Are you looking for a way to enjoy your favorite recipes while maintaining a vegan lifestyle? Look no further!
I have got you covered with an array of vegan egg substitutes that are not only easy to use but also incredibly delicious.
Eggs are a common ingredient in many recipes, but for those following a plant-based diet, finding a suitable substitute can be a challenge.
But do not worry, as I have compiled a list of the best vegan alternatives that will keep your meals tasty and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or a beginner exploring plant-based options, you’ll find these egg substitutes simple to incorporate into your cooking.
From baking to breakfast dishes, these alternatives will ensure your vegan journey is full of flavor and variety.
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Why use an egg substitute?
There are numerous reasons why someone might want to use an egg substitute in their cooking or baking. The most common reason is due to dietary restrictions or choices.
Many people follow a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, including eggs. Using egg substitutes allows these individuals to still enjoy a wide range of foods without compromising their dietary principles.
Egg allergies are also quite common, particularly in children. Using egg substitutes can be a lifesaver for those with this type of allergy, allowing them to enjoy foods they might otherwise have to avoid.
Even if you’re not vegan or allergic to eggs, there are still plenty of reasons to consider using an egg substitute.
Some people simply don’t like the taste or texture of eggs, while others may be looking to reduce their cholesterol intake. Eggs are high in cholesterol, and using egg substitutes can be a great way to make your meals healthier.
Furthermore, using egg substitutes can also be more convenient. They are often shelf-stable and can be kept on hand for whenever you need them, unlike fresh eggs which have a much shorter shelf life.
Plus, if you’ve ever started baking only to realize you’re out of eggs, you’ll appreciate the value of having a reliable egg substitute on hand!
The role of eggs in baking
Eggs play a crucial role in baking, and understanding their function can help us find the best vegan substitutes.
They serve multiple purposes in baking, from binding ingredients together, providing moisture, aiding in leavening, and contributing to the overall flavor and color of the baked goods.
- Binder: Eggs act as a binder in most recipes. They hold all the ingredients together, giving the final product its structure. Without eggs, your cookies or cakes might crumble and fall apart.
- Moisture: Eggs add moisture to the mix. This is essential in recipes like cakes and muffins where a moist, tender crumb is desired.
- Leavening agent: Eggs are a natural leavening agent. When beaten, eggs trap air which then expands during baking, helping the baked goods to rise. This is particularly important in recipes like soufflés and meringues.
- Flavor and color: Eggs add a rich flavor and color to baked goods. The yolks, in particular, contribute to a golden hue and a rich taste in the final product.
Now, the challenge is to find vegan egg substitutes that can perform these roles effectively.
From versatile choices like flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and carbonated water to alternatives like tofu and applesauce, I will discuss the 22 best vegan egg replacements to choose from.
These ingredients, commonly found in local supermarkets, can mimic the binding and leavening properties of eggs when used correctly.
The Best Vegan Egg Substitutes
1. Flax seeds
1 egg = 1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 3 tablespoon water
Flax seed meal is an accessible and inexpensive ingredient that works great as a binder.
To replace one egg, mix 1 Tablespoon of finely milled ground flax seeds (NOT flakes or whole seeds) with 3 Tablespoons of water.
Let the mixture thicken for about 1 minute until it attains a gel-like consistency, and you have yourself your “flax egg.”
Flax egg works well for baked goods like cookies and muffins, even though it might leave you with a denser and nuttier finished product than you are used to.
So, I wouldn’t recommend using it for dishes that require a delicate and airy texture, like meringues.
But here’s the good news: flax seed is incredibly versatile, just like eggs! It can work wonders in muffin recipes or in this gingerbread pie crust, which pairs wonderfully with this vegan apple crisp pie or this vegan pumpkin cheesecake.
2. Chia egg
1 egg = 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoon water
Chia seeds are an excellent binder, much like flax seeds. They are kind of interchangeable.
Mix them with water in a 1:3 ratio to harness their binding power and allow them to sit for about 1-2 minutes until you get a gel-like consistency.
