Vegan Confectioners Develop Aquafaba Marshmallows

New artisanal vegan confectionery The Vegan Marshmallow Company, founded by Michele Bezue, recently launched an Indiegogo campaign to bring its gelatin-free, allergen-friendly marshmallows to market. The brand’s marshmallows will be available in rotating inventive flavors, including Fresh Lemonade, Earl Grey Orange Blossom, and Curried Banana, and are made with a mix of aquafaba, agar agar, vegan sugar, pure extracts, and vanilla-bean paste. “I felt strongly that there had to be a way to create a gelatin-free marshmallow with the same amazing taste and qualities of traditional handmade marshmallows,” Bezue said. “You have no idea how excited I was when I finally got it right.” For summer months, the company plans to offer vegan graham crackers and chocolate, along with its marshmallows, to create a gourmet s’mores experience. Foods made with aquafaba—an ingredient sourced from the brine readily available in a can of chickpeas—are a growing trend, as seen in the recent debut of aquafaba butter, aquafaba egg replacer, and aquafaba cocktails.