The Art (and Science) of the Perfect S’more

There’s something magical about making a s’more—the anticipation as your marshmallow toasts, the careful balance of flavors, and the inevitable sticky fingers. But did you know that s’more-making is more than just fire and melted sugar? According to the North American S’more Association (NASA), it’s an art form rooted in tradition, technique, and a little bit of science.

The Anatomy of a Perfect S’more

Every s’more is made up of three essential parts:

🔥 The Fire – A proper campfire is key. It should be established and maintained long enough to produce glowing embers, perfect for roasting marshmallows to golden perfection.

🍫 The Ingredients – Classic s’mores call for a graham cracker, a square of chocolate (milk or dark), and a marshmallow. But within these simple ingredients lies endless possibility.

🥢 The Stick – The unsung hero of s’more-making. A roasting stick should be the right length—not too short (burn hazard!) and not too long (lack of control!).

The Roasting Debate: Golden Brown vs. Flaming Inferno

Everyone has their preferred roasting style, but NASA suggests the ideal marshmallow should have an even golden-brown coating on the outside while remaining gooey and melted on the inside. A flaming marshmallow? That’s an automatic disqualification in official s’more competitions. (Yes, those exist at Mountain Meadow Ranch!)

The “Goo Factor”—The True Test of a S’more

Ever noticed how the marshmallow and chocolate stretch into a perfect, sticky strand when you take that first bite? That’s what NASA calls the “Goo Factor.” A perfect s’more should leave just the right amount of goo on your chin—a sign of a well-balanced, perfectly melted masterpiece.

The Quest for the Perfect 10

In official s’more competitions, judges score based on appearance, texture, balance, and, of course, the Goo Factor. But perfection isn’t just about the score—it’s about the experience. According to NASA, the process of making a s’more is just as important as the final result. So, whether your marshmallow is perfectly golden or slightly on the charred side, remember: every s’more is a piece of campfire magic.

Make S’mores, Make Memories

At Mountain Meadow Ranch, we know that a s’more isn’t just a treat—it’s a tradition. It’s about gathering around the fire, telling stories, and savoring the moment (and maybe competing for the honor of NASA champion!). So next time you make a s’more, take a second to appreciate the process, embrace the mess, and enjoy every gooey bite.

“No person can perfect the s’more. The s’more, like the s’more maker, is already perfect. It lacks only appreciation.” 

© The North American S’more Association Handbook, By Graham, Barr, and White