Use a coffee grinder to make finely ground chia seeds for a smooth texture in your final dish, as not all recipes taste good with whole seeds.
These vegan brownie cookies are so much better with ground seeds. I only recommend whole seeds in chia pudding.
3. Applesauce
1 egg = ยผ cup applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic vegan egg substitute that brings delightful flavor, moisture, and texture to desserts like these vegan brownie cupcakes. It’s also great in quick bread recipes and cookies.
For each egg replacement, use ¼ cup of applesauce instead. Combine the applesauce with ½ teaspoon of baking powder for a lighter texture.
Don’t you have apple sauce at home? Just make some yourself using this sugar-free apple sauce recipe!
4. Aquafaba
1 egg = 3 tablespoons aquafaba
Next time you open a can of chickpeas or other legumes, don’t discard the viscous liquid inside.
That liquid, known as aquafaba, is a remarkable vegan egg substitute that shouldn’t go to waste.
Aquafaba serves as an excellent binder and adds moisture to your cakes and cookies. To replace one egg in your recipes, simply use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba.
But wait, there’s more! Aquafaba is also the ultimate substitute for egg whites. It forms peaks like egg whites when whipped, making it perfect for creating fluffy meringues, mousse au chocolate, or other light, airy dishes.
You can replace one egg white with approximately 2 tablespoons of aquafaba.
5. Mashed banana
1 egg = 1 medium mashed banana
Add a fun twist to your breakfast favorites like waffles and pancakes by ditching the eggs and embracing mashed, ripe bananas.
This sweet and gooey ingredient is perfect for adding moisture and acting as a binder in dense baked goods like muffins, cakes, and cookies without adding extra fat to your dish.
Mashed bananas bring a delightful sweetness and moisture to your creations, although you might notice a subtle banana flavor. Adjust the quantities to suit your preferences if you prefer a milder taste.
Generally, one medium banana can replace one egg in your recipes, making egg-free super easy. We surely love our vegan banana pancakes and vegan banana waffles.
6. Vinegar and baking soda
1 egg = 1 teaspoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon vinegar
The combination of vinegar and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio (teaspoon) works wonders as a vegan egg replacement.
This mixture not only froths up and acts as a fantastic leavening agent but also lends a delicate touch to your baked goods.
For optimal results, incorporate the vinegar with the wet ingredients first, and then add the baking soda to the dry ingredients just before baking.
It is a must-have ingredient for baked goods, even if you use other egg substitutes.
7. Firm tofu
1 egg = ยผ cup pureed firm tofu
Chopped up, crumbled, mashed, or scrambled, firm tofu works excellent as an egg replacement in dishes like tofu scramble.
If you are a beginner, I suggest you start with my vegan egg salad recipe that uses tofu to replace the spongy texture of boiled eggs. This is also the recipe I recommend trying for anyone who does not like tofu yet.
The most remarkable thing about this protein-packed ingredient is its ability to absorb flavors easily. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and herbs to enhance its taste.
When it comes to cooking, mashed tofu serves as an excellent foundation for creating delectable quiches and frittatas, while blended tofu can surprise you by adding a unique twist to baked goods like muffins.
However, it’s important to note that tofu does have a distinct aftertaste, so it’s best to use it wisely to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
8. Soft silken tofu
1 egg = ยผ cup pureed soft silken tofu
Soft silken tofu stands apart from firm tofu, thanks to its incredibly smooth, delicate, and custard-like texture, making it a perfect choice for creamy vegan mousses or cheesecakes.
Plus, due to its higher moisture content than eggs, silken tofu works wonders when creating flavorful sauces.
When substituting eggs, a handy rule of thumb is to use ¼ cup (around 60 grams) of soft silken tofu per egg.
However, it’s important to remember that silken tofu may not excel as a leavening agent and could result in a denser texture for your dishes.
So, while it’s fantastic for most recipes, you might want to find another option if you’re after a light and airy result.
