In New England, few childhood memories are as deliciously nostalgic as a Fluffernutter sandwich — a sweet mix of peanut butter and marshmallow creme spread between slices of white bread. The star ingredient, Marshmallow Fluff, isn’t just any marshmallow spread; it’s a Massachusetts classic that’s been a staple of local lunchboxes for over a century.
A Sweet Origin in Somerville, MA
The history of Marshmallow Fluff dates back to 1917, when Somerville entrepreneur Archibald Query began selling his version of marshmallow creme door-to-door. This early version of the marshmallow spread quickly became a local favorite, and Query eventually sold his formula to H. Allen Durkee and Fred Mower, two nearby candy makers. From there, the popularity of Marshmallow Fluff grew rapidly, securing its spot as the top marshmallow creme supplier in the region.
In the 1960s, the iconic sandwich we know as the “Fluffernutter” officially took shape, with Marshmallow Fluff and peanut butter becoming the ultimate lunchbox combination across New England. Today, the Fluffernutter has earned its own place in food history, even earning a dedicated entry in *The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches* as “a spreadable concoction of melted marshmallows and corn syrup.”
What’s Inside the Iconic Fluff
Surprisingly, Marshmallow Fluff, still produced by Durkee-Mower in Lynn, MA, has remained largely unchanged in its simplicity: it contains only four ingredients — corn syrup, sugar, dried egg whites, and vanillin — with no artificial preservatives. Gluten-free and kosher, it’s a product as versatile as it is beloved.
A Celebration of Fluff
For die-hard fans, October 8 marks National Fluffernutter Day, a time to celebrate the sandwich in all its gooey glory. Somerville even hosts an annual Fluff Fest in honor of Marshmallow Fluff’s origins, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy creative recipes, games, and live entertainment.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a regional delicacy, the Fluffernutter remains an enduring piece of New England’s culinary culture — sweet, nostalgic, and a little sticky.