15 Effective Egg Substitute Ideas
Today, it’s all about what you can use as an egg substitute. Eggs are one of the healthiest foods on the planet and can be prepared and enjoyed in many different ways. When it comes to baking, nearly every recipe calls for them.
But what happens if you have an egg allergy, or you go to open the refrigerator door only to discover that you’re fresh out of eggs? Keep reading to discover what you can use as an egg substitute.
One thing I never thought I’d say is that my readers may want to consider one or more egg substitutes based on the increased cost of eggs. We were surprised when we went shopping this week and noticed at one store that the five-dozen pack was going for $27.00. I couldn’t believe it! Later in the week, we were at another store, and the price for the same pack was $24.00.
I had heard that feed for chickens was going up faster than expected, but other market pressures are affecting the price of eggs, like the loss of thousands of laying chickens due to the bird flu. When my son-in-law mentioned he saw five dozen eggs at Costco for $22.00 with a limit of two packs per customer, I told him to buy two. I was surprised and excited.
These are my favorite Measuring Spoons, I always say, buy right the first time.
15 Effective Egg Substitute Ideas
Is there anything that you can substitute in the meantime that’s already in your kitchen? Fortunately, there is! Here are several substitutes that you can use in place of eggs that will still give you similar texture and consistency that you desire. Be warned! Some of them are sure to surprise you. I’m not sure there’s one I’d consider the best egg substitute. Try a number of them yourself to see which substitute you prefer.
1. Applesauce
Let’s just go ahead and get an unusual one out of the way, shall we? Applesauce is a fruit puree that works surprisingly well as an egg substitute. For better results, you should use unsweetened applesauce, instead of sweetened or flavored applesauce, which adds too much sugar. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for every egg that is called for in a recipe.
You can also use other food products like pumpkin puree. It may change the texture slightly, but when used in a typical recipe, the difference is usually negligible.
2. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a starchy substance that looks similar to cornstarch and will also work as an egg replacement. Add a mixture of 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder, along with 3 tablespoons of water, for every egg that you are replacing. Arrowroot Powder
3. Aquafaba
Aquafaba is probably one you’ve never heard of, but there’s a good chance that you still have it in your home. It’s the leftover liquid that you find in a can of beans. For those looking for an egg substitute that can be used to make meringue for pies, Aquafaba is known to be used for this purpose, and it is vegan too.
Many people that use this as an egg substitute prefer to use garbanzo beans. Perhaps you’re worrying that there will be bean flavoring mixed in with the sweet baked goods that you’re trying to make.
Three tablespoons of Aquafaba is equivalent to one whole egg. Two tablespoons are equivalent to one egg white. Fear not, after it’s cooked, the flavoring will disappear!
4. Buttermilk or Yogurt
Buttermilk and yogurt are both ingredients that can substitute in place of an egg. Just use 1/4 cup of buttermilk or yogurt for every egg that you need. It’s best to use plain yogurt so that you aren’t altering the flavor by using sweetened varieties.
5. Carbonated Water
A great leavening agent that will add instant moisture to a baking recipe, carbonated water has come to your rescue. It works great to create light and fluffy results, especially in recipes that include quick cakes, regular cakes, quick breads, some cookies, and cupcakes.
For every egg that you need, use 1/4 cup of carbonated water.
6. Chia Seed or Ground Chia Seed
As an effective egg substitute, use 3 tablespoons boiling water plus 1 tablespoon Chia seed or 2 teaspoons ground Chia seed. Mix together and let sit for 15 minutes. This equals one egg.
7. Gelatin
Another unusual ingredient, but just as effective, gelatin also works as a substitute for eggs. It’s an animal product derived from cows and pigs, so vegans may want to steer clear. Unflavored Gelatin
Be sure that you use unflavored gelatin powder instead of the ones with flavoring. For each egg that you need, use a mixture of 1 tablespoon of gelatin and one tablespoon of water. The only difference is you may notice a slightly stiffer texture in your end product.
8. Ground Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed works great when making pancakes, muffins, and delicious brownies. Just be aware that using too much can add a nutty flavor that may not be all that desirable. Note that some vegan cooks will use a product called flax egg as their egg substitute.
Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed for every egg that a recipe is calling for. Ground Flaxseed
9. Mashed Banana
Mashed banana is another popular method that can replace eggs in a recipe.
Just be aware that your finished product may have a slight banana taste to it, but if your banana nut bread recipe is calling for egg whites, a little more banana flavor will never hurt.
For every egg that your recipe is calling for, use 1/4 cup of mashed banana, that should do the trick.
10. Mashed Potatoes
This substitute might leave room for skepticism, but you’d be surprised. Mashed potatoes provide a texture and instant moisture that’s similar to that of an egg due to the potato starch.
If you’ve already added butter or cream in order to mash them, be aware that it’s no longer considered vegan. For each egg that a recipe calls for, use 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes, or 2 tablespoons of instant mashed potatoes that have been rehydrated.
11. Nut Butter
Nut butter contains healthy fats, similar to eggs. They actually mix other ingredients together just as effectively as eggs do, but remember that they have a stronger flavor. Use 3 tablespoons of nut butter (non-crunchy) for every egg that you’ll need. Almond Butter
Consider using peanut butter, butter from cashews, chickpeas, and tapioca starch too. You can make your own if you have a good quality blender.
12. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu adds the thick texture that you’re looking for when you go to prepare your favorite brownie or chocolate pie recipe. For every egg that your recipe calls for, use ¼ cup of whipped or mashed silken tofu.
13. Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is a byproduct of soybean oil, working great to hold all your baking ingredients together just like eggs will provide the ability to bind ingredients, including the flour. You can also find soy lecithin in powder form at most health food stores. All you’ll need is one tablespoon of soy lecithin in the place of one egg. Soy Lecithin
14. Vegetable Oil, Water, and Baking Powder
Another egg substitute that will work just as effectively, is using a mixture of vegetable oil, water, and baking powder. For each egg that a recipe calls for, you’ll combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Just keep in mind that if a baking recipe calls for 3 or more eggs, using this substitute will have an end result that has a very oily texture to it.
15. Vinegar and Baking Soda
When using one teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of vinegar in the place of one egg, you’ll have great results with baked goods such as bread, cakes, and cupcakes. It will bring that light and airy consistency that makes baking recipes even better. PRINTABLE:
Another Alternative To Fresh Eggs
In case you missed this post on how I rated these, How To Use Powdered Eggs
What are egg allergies?
Some of us are prone to allergies to eggs, just like some other foods. When you eat eggs, your body recognizes egg proteins, and in some cases, the immune system cells kick in by telling the system to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream that present themselves in symptoms such as skin rashes, nasal congestion, hives, runny nose, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and sometimes stomach problems like nausea.
Both egg yolks and egg whites can cause these allergies, but it seems to be the egg whites that most often are the culprit. You may want to test out various combinations and see if it is the egg yolk or egg white portions of the egg that cause you or your family members issues.
Are eggs gluten-free?
Eggs themselves are gluten-free. For those concerned with gluten getting into foods, eggs are often mixed, cooked, and served on surfaces that have come in contact with foods containing gluten. That might include pans, spatulas, beaters, and other utensils. You can try to protect yourself and family members from that contact, but it’s harder to do if you eat out often.
Will these egg substitutes provide the same proteins I want as found in eggs?
Eggs are a food that’s high in protein content. Depending on the size of the egg, it would typically have 6.3 grams of protein, or about 12% of your daily value needed. They do have a fairly high amount of cholesterol at 62% of your daily value, so be aware of how many you consume on any given day. This is one reason many people look to egg substitutes.
You’d have to check the protein levels of each substitute listed to determine how well they compare if you’re looking for high-protein foods.
What are some good vegan egg substitutes?
The majority of these substitutes would classify as good vegan egg substitutes. You just need to check those that have any animal-based ingredients. In doing my research for the post, I did come across some commercially prepared egg substitutes that you may want to consider as “plan B’s.” For those vegans out there, check these out:
- Follow Your Heart – VeganEgg
- Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer
- The Neat Egg
- JUST Egg
Can I use mayonnaise as an egg substitute?
