Trader Joe’s has officially released one of the most surprising spring candy finds of the season: Gelatin-Free Marshmallow Eggs.
Yep, the sugar-coated, egg-shaped marshmallow classic typically made with animal-derived gelatin. But not this time.
I initially teased these on Instagram ahead of their official release. Now that Trader Joe’s has published the full product details and ingredient list, we can confirm they are made without gelatin.
They’re priced at just $1.49 per 1.5 oz (3-count) package.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Trader Joe’s Marshmallow Eggs?
These limited-time, spring seasonal marshmallows are soft, fluffy, egg-shaped treats coated in fine-grain colored sugar. They’re designed for:
- Easter baskets
- Spring dessert tables
- Cupcake toppers
- Seasonal snack boards
- School lunches
Trader Joe’s describes them as extra fluffy with a sweet (but not overpowering) flavor and festive spring colors.
They are expected to be available nationwide from February through April, while supplies last.
Ingredient Breakdown: No Gelatin, No Artificial Dyes
Like their regular sized and mini marshmallows (as well as some seasonal flavors) they’ve offered for many years, these skip gelatin entirely.
Here is the full ingredient list:
- Tapioca Syrup
- Sugar
- Carrageenan
- Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
- Color Added (Vegetable Juice, Spirulina Extract, Turmeric)
- Water
- Natural Flavors
Notably absent:
- No gelatin
- No corn syrup
- No artificial dyes
- No dairy
- No eggs
Traditional marshmallows rely on gelatin (often pork-derived) to create structure. Trader Joe’s version uses hydrolyzed pea protein and carrageenan instead, creating a gelatin-free marshmallow texture.
The colors come from vegetable juice, spirulina extract, and turmeric rather than synthetic dyes.
Are Trader Joe’s Marshmallow Eggs Vegan?
Trader Joe’s does not label these as vegan on the product page although they’ve used the word vegan on their other marshmallows the sell. I have not seen the package in person yet so it’s possible it could say it on the back.
However, based on the ingredient list, they are made without gelatin, dairy, or eggs and use plant-based stabilizers and color sources.
A gelatin-free marshmallow egg at a mainstream retailer (and at $1.49 no less) is not something most shoppers would have expected a few years ago. Seasonal candy is quietly evolving, and Trader Joe’s continues to lean into ingredient-forward formulations.
If these look familiar, you’re not imagining it. I recently shared similar gelatin-free marshmallow eggs from Good Mallow. While Trader Joe’s does not disclose private label suppliers, the ingredient structure including pea protein and carrageenan is notably aligned.
Whether this is a private label partnership or simply a similar formulation trend, it’s clear that gelatin-free marshmallows are becoming more accessible at retail.
If you spot these in your local store, let me know. I’ll continue tracking spring candy drops and ingredient updates as they hit shelves.
