What’s in toasted marshmallow syrup?

Toasted marshmallow syrup is a delicious topping that can add a sweet, rich flavor to many desserts and drinks. It’s often used to top things like ice cream sundaes, milkshakes, hot chocolate, coffees, pancakes, waffles, and more. But what exactly gives toasted marshmallow syrup its signature flavor? Here’s a look at the main ingredients that go into making this tasty syrup.

Sugar

The base of toasted marshmallow syrup is sugar. Sugar helps provide the sweetness and is what allows the syrup to dissolve smoothly into drinks and coat desserts evenly. Typically, toasted marshmallow syrup contains sugar syrup or invert syrup in the ingredients list. These are liquid forms of sugar that allow the syrup to have a smooth, pourable consistency. Corn syrup may also be used. These sweeteners give toasted marshmallow syrup its ultra-sweet flavor.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is another key ingredient in toasted marshmallow syrup. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that helps give the syrup a richer, thicker texture. Without cornstarch, the syrup would be very thin and runny. The cornstarch enables the syrup to coat and cling to foods like ice cream, pancakes, or other items you want the toasted marshmallow flavor to stick to. The cornstarch gives the syrup a smooth viscosity.

Water

Water helps thin out the syrup slightly so it has a pourable consistency. If toasted marshmallow syrup contained only sugar and cornstarch, it would be extremely thick and gloppy. Adding some water helps thin it out so it can be drizzled smoothly over foods or swirled into drinks. However, not so much water is added that the syrup becomes runny. It still needs to be thick enough to adhere to foods. So water helps achieve the ideal syrupy texture.

Natural and Artificial Flavors

To give toasted marshmallow syrup that sweet, smoky, campfire-like flavor, natural and artificial flavors are added. These flavorings are likely what gives the syrup its distinct taste of toasted marshmallows. The exact blend of natural and artificial flavors is a proprietary recipe that varies by brand. But it often contains vanilla and a brown butter or caramelized sugar taste to emulate the flavor of a perfectly golden toasted marshmallow.

Salt

A small pinch of salt is also included in toasted marshmallow syrup. You may not be able to detect it, but the salt plays an important role. Salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Without a touch of salt, the syrup would taste flat and one-dimensional. The salt makes the sweetness pop and improves the overall flavor.

Preservatives

Toasted marshmallow syrup also contains preservatives to prolong its shelf life and prevent mold, bacteria, and other foodborne illnesses from developing. Commonly used preservatives in syrups include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sulfites. Even in the refrigerator after opening, these preservatives keep the toasted marshmallow syrup safe to consume for a longer period of time.

Coloring

Some toasted marshmallow syrups contain caramel color or other food dyes to achieve a rich golden brown hue. This darker color mimics the look of a perfectly browned and toasted marshmallow. While artificial coloring provides visual appeal, some brands opt for no dyes and just rely on the natural flavors and sugar to provide the light brownish color.

Typical Nutrition Facts

Now that we know the main ingredients that give toasted marshmallow syrup its distinctive flavor, let’s take a look at the nutrition facts for a typical serving. Here is the approximate nutrition information for 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of toasted marshmallow syrup:

Calories 120
Total Fat 0 g
Sodium 25 mg
Total Carbohydrate 30 g
Sugars 27 g
Protein 0 g

As you can see, a serving of toasted marshmallow syrup is high in sugar and contains 120 calories, with no fat or protein. The sugars make up the majority of the carbohydrates. The syrup also contains a small amount of sodium.

So in a 2 tablespoon serving, you’re getting 27 grams of sugar – essentially equivalent to about 7 teaspoons of granulated sugar. So while delicious, toasted marshmallow syrup should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat, rather than something consumed daily. The high sugar content makes it more of a dessert topping.

How It’s Made

Now that we know what’s inside toasted marshmallow syrup, let’s look briefly at how it’s produced:

1. Mixing the ingredients

The sugar, cornstarch, water, flavors, preservatives, and any other ingredients are combined in large mixing machines. This allows them to be distributed evenly throughout the mixture.

2. Heating the mixture

Next, the mixture is heated in large pots or vats to help infuse the flavors and achieve the desired consistency. Heating allows the cornstarch to thicken properly.

3. Adding colors and final touches

Any food coloring or additional touches are added at this stage while the mixture is still hot. The syrup may also be tested and adjusted as needed to achieve the ideal flavor, thickness and color.

4. Cooling it down

The syrup is cooled back down before bottling so it remains pourable and doesn’t damage the packaging from heat.