9. Nut butter
1 egg = 3 tablespoon nut butter
While nut butter cannot completely replace eggs in most recipes, they can be a fantastic addition, offering binding properties and moisture.
However, it’s important to consider that nut butters, like peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter can have a strong flavor, so the final dish may taste like them.
To substitute one egg, you can use approximately 3 tablespoons (around 60 grams) of nut butter.
They work particularly well in muffins, pancakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies, adding a rich and creamy element. Try our vegan brownie cupcake for a fudgy delight.
10. Mashed sweet potato or pumpkin
1 egg = ยผ cup mashed sweet potato or pumpkin
In the realm of binders, mashed sweet potatoes are just as good as mashed avocados at infusing dishes with moisture, starchiness, and a delightful fudgy texture that’s hard to resist.
In our vegan chocolate pudding recipe, we took advantage of this by substituting one egg with ¼ cup of mashed sweet potato.
The magic doesn’t stop there, either. You can also explore the wonders of pumpkin puree, which can be used in the same way to impart a lovely rich, yellow hue to your recipes. Look at the color of this pumpkin cinnamon pull-apart bread.
Make your own homemade pumpkin puree, if you don’t want to use canned ones.
11. Agar agar
1 egg = 1 tablespoon agar agar + 1 tablespoon water
Agar agar powder (not flakes) is a plant-based gelatin, which, when used just right, can perfectly mimic the binding properties of eggs, especially to thicken a liquid.
In order to make a binder with it, mix 1 tbsp of agar agar with a tbsp of water. Remember to use it immediately after mixing.
However, it’s important to note that its gelatin-like nature can result in a relatively dense solid final dish.
Agar agar is not a widely used vegan egg substitute. It is more popular to make vegan cheeses like pistachio cheese, panna cotta, cranberry jellies, or vegan marshmallow brownies.
12. Psyllium husk
1 egg = 1 tablespoon psyllium husk + 1 tablespoon water
Psyllium husk is loaded with fiber and has incredible moisture-absorbing powers, making it a fantastic choice as a binding agent. In addition, it contributes density and moisture to your dish, enhancing its overall texture and flavor.
To substitute one egg, simply combine 1 Tablespoon of it with 1 Tablespoon of water. Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. Then, you can use it as a replacement for eggs in your recipes.
Now, here’s the thing: psyllium husk is only used to make baked goods. It is certainly a popular ingredient in baking gluten-free bread. We definitely use them to make this vegan chocolate cake recipe soft and not crumbly.
13. Chickpea flour
1 egg = 3 tablespoon chickpea flour + 3 tablespoon water
Chickpea flour is a protein-packed ingredient that is a great binder and raising agent. You can use it in various recipes, like this vegan frittata or vegan breakfast casserole. Don’t forget to add heaps of veggies to your frittata for a creamy texture.
Just mix the flour and water in a 3:3 tbsp ratio until you make a smooth batter with no lumps. Then, mix this into your recipe until everything is well-combined.
Chickpea flour is also great for breading fritters or in recipes like this orange tofu and orange cauliflower where you need an eggless breading.
14. Coconut cream
1 egg = ยผ cup coconut cream (or 4 tablespoons)
Full-fat coconut cream is a versatile ingredient that can mimic the rich and fatty texture of eggs. It is widely used to make vegan whipped cream, but we also use it to make eggless rice pudding.
However, one creative way to use coconut cream is by combining it with starch and flour, then cooking it to achieve a texture similar to fried eggs. This opens up exciting possibilities for incorporating coconut cream into your dishes.
One of the best quick and easy coconut cream recipes is this vegan fried egg recipe that I know you will love.
15. Mashed avocado
1 egg = 2 tablespoon to ยผ cup mashed avocado
Mashed avocados are a remarkable vegan egg substitute due to their creamy texture and natural fat content.
This makes them excellent for binding dry ingredients and keeping dishes moist.
Replace one egg with 2 tablespoons to a quarter cup of well-mashed and lump-free avocado.