Yes, it may seem strange, but mayo can be another quality egg substitute. It really shouldn’t affect the flavor either. It’s suggested you add 3 tablespoons in place of each egg in the recipe as a proper substitute. Give it a try, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
As I look for good egg substitutes, what qualities should I consider when comparing them to regular eggs?
Eggs are added to recipes of all kinds, but particularly to baked goods for the following qualities:
- Flavor: the eggs help to brown the product as they’re heated, improving the flavor and color desired.
- Appearance: you can use eggs to “coat” the baked goods and can be added to garnish various items.
- Thickening: used to thicken curds and various sauces. The coagulation of the egg parts is how this results when heated.
- Leavening: certain gases are released as the eggs are baked in the recipe process, thus it improves the texture, shape, and size of the end results.
- Emulsification: the eggs help keep the liquid ingredients from going their separate ways. Picture any water and oils added to a recipe ending up concentrated in more areas rather than being bound together.
- Moisture: eggs hold their moisture, making the final product moister as a whole unit.
Final Word
Eggs provide the structure, texture, and consistency that many baking recipes need. But if eggs are no longer an option, fortunately, it’s not the end of the world.
Using these egg substitutes will provide you with the same desired results, as though you were using an egg. Were you surprised at any of these egg substitutes that you could use?
Do you have a number of them already tucked away in your kitchen as I do? Keep prepping my friends. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Eggs Depositphotos_43348033_s-2019, Applesauce Depositphotos_41993527_s-2019, Milk Depositphotos_59509293_s-2019, Mashed Bananas Depositphotos_161034840_s-2019, Flaxseed Depositphotos_184946864_s-2019, Gelatin Depositphotos_99221548_s-2019, Vinegar & Soda Depositphotos_310209286_s-2019, Mashed Potatoes Depositphotos_221009298_s-2019
Hi, can I use any of this substitutes when making pasta?
Thanks Bekki
Hi Bekki, I would use dehydrated eggs with pasta, and make the “portion” needed to replace the eggs. Pasta is a bit different because you only have water, flour, and eggs. You need the eggs to bind the dough. We can use all the egg substitutes today in just about any baked recipe like cakes, cookies, and muffins. Linda
Excellent resource. Thank you
Hi Debrah, thank you my, friend! Linda
This is a great reference! Thanks, Linda, for the printable. Made a copy for my daughter, as well!
Hi Marilynne, oh I’m glad you can use it!!! Linda
Linda,
I really need to get more chickens. Mine are all molting right now meaning I’ll have to buy eggs before they start laying again. I should bite the bullet and build a larger coop. Six to ten hens and one rooster would keep us in eggs and meat birds (by culling some of the young). I may do that this winter and get more birds early next spring. A 40 pound bag of Dumor Layer feed is running between $19 and $21 right now. Bad, but not terrible. My hens get vegetable scraps and greens from my garden and the occasional can of sardines as supplements to their feed–especially now they are molting–as they need the extra protein. I figured out the eggs I produce cost me about .92 per dozen, but that includes the all costs from feed to coop. Delawares are very good laying hens and when they are producing I get an egg per hen per day–zero when they are molting and only one or two per day during winter months.
Hi Ray, thanks for the heads-up on the cost of raising chickens for eggs. Costco had butter tonight for a 4-pound package for $14.29!! Thankfully I stocked up a few months ago before the prices went up. I just freeze it. You are amazing on your little farm/homestead! You know I love learning stuff from you! Linda
Linda,
We have around 40 lbs of butter in our freezers, most of which we got for less than $2/lb. It pays to stock up when you can afford to do so. But then we have three freezers not counting the two in our two fridges (thank God for Solar electricity).
Oh, the reason chicken has gone so far up in price is because of the bird flu epidemic last year. Several millions were killed off by chicken farmers to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, due to the derecho the price of animal feed went up so far that ranchers as well as chicken farmers were killing off their livestock because they couldn’t afford to feed them–and couldn’t sell them at a profit.
Fortunately the half beef Jane and I purchase each year from a local rancher wasn’t impacted all that much. His steers are grass fed until a couple of weeks before slaughter, when they are switched to grain feed. Buying half a beef ends up being expensive hamburger but very cheap steaks and roasts.
