Zefir

What is zefir and how is it different from marshmallow?

Zefir is a confectionery product made with fruit or berry purée (often apple purée), pectin or agar-agar and whipped egg white. Unlike Western marshmallow, which is made with gelatine and sugar syrup without a fruit base, zefir has a denser yet airy texture and a distinct fruity taste.

In brief

• Zefir is not the same as marshmallow: it has a different base (pectin/agar versus gelatine) and texture.
• Fitness versions of zefir are made without added sugar, often with added protein.
• Zefir contains egg white: the product is not suitable for people with an egg allergy.
• Chocolate-coated zefir may contain dairy products and other allergens - check the ingredients on the packaging of the specific product.

Protein zefir and regular zefir: what is the difference?

Classic zefir is mainly made from fruit purée, sugar and egg white. In protein versions, part of the carbohydrate base is replaced or supplemented with a protein component (for example, whey protein), while sugar is replaced with sweeteners - this makes it possible to achieve a higher protein content and reduced sugar content per serving compared with the classic recipe.

Sugar-free zefir

Zefir with no added sugar is made with sweeteners (erythritol, stevia and others) instead of sugar syrup. The taste and consistency may differ slightly from classic zefir - pay attention to the sweetener composition if you have individual sensitivity to certain sugar substitutes.

Chocolate-coated zefir

Part of the range may be covered with chocolate coating - including dark or milk chocolate. This changes the calorie content and composition compared with zefir without coating, and may also add dairy components to the ingredients.

How to choose zefir

• Check the sugar content and the presence of sweeteners if this is important for your diet.
• Compare protein content per serving if you are choosing a protein version.
• Check the coating ingredients (type of chocolate, presence of dairy products).
• Take the presence of egg white into account if you have an egg allergy.

FAQ:

How is zefir different from marshmallow?

Zefir is made with fruit purée, pectin or agar-agar and whipped egg white, while marshmallow is made with gelatine and sugar syrup without a fruit base. They have different textures and ingredients.

Can sugar-free zefir be eaten with diabetes?

Zefir with no added sugar is made with sweeteners, but before including it in a diet for diabetes, it is worth checking the full product ingredients (including the type and amount of sweetener) and consulting a doctor or dietitian.

How much protein is in protein zefir?

The protein content varies between manufacturers and recipes - check the exact amount on the packaging of the specific product rather than relying on the general name "protein".

Is zefir suitable for people with an egg allergy?

No - zefir is traditionally made using whipped egg white, so it is not suitable for people with an egg allergy. Check the ingredients of the specific product if you have food allergies.

This information is for reference only. Before purchasing, carefully check the ingredients of the specific product if you have allergies, diabetes or other dietary restrictions.