Why don't marshmallows spoil/go bad?

[kindermom]

We've completed our experiment "When Food Goes Bad!" and now we're trying to figure out why our marshmallows (KRAFT Jet-Puffed brand) didn't go bad. My husband thinks the sugar slows down the bateria's growth, and I think it might be the preservatives. Does anyone know for sure why marshmallows don't spoil?

Thanks!

KinderMom

[MelissaB]

Hi,

Bacteria actually eat sugar and thrive on it, so it is definitely not the sugar in the marshmallows that kept them from going bad. Your hypothesis is more likely to be true; preservatives do just that--prevent the food from spoiling.

Here's a really interesting article I just found via Google on the history of the marshmallow-making process: http://www.enotes.com/how-products-ency ... arshmallow .

[kindermom]

Thanks for the timely info, Melissa!

We've just completed our project and we're now looking forward to our first Science Fair!

KinderMom