5. Bottling

Once cooled, the toasted marshmallow syrup is bottled into containers, sealed, labeled, and packaged to ship out to stores or consumers.

Making toasted marshmallow syrup is a relatively straightforward process, but it results in an irresistibly flavored topping!

Different Brands

There are a few major brands of toasted marshmallow syrup sold in stores. Here is an overview of some popular options:

Smucker’s

– One of the most widely available and best-known brands

– Made with sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, natural and artificial flavor, xanthan gum, and citric acid

– No artificial colors

– Thick, rich texture and toasted flavor

Torani

– Popular syrup brand used a lot in coffee shops

– Ingredients include high fructose corn syrup, sugar, water, natural and artificial flavors, salt, potassium sorbate, and caramel color

– Smooth, pourable texture

Hershey’s

– Made by the iconic chocolate brand

– Made with corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, water, natural and artificial flavors, salt, citric acid, and food starch

– Has a darker caramel color

– Very sweet, pronounced toasted marshmallow taste

DaVinci

– Brand used often for grocery store labeling

– Ingredients are high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, natural and artificial flavor, salt, potassium sorbate, and caramel color

– Affordably priced

– Tend to be thinner in consistency than other brands

So while ingredients vary slightly, these major brands have a similar nutritional profile and all aim to achieve that sweet toasted flavor. It comes down to personal preference on texture, color, and price when choosing a toasted marshmallow syrup brand.

Uses for Toasted Marshmallow Syrup

Now that we know what’s inside this tasty syrup, let’s look at some delicious ways you can use toasted marshmallow syrup:

Ice Cream Sundaes

Drizzle toasted marshmallow syrup over ice cream sundaes, whether they’re hot fudge, strawberry, caramel, or other flavors. The toasted marshmallow taste pairs perfectly with the cold, creamy ice cream.

Milkshakes

Add a squirt of toasted marshmallow syrup into your next milkshake for extra flavor. It goes great with chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or almost any milkshake variety.

Coffees and Hot Chocolate

Stir some toasted marshmallow syrup into hot coffee beverages for a hit of sweetness. It’s especially tasty in mochas or flavored lattes. You can also drizzle it over the whipped cream on hot chocolate.

Pancakes and Waffles

Toasted marshmallow syrup is delicious drizzled over pancakes, waffles, crepes, and French toast. The flavor combines wonderfully with the breakfast flavors.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer yogurt parfaits with toasted marshmallow syrup for extra sweetness and taste.

Bananas or Fruit

For a tasty treat, drizzle toasted marshmallow syrup over sliced bananas or other fruits like strawberries.

Oatmeal

Stir a bit of toasted marshmallow syrup into oatmeal for a breakfast treat.

Graham Crackers or Cookies

Dip graham crackers, Teddy grahams, or cookies into toasted marshmallow syrup for a fun snack.

Sweet Potatoes

Drizzle toasted marshmallow syrup over sweet potato casserole for a unique twist.

DIY Toasted Marshmallow Syrup Recipe

Want to try making your own homemade toasted marshmallow syrup? Here is a simple recipe you can whip up:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon toasted marshmallow flavoring or brown butter flavoring

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until mixture comes to a boil.

2. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, continuing to stir often. Be careful not to burn.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and marshmallow flavoring.

4. Let cool slightly before pouring into a glass jar or other container.

5. Store in the refrigerator.

6. Shake or stir before use as the syrup may separate.

7. Use on ice cream, pancakes, in drinks, and more!

Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your taste. Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.

Storage Tips

Toasted marshmallow syrup should be stored properly after opening to maintain quality and freshness:

– Keep syrup in the refrigerator after opening

– Make sure bottle is tightly sealed when storing

– If syrup separates, shake gently before using

– For best quality and flavor, use within 4-6 months after opening

– Look for any mold developing around bottle opening or cap

– Discard if syrup smells, looks, or tastes bad

Properly stored in the fridge, toasted marshmallow syrup can stay tasty for several months past its best by date. Keeping it chilled prevents bacteria growth.

Conclusion

Toasted marshmallow syrup is a delightful topping made from a simple but delicious blend of sugar, cornstarch, flavors, and preservatives. It can add its sweet, nostalgic flavor to everything from ice cream to hot beverages. While high in sugar like most syrups, enjoying it occasionally can be a special treat. Now that you know exactly what gives toasted marshmallow syrup its delicious taste and how to use it, you can start getting creative with recipes using this popular syrup. Drizzle away on your favorite desserts and drinks!

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