Hey Pacific Northwest families, if you are looking to add a little magic to a rainy weekend, elevate your family’s next movie night, have at your next cocoa bar, or surprise your kiddo’s friend group with something extra special, then look no further than the growing world of specialty marshmallows. From handcrafted AIP-friendly bites to gourmet s’mores bars and event-ready roasting stations, Oregon is becoming a quiet haven for marshmallow lovers of all ages.
Here are some of the best local (and locally inspired) places to explore, plus a fun option for making your own fluffy treats at home.
1. Sweet Apricity
These treats are AIP, Paleo, and gluten-free! If your household includes kids or adults with food sensitivities, Sweet Apricity is a treasure.
Born from the 17th-century word apricity, meaning “the warmth of the sun in winter”, Sweet Apricity truly lives up to its name. Their marshmallows and caramels offer the rare joy of a sweet indulgence that fits within strict dietary needs, including:
- AIP (Autoimmune Protocol)
- Paleo
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
Each bite is intentionally crafted to feel like a moment of sunshine on a cold day, perfect for families navigating elimination diets or simply trying to keep treats clean and natural. Handmade in Portland with real ingredients and offered in perfectly snackable sizes, these marshmallows are as comforting as they are convenient.
For parents who want joy without the worry, this brand is a beautiful place to start.
2. Marsh & Mallow Co.
Looking for gourmet s’mores for events and celebrations? Marsh & Mallow Co. has you covered. If your kids have ever imagined a s’mores bar at their birthday party, or if you want something memorable for a family reunion, graduation celebration, or team bonding event, Marsh & Mallow Co. brings the campfire magic directly to you.
Created in 2024 by a newly married Oregon couple with years of s’mores-catering experience, their mission is simple: to create sweet moments that stick with you long after the marshmallows melt.
What makes them special:
- Completely gluten-free options
- Oversized, gourmet marshmallows
- A curated s’mores menu
- Professional roasting stations
- A warm, nostalgic vibe perfect for all ages
They understand how special food memories can be, and they’re experts at building an entire experience around the simple joy of a toasted marshmallow.
For parents planning a party, this is a show-stopping option.
3. Toasted S’mores Bar
These artisan s’mores have a Portland twist. Toasted S’mores Bar is one of the newest players in Portland’s marshmallow scene, and it’s already making waves. Founded in late 2024 by Nico (of Nico’s Ice Cream fame) and Russell (formerly of Moonstruck Chocolate), Toasted blends creative culinary expertise with pure campfire nostalgia.
Expect:
- Handcrafted artisan s’mores
- Seasonal rotating flavors
- Local collaborations
- A cozy, welcoming atmosphere
- High-quality ingredients with a PNW twist
This is the place to go if you want to take the kids on a dessert adventure or introduce them to a totally new take on a classic treat. It’s also a fun spot for parents to enjoy after-dinner sweets that feel indulgent yet elevated.
Want to Try Making Your Own? It’s Easier Than You Think!
For families who love a weekend kitchen project or want a fun family activity, they can absolutely make marshmallows at home. We are using The Flavor Bender’s recipe. The process is surprisingly simple and kid-friendly as long as adults handle the hot sugar step.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gelatin
- Sugar
- Corn syrup (or honey)
- Water
- Vanilla
- Mixer
Basic steps:
- Bloom your gelatin.
- Heat the sugar mixture until it reaches the correct temperature.
- Whip everything together until thick, glossy, and fluffy.
- Pour into a pan, let it set, then slice into cubes.
- Toss in powdered sugar.
At-home marshmallows can also be flavored with peppermint, cocoa, freeze-dried fruit, or even Oregon berries for a local twist.
If you want detailed instructions, The Flavor Bender has an excellent guide that walks you through temperatures, textures, and tips for perfect homemade marshmallows every time.
A Sweet Conclusion
Whether you’re managing food restrictions, planning an event, exploring Portland’s dessert scene, or looking for a cozy kitchen project with the kids, Oregon has a marshmallow option for every family. From Sweet Apricity’s gentle, celebratory confections to the event-ready magic of Marsh & Mallow Co. and the culinary creativity at Toasted, these small-batch makers are keeping the spark of childhood wonder alive, one fluffy bite at a time.
If the weather outside is dreary (which, let’s be honest, is most of the year), there’s nothing like a marshmallow treat to bring a little sweetness into your home.
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.