The way things are going we may all end up raising rabbits for meat.
Hi Ray, Mark and I used to buy half a beef when we were raising our girls, it’s the best thing ever! I agree we may all end up raising rabbits! Linda
Dear Linda:
I would not recommend using Silken Tofu as a substitute for eggs. My daughter is allergic to eggs and I was using Silken Tofu like eggs for her and after several years she started to have stomach issues which continue to this day. We took her to a doctor who also worked with Homeopathic medicine that she needed to stop eating the tofu because persons who were not orientals were not able to digest it right and it would cause stomach issues that could last the rest of her life. This Doctor was taught by her father who was a famous doctor in Japan. I believed her because of the stomach issues my daughter still because of it.
Hi Jackie, that’s interesting. I have never used tofu, I have eaten it in a few recipes at a restaurant but wow, that’s terrible your daughter has stomach issues because of it. Linda
Linda, thank you so much for your research. This is a valuable list.
Since eggs are very expensive and the price is still going up, we decided to use some of our supply of whole powdered eggs for baking and use the fresh ones for omelets and breakfast. Your list gives us so many more options.
Again I thank you.
Hi Janet, thank you for your kind words, my friend. I would do the same thing if I have chickens producing fresh eggs. The prices are so high at the grocery store! Linda
My granddaughter has an egg allergy. I’ve used Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer and found it to be excellent in cakes.
Hi Melisa, oh thank you!!!! I am going to look at that one. I love learning new things!! Linda
Hi Melissa, this is the email from Bob’s Red Mill: Hello Linda,
Thank you for your email, and for trusting Bob’s Red Mill with your business! It’s our privilege to bring you wholesome whole grains, baking essentials, cereals, snacks and more.
Our Gluten Free Egg Replacer has a shelf life of 24 months. All of our products benefit from being stored in a cool, dry place while sealed for freshness, either in our standup resealable packages or transferred to airtight containers.
The following products will keep best refrigerated or frozen after opening: whole grain flours and meals, hot cereals and rolled oats, muesli, dry active yeast, and all nut products and seeds.
Please note we only recommend using our products until the best-by date stamped on the package. This is the range of time in which the product has been determined to be of the best flavor and quality.
I hope that this information is helpful and please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you and take care!
Sr. Customer Service Representative
Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods
Inspiring Joy with Wholesome Foods
Hi Melissa, this is an amazing product. Does the package have an expiration date? I wonder how long it is good for. https://www.bobsredmill.com/gluten-free-vegan-egg-replacer.html
I will call the company tomorrow. This is awesome!!! Linda
Eggs are just the start. Last year I paid $820 for a steer calf. They are currently going for $1500. Takes a year to grow one out. What yall think beef prices are gonna look like in a year?
Best get outta them HOAs and start figuring stuff out.
Hi Matt, yikes, that a HUGE increase! You have the best situation, you can have a calf or two and some chickens. HOA’s are the worst. Thanks for the heads up on the increase to purchase a calf. Linda
Matt –
My daughter and son-in-law were “given” a young steer this year! I am really not sure how they got to know the people!! Daughter told me they had too many steers and not enough “buyers” so the rancher needed to get rid of some.
They are also fortunate to be able to house and feed 50 laying hens. Daughter sells a lot to people at church, trades some for raw milk, and preserves (both liming and freeze drying) eggs. And I get my eggs free!!!
That’s a great gift!
Hi Leanne, that’s an awesome gift! What a blessing. Linda
Linda – this is GREAT!! I don’t eat a lot of eggs, but I do need them when I bake! I don’t think any of the substitutes will work for making a custard though!!
I am definitely going to try baking something using a substitute! I have used applesauce as a replacement for oil but never egg.
Hi Leanne, thank you my sweet friend! We need to practice now before we can’t get any eggs. You are blessed to be so close to your daughters! Love it! Linda
Hello, Linda, Leanne et al.: No, I don’t think most egg substitutes will work to make custard! I have often wished that they would, so my husband could enjoy the same things that I do!
