Organisers setting out a general sweet bowl
If attendees can eat beef gelatine, conventional sharing bags are an option. Check each bag’s weight against the number of portions you plan to serve.
Who is this for?
Organisers catering for vegan or mixed-diet groups
Set aside a clearly identified vegan product rather than assuming pink-and-white marshmallows are plant-based. Check its own allergy declaration before serving it.
Caterers managing a self-service table
Keep each product identifiable when filling or replenishing bowls, so attendees can consult the matching ingredients and allergy information.
What should you check before buying?
Standard sharing bags
Choose when: Beef gelatine is acceptable for the intended attendees and the bags are for a general sweet bowl.
Bear in mind: The Tesco, Waitrose and Asda examples all contain beef gelatine, according to their retailer ingredient lists.
Vegan marshmallows
Choose when: The catering plan calls for a separately identified option without animal products.
Bear in mind: Vegan does not mean suitable for every allergy: the Dandies listing declares soya, while M&S gives milk, nut and peanut allergy cautions for its vegan marshmallows.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary suitability | Read the gelling ingredient and any explicit vegan declaration. Check the exact product’s allergy statement, even when it is labelled vegan. | I need a choice that fits the attendees’ stated dietary requirements, with the vegan option clearly separate from standard bags. |
| Bag quantity | Use the bag’s net weight, your intended portion and the attendee count. Treat a retailer’s serving count as specific to that product, not as a standard portion across brands. | I want enough for the planned service without assuming every attendee will take the same amount. |
| Product identification | Keep the supplied pack or matching product information with each bowl. Check that the information still matches the product used when replenishing it. | At a self-service table, people should be able to tell which marshmallows they are taking and inspect their ingredients. |
Common serving mistakes
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Assuming all marshmallows are vegan
Tesco, Waitrose and Asda list beef gelatine in the standard bags considered here. Those bags will not meet a vegan catering requirement.
Read the ingredient list before ordering and identify a separate vegan product when the attendee group needs one.
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Assuming vegan means allergen-free
ASDA Groceries lists soya for Dandies Vegan Vanilla Flavoured Marshmallows. M&S says its Vegan Marshmallows are not suitable for people with milk, nut or peanut allergy.
Use the allergy information for the exact product and check the supplied pack before putting it out.
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Separating marshmallows from their product information
Once bags are emptied into bowls, attendees may not be able to identify which ingredient list belongs to which product.
Keep the original packs or matching product information at the service point, including when bowls are replenished.
Relevant brand references
Tesco
Tesco lists a 200 g conventional marshmallow bag that could be considered for a general sweet bowl.
- Its product listing gives the pack weight and ingredients.
- The listed ingredients include beef gelatine.
Waitrose
Waitrose lists a 200 g pink-and-white marshmallow bag.
- The listing identifies the pack weight and ingredients.
- Its ingredients include wheat glucose syrup and beef gelatine; check the supplied pack for the current declaration.
Asda
Asda lists a conventional 180 g marshmallow bag.
- The stated weight can be used when planning how many bags to serve.
- The ingredient list includes beef gelatine.
M&S
M&S lists both conventional Soft Marshmallows and Vegan Marshmallows; check which product is intended for each bowl.
- M&S describes its Vegan Marshmallows as free from animal products.
- Its conventional Soft Marshmallows contain beef gelatine. M&S also cautions that its Vegan Marshmallows are not suitable for people with milk, nut or peanut allergy.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's has an online marshmallow category to consult when arranging a grocery order.
- Check the exact product page and supplied pack for weight, ingredients and allergy information before choosing a bag.
Joybuy product options
This Morrisons sharing bag is an option for a general conference sweet bowl where gelatine is acceptable; check the supplied pack before serving it.
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Morrisons Marshmallows 200g
The 200 g bag is a sharing option for a conference bowl where gelatine is acceptable.
It contains gelatine and is described as unsuitable for vegetarians. Check the supplied pack’s ingredients and allergy information before serving.
Conference marshmallow FAQs
How many marshmallow bags should I buy for a conference?
Work from the attendee count, your planned portion and the selected bag’s net weight. Allow for whether marshmallows are the only sweet option, rather than applying one product’s serving description to every bag.
Are ordinary pink-and-white marshmallows vegan?
Do not assume they are. Tesco, Waitrose and Asda list beef gelatine in the conventional bags considered here; choose an explicitly vegan product when that is required and check its supplied label.
Are vegan marshmallows suitable for everyone with an allergy?
No. ASDA Groceries declares soya for Dandies Vegan Vanilla Flavoured Marshmallows, while M&S says its Vegan Marshmallows are not suitable for people with milk, nut or peanut allergy. Check the exact product’s allergy information.
What information should stay beside a self-service bowl?
Keep the original pack or matching product information available so attendees can identify the marshmallows and read their ingredients and allergy details. If you refill a bowl, make sure its information still matches the product inside.