Expiration dates are an important factor when it comes to food products. They’re also critical to consider if you’re using the product for something other than eating. That’s why I contacted Kraft for additional information about Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows…

Dear Mini Marshmallow’s Manager:

Your Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows taste awesome. Always soft, always yummy and always the right amount of puffy! Where did the word marshmallow come from anyway? That is one wacky word.

At college, I discovered another use for mini marshmallows. I learned they’re also terrific for plugging up small holes in walls. And if you saw my grades, you’d see there wasn’t much else I did learn. I never could get a handle on spackling so I just wedged in a mini marshmallow and dabbed a little Wite-Out over it. Another perk is that you can eat them while you work, which is great because spackle probably tastes awful.

I know marshmallows harden in time, but could you tell me what you estimate the typical life expectancy of a miniature marshmallow to be? I was just wondering how often the average hole would need to be remarshmallowed. According to my spell check, I think I just created a new word. Have you ever seen the word remarshmallowed before?

I’m sure I’m not the only inept handyman out there. What do you think are the chances of success for a spin-off product called Mini Wallmallows?

Marshmallowly yours,
“Me”

An Associate Director from Kraft Consumer Relations Group responded with:

Thanks for taking the time to let us know about your recent experience.

The JET-PUFFED name was coined to describe a special new manufacturing process which infused air into the marshmallow giving it its light, fluffy texture.

To let you know how long a product is good for, we have code dates on all of our packaging.

Our code date is stamped on the lower right corner on front of our marshmallow packages, and on the top of the lids for our marshmallow creme containers.

Our marshmallows and marshmallow cremes have a “Best When Used By” date which looks like this: The product should be consumed by this date.

We cannot assure freshness after that date because the taste and texture may have deteriorated.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us.

Final Thoughts: Based on this information, mini marshmallows should keep fresh in wall holes until the expiration date. That’s good news since you want new wall repairs to look as fresh as possible. Unfortunately, Kraft only provided part of the story because it’s the hardening of the mini marshmallow that matters most once in the hole and how long it stays hard once it’s in there.

After expiration, Kraft pointed out possible deterioration in taste and texture. Taste is no longer relevant by now unless you’re really starving. But texture is a must-have. Plus, some protection must be provided by the already hardened Wite-Out coating. As with any improvement project, your own ability as a Kraftsman also comes into play. And remember, whenever you’re working with food on anything not involving chewing, make sure to keep the number of a good exterminator handy.

Kraft didn’t get into the origin of the word marshmallow. If you’re craving that information, check out this piece from the National Confectioners Association called, “The History of Marshmallows.”

This isn’t the only time that pushing the capabilities of marshmallows entered my mind. You may also enjoy this post, “Scared Off by Marshmallow Fluff.” Marshmallows are definitely tons of fun to eat, too, so when you’re feeling mallow, consider Kraft Jet-Puffed. Finally, if you have questions about a product — no matter how off the wall they are — find out what you’re dealing with and Write The Company.