’ ingredients list is also refreshingly simple: tapioca syrup, cane sugar, filtered water, tapioca starch, carrageenan, soy protein, and natural vanilla flavor. There’s no gelatin, no corn syrup, and no artificial junk—just marshmallow goodness.
However, when I went to research carrageenan (because I had no idea what it was), I learned that it is a natural additive from red seaweed that is used to thicken, emulsify and preserve foods and drinks.
I then got even more intrigued and found it is used as a medicine and can help fight infections such as HPV. Other uses include aiding with cough suppression, the common cold, and several other conditions.
But upon digging a bit deeper, I learned this natural additive can cause inflammation, digestive issues and even colon cancer.
However, they say that the food grade carrageenan is safe for consumption.
Feel free to take this information and use it however it suits you best ;)
To me though, it seems like everything these days is a ‘pick your poison’ type situation. Either way, I will take the natural food additive over the non-natural cancer causing food dyes any day.
Since I don’t think I can stop eating marshmallows, I think Dandies has earned a permanent spot in our pantry (or freezer, for that matter). They’re perfect for any of your marshmallow needs, whether it’s hot cocoa or just straight out of the bag (my choice).
Once you try them, there’s no going back. I never thought I’d say this, but Jet-Puffed marshmallows now taste disgusting and are a disgrace to the marshmallow world.
Dandies have completely redefined what a marshmallow should be.
Dandies are worth every penny if you’re ready to upgrade your marshmallow game. They’re sweet, squishy, and made with care—and they’ve got my entire family’s stamp of approval.
IMBH-Marshy Opinion, YES!
