Runners trying an occasional sweet snack
If you want to try marshmallows around a run, separate the amount you intend to eat and try it during ordinary training. The UK Sports Institute notes that what works for one runner may not work for another.
Who is a sharing bag for?
Runners avoiding gelatine
Vegan-labelled bags offer an alternative to the beef-gelatine products listed by Waitrose and ASDA. Check each vegan bag's own allergen statement: M&S and Dandies list different cautions.
Households sharing a bag
A sharing bag can stay at home while you put aside a planned portion for training. Pack size and the stated serving size are separate details, so check both before dividing it up.
What should you check before buying?
Start with ingredients and allergens, then use the nutrition panel to plan a portion you can try in training. A pack's stated serving is a labelling measure, not an individual running plan.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate information | Read carbohydrate per 100g and per stated serving, if given. Waitrose lists 79g per 100g and 6g per serving; ASDA lists 78g per 100g and 19g per one-seventh-pack serving. | I want to work out what my planned portion contains rather than assume that the pack's serving size is right for my run. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the exact pack's ingredients, dietary statement and allergen warnings. The listed Waitrose and ASDA standard bags contain beef gelatine; M&S warns that its vegan product is not suitable for people with milk, nut or peanut allergy, while Dandies lists soya. | If I avoid gelatine or need to account for an allergen, a broad label such as “vegan” cannot replace a check of the full pack. |
| Portion and tolerance | Check the pack size and any stated serving. Separate the amount you plan to take, and try the product, amount and timing during ordinary training. The UK Sports Institute advises trial and error because runners differ. | I need a portion I can manage during a run, rather than copying somebody else's choice or taking the whole sharing bag. |
| Sharing format | Check whether the bag size works for sharing at home and for setting aside your own portion. The listed ASDA standard bag is 180g and the Waitrose pouch is 200g. | We will share the bag, but I still want to keep my intended training portion separate. |
What can go wrong?
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Treating the bag as a complete fuelling plan
A bag and its serving declaration do not determine your running portion, timing or tolerance. The UK Sports Institute notes that runners can respond differently to the same food.
Try the particular product and your planned amount in routine training before considering it for an important long run or event.
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Assuming a dietary label covers every ingredient concern
The listed Waitrose and ASDA standard bags contain beef gelatine. M&S says its vegan marshmallows are not suitable for people with milk, nut or peanut allergy; Dandies lists soya.
Read the ingredients and allergen statement on the exact pack, even when its vegan or gluten-free description matches one of your requirements.
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Using an online listing instead of the pack label
Recipes and labelling can change, which matters when you rely on an ingredient or allergen statement.
Before eating, check the physical pack's current ingredients, allergens, nutrition and storage instructions.
Brand and product-line references
These examples show why the exact product matters more than a brand name alone; check the current pack when buying.
Waitrose
Waitrose Pink and White Marshmallows are listed in a 200g pouch, with 79g carbohydrate per 100g and 6g per stated serving.
- The per-100g and serving figures offer two ways to read the nutrition panel when planning a portion.
- This product contains beef gelatine. Waitrose advises checking the label because recipes can change.
ASDA
ASDA Marshmallows come in a listed 180g bag with seven stated servings and 19g carbohydrate per serving.
- The one-seventh-pack serving gives a labelled reference for dividing the bag.
- This standard product contains beef gelatine. Its stated serving does not determine a running portion.
M&S
M&S Plant Kitchen Vegan Marshmallows are listed in a 140g bag, with 83.7g carbohydrate per 100g.
- M&S labels this particular product vegan.
- Its product page says it is not suitable for people with milk, nut or peanut allergy.
Dandies
Dandies Vegan Vanilla Flavoured Marshmallows are listed in a 200g bag, with 86g carbohydrate per 100g.
- The ASDA listing labels this product suitable for vegans and gluten free.
- The listing says it contains soya; check the full pack against your requirements.
Joybuy marshmallow bags
These are gelatine-containing marshmallow bags for shoppers considering a shareable, pre-portioned training snack. Neither bag's size establishes an amount to eat during a run.
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Morrisons Marshmallows 200g
The 200g bag can be shared at home while you set aside a portion to try during training. Its product description gives carbohydrate information per 100g and lists gelatine; it is not suitable for vegetarians. Check the current pack for the serving and ingredient details you need.
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SoSweet Marshmallow Twists 140g
This 140g bag is described for sharing and is smaller than the 180–200g examples above. Its product description gives carbohydrate information per 100g and lists halal beef gelatine, so it is not a vegan or vegetarian option. Check the current pack before dividing it into training portions.
Questions about training snacks
Can marshmallows be part of marathon training snacks?
They can contribute carbohydrate as an occasional snack, but a sharing bag is not a complete fuelling plan. The UK Sports Institute advises trial and error because what works for one runner may not work for another; try a familiar, pre-portioned amount in ordinary training first.
How can I work out a portion from a sharing bag?
Read the exact pack's nutrition panel and weigh or divide the amount you intend to eat. Waitrose lists 79g carbohydrate per 100g and 6g per serving; ASDA lists 78g per 100g and 19g per one-seventh-pack serving. Neither retail serving automatically sets the right amount for your run.
Are standard marshmallows vegan or vegetarian?
Do not assume they are: the listed Waitrose and ASDA standard products contain beef gelatine. M&S labels its Plant Kitchen marshmallows vegan, and the Dandies listing says its product is suitable for vegans. Check the particular pack before buying.
Do I need to check allergens when ingredients appear online?
Yes. GOV.UK explains that food businesses must provide information about specified allergens when they are ingredients. Check the current physical pack as well as the product description: M&S gives milk, nut and peanut unsuitability warnings for its vegan marshmallows, while the Dandies listing says it contains soya.
How should I store a marshmallow sharing bag?
Follow the instructions on the particular pack. Waitrose says to store its Pink and White Marshmallows in a cool, dry place; check your bag for any further instructions that apply after opening.