Vegan marshmallow confectioners Sweet & Sara announced the arrival of their newest products earlier this month: Strawberry Marshmallows, Cinnamon Pecan Marshmallows, and Rocky Road Bark. We toted them around the city for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores to taste (and of course indulged in some ourselves).

First, it must be said—no—shouted down the aisles of your local supermarket: The bark is amazing. This is not your average candy bar; this is roasted almonds and chunks of soft marshmallow encased in gourmet, organic Belgian dark chocolate. Too gourmet for the palates of some, who thought the chocolate was slightly bitter. But overwhelmingly, vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike raved about the Rocky Road Bark. One omnivore called it “the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted.”

And did we mention the Cinnamon Pecan Marshmallows? A punch of cinnamon complements salty caramelized pecans for a sweet treat. We loved these, and so did our taste-testers. Some questioned what occasion they’d have to pop a marshmallow. For those folks who can’t appreciate the sugary, fluffy, gelatin-free goodness on its own, we suggest tossing these in ice cream.

The Strawberry Marshmallows are the real thing. Real strawberries, that is, seed flecks and all. Like Sara’s original marshmallows, these are denser than the air-puffed grocery brand concoctions. “I wouldn’t have known these weren’t regular marshmallows if you hadn’t told me,” said one ominvore. “Wow, can I snag another?” said one vegan as she savored her second.

Sara’s goodies are on the expensive side, at $5.95 for an 8.5-ounce box of marshmallows and $3.50 for a 2.5-ounce package of bark. But, like I said, they’re not regular marshmallows or mass-produced candy; they’re heavenly handmade creations from a woman who clearly puts care into every aspect of her foods, from mixer to packaging.

You can find Sweet & Sara products at Whole Foods and at these retailers, or order them online.

2 Comments

1. 
   Comment by

   beanmail

   on July 1, 2009 at 1:59 pm #

   Just had to give a shout-out to the oldie but goodie toasted coconut covered variety of these Sweet & Sara gems. Yum Yum.

2. 
   Comment by

   kts

   on July 24, 2009 at 10:47 am #

   those sound so good! also try Babycakes cupcakes they are soooo good.
   http://kristinticestudeman.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/get-your-skinny-buns-at-babycakes/