A Short ‘n Sweet History of Roasting Marshmallows

Before marshmallows became the star of every campfire, they had a much stranger (and stickier) beginning.

Wait—marshmallows were medicine?

Believe it or not, marshmallows were originally made from the root of the mallow plant, which grew in marshes—hence the name. The Egyptians used it for medicinal purposes. Think sore throats, wounds, and who-knows-what else. Somewhere along the line, someone added sugar, whipped it into fluff, and said, “This’ll fix everything.”

Honestly, they weren’t wrong.

Enter: the campfire classic

It wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that marshmallows went from apothecary shelves to grocery store shelves. Once mass production made them cheaper and easier to get, Americans got creative—especially in the great outdoors.

No one really knows who first stuck a marshmallow on a twig and held it over a fire, but let’s just say they deserve a statue.

By the 1920s, roasting marshmallows became a full-blown fad. Girl Scout manuals were even teaching young campers how to make some mores—yes, that’s where the s’more got its name. Because of course you want some more.

To burn or not to burn?

Some people are golden-brown perfectionists. Others are marshmallow arsonists. (You know who you are.)

Penny, for example, had a very specific technique: slowly rotate it like you’re turning a tiny sugary rotisserie. But if it caught fire? Well, he just blew it out, shrugged, and said, “Still good.”

We love that energy.

Penny keeping a watchful eye as grandsons Scott, Derek, and Mike mastered the art of marshmallow roasting—though judging by Mike’s charred one, “mastered” might be generous.

From flames to fragrance

Whether you were the kid who set your marshmallow ablaze or the one who waited patiently for that perfect toast, there's something universally nostalgic about the smell of roasted sweetness mingled with smoke.

That’s exactly what inspired our Roasted Maple Mallows fragrance—smoky, sweet, and comforting, without the ash or sticky fingers. It’s like a campfire you can light in your living room (and no one has to bring wet firewood).

Got a sticky s’mores memory, campfire fail, or marshmallow masterpiece? Share your sweet (or slightly charred) stories in the comments—we’re all ears and gooey fingers!

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