16. Tapioca starch
1 egg = 1 tablespoon tapioca starch + 3 tablespoon water
Tapioca flour, also called tapioca starch, is a versatile ingredient known for its binding properties. It’s perfect for vegan burgers, thickening sauces and puddings, and baking quick breads and cakes.
I use them in so many recipes. It is the main binder in my TVP burger, vegan pie crust, and vegan crepes.
To replace one egg, mix tapioca starch with water in a 1:3 ratio (in tablespoons). This simple combination unlocks its binding potential, allowing you to create delicious egg-free dishes.
For more detailed info on tapioca flour substitutes.
17. Mung beans
1 egg = 3 tablespoons soaked, cooked, and mashed mung beans
Mung beans are an excellent vegan substitute for eggs due to their high protein content and great binding properties. When mashed and cooked, they retain moisture, adding a moist touch to the final dish.
Just soak ½ cup of mung beans in water overnight, drain, cook, and mash into a puree. Approximately 3 tablespoons of this mash can be used to replace one egg in recipes.
Here is a vegan scrambled eggs recipe using mung beans or try these Indian chillas, savory breakfast pancakes.
18. Powdered egg replacer
1 egg = 1 tablespoon powdered egg replace + 2 tablespoon water
Powdered egg replacers, such as Bob’s Red Mill’s, are convenient for quick and reliable egg substitutions that maintain your dish’s desired texture and flavor.
They combine items from the above list, like potato starch, tapioca flour, baking soda, and psyllium husk.
One portion of the mixture replaces one egg, making it easy to use. Simply mix the powder with water and let it thicken for a few minutes.
These powdered egg replacers are versatile and can be used in baking muffins and cakes, resulting in a light and airy texture.
19. Liquid egg replacer
1 egg = 1.5 oz liquid egg replacer
Craving scrambled eggs? Give liquid egg replacers like Just Egg a try. They are incredibly easy to use—just pour and cook them like regular eggs.
This Just Egg Omelette will closely mimic the flavor and consistency of traditional egg omelette. For an extra zing, add some black salt. Your whole kitchen will smell like eggs.
20. Carbonated water
1 egg = ยผ cup carbonated water
Here’s a surprising vegan alternative to eggs: carbonated water!
This neutral-tasting ingredient works great for creating light and airy cakes, breads, and pancakes.
For each egg replacement, use ¼ cup of carbonated water.
21. Vegan yogurt
1 egg = ยผ cup vegan yogurt
Unsweetened and unflavoured vegan yogurt (like soy, coconut, cashew, and almond) can be used as a replacement for eggs in making moist baked goods without an overtly fruity flavor.
Use ¼ cup of yogurt to replace each egg when making cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
Vegan yogurt is a good binder and works well with both wet and dry ingredients. However, its binding and leavening abilities are only as good as dairy-free milk.
22. Soy lecithin
1 egg = 1 teaspoon soy lecithin
Soy lecithin powder is derived from soybeans and can be used in certain recipes instead of eggs because of its emulsifying, binding, leavening, and rising properties.
Its ability to mimic the rich and creamy texture of egg yolks makes it great for use in making baked goods.
For each egg you want to replace, use one tablespoon (approximately 14 grams) of soy lecithin.
Vegan egg substitutes FAQs
One of the simplest vegan egg wash substitutes is a mixture of non-dairy milk and maple syrup. This combination creates a beautiful shine on your baked goods, just like a traditional egg wash. Simply combine one tablespoon of non-dairy milk (soy, almond, or oat milk work great) with one tablespoon of maple syrup, and brush it over your pastry before baking.
When it comes to baking cakes, the role of eggs is crucial as they provide structure, moisture, and leavening. The best vegan egg substitute for cake depends on the type of cake you’re making. However, the most versatile and commonly used substitute is unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce is great because it adds a subtle sweetness and moistness to your cakes without overpowering the other flavors.
One of the most popular choices is aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas. It whips up just like egg whites and can be used in meringues, mousses, and even angel food cake. Use three tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg white.
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