According to the FDA, Lucky Charms is one of the world’s most famous breakfast cereals with its colorful and fun marshmallows. These magical little pieces (which have a place in our hearts and are often referred to as “marbits”) have been a ubiquitous household item for decades. However one question fans often have is, are Lucky Charms marshmallows freeze-dried? In this article, we’re going to dig into how these marshmallows are made and processed, exploring if freeze-drying is behind their texture and flavor.
What Are Lucky Charms Marshmallows?
There were also Lucky Charms marshmallows, aka “marbits,” which are tiny, multi-colored nuggets made of sugar, gelatin and other ingredients. They are in a myriad of shapes and colors (hearts, stars, clovers, moons, etc.), which is what makes the cereal so visually appealing. Unlike regular marshmallows, these have a crunchy texture that become chewy when submerged in milk.
Are They Freeze-Dried?
Yes, Lucky Charms marshmallows are freeze-dried. Simply put, this takes all the moisture out of the marshmallows while keeping their shape, color, and flavor. It is freeze-drying that gives Lucky Charms their characteristic crunch and lets the marshmallows retain their shape without becoming sticky or gooey.
How Does Freeze-Drying Work?
Freeze-drying or lyophilization consists of the following steps:
The marshmallows are frozen to quickly “set” their shape and flavor.
- Vacuum Drying: The frozen marshmallows go into a vacuum chamber and sublimation occurs, where the ice sublimates and changes directly into vapor.
- Final Drying: This step removes any remaining moisture, giving the resulting snack its crispy quality.
It also renders the marshmallows shelf-stable, lightweight and ideal for long-term holding in cardboard cereal boxes.
Why Use Freeze-Dried Marshmallows?
There are a few specific reasons freeze-dried marshmallows are used in Lucky Charms:
- Crunch: The crunchy texture offers a nice contrast to the creamy soft cereal.
- Longevity: Freeze-dry helps preserve their shelf life, so the marshmallows remain fresh for months.
- Convenience: Because they are lightweight and easy to package, freeze-dried marshmallows are great to mass produce.
How Do They Compare to Normal Marshmallows?
Traditional marshmallows are soft and chewy, but Lucky Charms marshmallows are dry and crisp. The difference is due to moisture: regular marshmallows are moist because they are mostly made of water, whereas freeze-dried marshmallows contain almost no water. This makes them particularly appropriate for cereal, since they won’t dissolve or go mushy in milk.
Can You Can Your Own Freeze-Dried Marshmallows?
DIY enthusiasts can make freeze-dried marshmallows at home with a freeze dryer. If you don’t have one, you can approximate the same effect by drying out marshmallows in an oven set to low heat, though the texture won’t be the same.
Final Thoughts
The unique crunch and shelf life of Lucky Charms marshmallows can be attributed to a freeze-drying process. This groundbreaking approach has enabled the cereal to remain an enduring breakfast choice through the decades. Now, when you dig into your bowl of Lucky Charms, you can do so with an extra bit of appreciation for the creativity and technology that went into the magical marbhits that make your breakfast so fun.
And it’s that appeal that Lucky Charms retains, whether you’re a long-time devotee or someone with the spirit of an adventurer. And yes, that marshmallows are freeze dried magic!
