Evolution of the Marshmallow

Just when you thought marshmallows had seen their better days...marshmallow sales are up $5 M in 2008. Still dwarfed by the billion dollar chocolate industry, but a growing market segment none the less and the candy industry is taking notice. This growth may be due a new trend that involves dressing marshmallows up to take back their rightful place among other sweet treats.

Some of the newest innovations are sold under the GudFud label and include marshmallows with chocolate drizzle atop known as Zebras and marshmallows stuffed with chocolate, grape, orange or other fruity jelly fillings. Products are said to be inspired by the Japanese mochi which is a rice cake stuffed with a sweet filling and are sold in brightly colored packaging rather than your traditional clear bag signifying an immediate difference in consumer use. They’re not just for baking anymore!

Then there’s Sweet & Sara that specializes in producing vegan marshmallows (made without gelatin). Who knew? Flavors include Simply Strawberry, Cinnamon Pecan, Toasted Coconut, and Vanilla. And of course there’s the Artisan gourmet marshmallow which you can find at retailers such as Dulce Del Rocio and Recchuiti Confections which sells a gourmet S’mores kit. S’mores without the campfire…now that’s what we’ve all been waiting for!

The history of the marshmallow is fascinating and dates back to Ancient Egypt when it was known as the candy of the Pharoahs. The rebirth of the marshmallow reflects a larger consumer food trends to return to comfort foods. Considering the life of the marshmallow thus far, I would say this trend has been a long time coming.
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Taste Test: Jell-O Mousse Temptations Consumers Give New Product Thumbs Up

LENEXA, KAN. - Nov. 18, 2009 - A recent independent taste panel of consumers finds the new Jell-o Mousse Temptations Chocolate Indulgence product to be worthy of purchase. Panelists were recruited at random to participate in this blind taste test.

PROS: This product definitely hits the sweet spot without overdoing it. The mousse has "just enough chocolate taste" without being overly rich or bitter. Panelists gave the product excellent marks for both taste and color attributes. Most could not believe the product was sugar free.

CONS: The most common complaint with this product was its texture. Testers generally found the product to be "light" and "airy" but would have liked the product to be "creamier" in texture. Another side note, the flavor was mistaken by some as dark chocolate.

While the product is marketed as an individual snack cup, many testers were already thinking outside the cup. Adding cheesecake as a topper, infusing the product with coffee flavored bits or chocolate bits, or possibly adding a layer of cherry or raspberry sauce in the middle were just a few of the ideas that came up.

Overall 92% of testers gave this product either a Good or Excellent rating. Not too bad for a 2.3 grams and under 60 calories of sin free (sugar free) chocolate bliss in a cup.

Other flavors include Dark Chocolate Decadence and Caramel Crème. These products can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocer.