what are marshmallows made of

Marshmallows are primarily made of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, water, and air. The sugar and corn syrup provide sweetness, while gelatin acts as a structural protein that stabilizes the foam and gives marshmallows their chewy, spongy texture. Air is incorporated through whipping, which makes marshmallows light and fluffy. Additional ingredients like flavorings (e.g., vanilla) and coatings of cornstarch or powdered sugar may also be included. Gelatin is key for the marshmallow’s texture as it forms a thermally reversible gel, allowing the candy to be soft and melt in the mouth. The combination of these ingredients creates the unique squishy, chewy consistency characteristic of marshmallows.