Orchard Valley Foods has launched an all-natural range of marshmallows suitable for vegetarians. 

The vegetarian mallows are available in micro, mini and jumbo sizes, with two colours - pink and white, as well as two flavours - strawberry and vanilla. 

Approved by the Vegetarian Society and Vegan Society, they contain carrageenan – a thickener made from seaweed – instead of pork gelatine. The mallows are also fat-, nuts-, soya- and dairy-free.

Orchard Valley said the vegetarian marshmallows perform the same as standard ones, and can be used in ice cream, traybakes, chilled desserts and as toppings for hot beverages.

In September, Orchard Valley Foods, which produces confections, ingredients and decorations for the food manufacturing, foodservice and retail sectors, merged with Sweden-based Candeco.