I made a couple of mini batches of MMF so that I could practice flowers, bows etc. So I went out and bought the cheapest ingredients I could find (since it's just for practice, and not for actual cakes).

Anyways, the MMF made with Albertsons brand sugar is SO lumpy! I sifted the sugar, and mixed it exactly the same way as I have in the past. When I used C&H sugar in the past, I get a flawlessly smooth MMF. Today, my MMF is full of grainy lumps and bits.

So, for those that haven't heard...DON'T buy cheap sugar to make MMF for an actual cake you plan to serve.

A good testimonial for using good quality ingredients for a good quality product!

Also, Don't buy cheap marshmellows!!! I thought I was getting a great deal when I bought my grocery store brand marshmellows TWO bags for a buck!! woohoo......uhm, not so much, HAHA! It was bad and the batch of MMF I made had to be thrown out. It was so hard and stiff DH could barely kneed it. Dummy me bought a lot of bags too...so my mom is getting them and she can give marshmellows to her first graders this school year, lol.

A lot of CC'ers say to use cheap marshmallows for MMF. Also not a good idea to give small children marshmallows. They can lodge in their throats, and once the begin to melt, you cannot dislodge them. Oprah episode. A Teenaged girl died from it.

A lot of CC'ers say to use cheap marshmallows for MMF. Also not a good idea to give small children marshmallows. They can lodge in their throats, and once the begin to melt, you cannot dislodge them. Oprah episode. A Teenaged girl died from it.

A lot of CC'ers also say do NOT use jet puffed marshmallows. The only ones I can find that don't say jet puffed are the cheap store brand, so that is what I buy.

I have also avoided Sam's powdered sugar because of the price, but read on here that it is 10X and good quality. Since then, I have gone through four of the 7-lb bags and I'm just a hobby baker! If you are looking at cost and have a Sam's, check it out.

Many of the cheaper brands use sugar beets for their base. I dont know the chemistry behind it but you definitely get different textures to your icing that can vary from batch to batch. I don't have great access to C&H brand so I use Domino's or Sam's has been fine for me as well. I know many cc folks say to use cheap marshmallows, but I find they, too, have a tendency to crystallize very quickly if not watched like a hawk. Jet-puffed for me. I only make MMF now when I need to cover dummies, cake boards, or simply have run out of my Michele Foster's and need something quick... but I always keep the quality ingredients on hand for smooth and easy-easy-to-work-with MMF.

Yes, Sam's powdered sugar is all i use for buttercream and fondant - it's a great product, and cheaper than even the store brands of powdered sugar in my area.

Yep-no cheap MM for me!! Jet-puffed works just great

yes, marshmellows can be a choking hazard!!...we should wrap all kids up in a big mess of bubble wrap for protection from ALL things that could be dangerous

I tried the off brand marshmellows twice and both times they made my MMF very tough and overly firm
I can't think of the brand that I use now that works great every time...it has a little marshmellow man on the front holding a marshmellow over a campfire, lol....whatever brand that is works great for me every time

Ok, I think I am having a "DUH BLONDE" moment ....I have gone to two different Sam's Clubs here in So Cal and neither have the 7 lb bags of powder sugar. Only a 4 lb C&H brand. Do you get the sugar from the bakery or is it up with the other sugars???

It's in the baking aisle at my Sam's - with the brown sugar, regular sugar, flour, spices, etc. I hope you can find it - it's a great deal!

Thanks, I will do this.

I use the store brand marshmallows and ps everytime. Although I have found that I prefer this one particular store's brand over another popular chain's store brand.

Everyone is a little different, so find what works for you and stick with it!