About 40 years ago, we discovered that my husband and our son (oldest) have egg allergy, so I switched over the “Ener-g” egg replacer for baking, and BOY does it make the most FABULOUS baked goods and pancakes, etc.!!! We also have to do gluten-free, so I am well versed in using Ener-g egg replacer together with Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix, which we only buy when on a great sale! The 2 of those products together are a “can’t beat them” combination for baking!! We have counted on those 2 products for decades upon decades, and they have never failed us!!
On the other hand thanks for the heads up on Butter at Costco. We are new members at Costco, so had not noticed their butter section yet…because the place is like an extremely crowded zoo of rude people practically trampling others, so I run in and get the heck outta there soon after!! I guess it’s time to take a slower, closer look, since they do not even label what is located in which aisle, which I find very neglectful and annoying. 🙂 The very first time I went to Costco in Rochester, a driver nearly ran me down in the walkway to get to the entrance. All he did was beep very loudly and never slowed down at all! (And silly me, I thought the law says the pedestrian has the right of way!!). When I told the young man working outside about that incident, he just said: “Oh, yeah, I’ve been run into 3 times in this walkway! You would think, with all the money Costco is making, they’d at least hire someone to direct traffic!” Anyway, enough of my complaints about Costco…
Eggs, we can still buy them for $3.50 a dozen from our farmer friend, and get many for free from our dearest friends who raise their own chickens. We are very grateful, because I love them, even if my 2 guys cannot eat eggs!!
About butter: The last time I looked at BJs a couple of weeks back, butter had gone up to $16.00 for 2 lbs. (organic, which is all we eat). I don’t know about conventional butter prices, but I can tell you that there were many studies done on chemicals in conventional butter about a decade ago. Conventional butter at that time was found to contain 72 chemicals in it, so we NEVER< EVER eat that poison!! Remember the old adage, "You are what you eat?" Well, that goes for what the COWS eat, too, including the glyphosate-SLATHERED grasses, oats and corn!! Maybe we will all be very blessed with cleaner foods, now that RFK is going to ban so many dyes and chemicals in the U.S. Food Supply!! We can certainly hope and pray for that!!
Hi. Linda: Who is Mary Ann? This is Joyce, aka JESS in Central New York! No worries, though. You know I love you and your work to pieces! Yes, I am also grateful to have gotten out of Costco alive, and do not think we will end up using our gift membership as much as we had hoped originally. NOT with the nasty crowds and horrible, dangerous drivers around there!
Just a quick addendum to my earlier comments about butter and “you are what you eat”, that goes for the butter that carries vitamins into the cells of your body, but it also carries in the poisons like Glyphosate and other chemicals. This is why anyone prepping should consider a really great mineral complex for their prepping storage, because you can get several of the necessary vitamins from foods you eat, but what you may lack will be minerals to keep your body working properly!!! At least that is what Dr. Gary Young, founder of Young Living Essential Oils used to preach. Without the minerals, especially magnesium, zinc and selenium, you will get sick, but also remember at LEAST Vit. C in your natural “medicine”/vitamins storage supplies, too.
A great supplement that my doctor actually prescribed for me years ago is MinRex, which is a top-grade multi-mineral complex; and you could find ACES for whatever you don’t already find in your NATURAL vitamin supplement. Plus, I am NOT talking about crappo Centrum, either! People who think you can get everything your body needs from foods currently grown in the U.S.A. are sadly mistaken. Nowadays, most of our foods are badly depleted of vitamins and minerals, compared to the 1950s or 60s, thanks to modern farming practices with zero thoughts towards regenerative farming practices, rather than loading it up with chemicals.
Thanks,
JESS
Certified Natural Health Professional since 2006
Hi Jess, yes, you are so right, we are what we eat. I tried years ago to get my husband to buy a mini farm, even if it was just 1-2 acres so we could grow our own food and raise chickens and huge garden. He’s more concerned about the golf courses, which is fine he worked very hard for our family for many many years. I will have to ask Matt how much land we need to raise a calf. We can’t do it where we live but I would love to know. I just barely stocked up again on Vitamin C, and Zinc. I was getting low. (I accidently typped Mary Ann instead of Jess. Sorry about that, my sweet friend! Linda
Don’t forget to add in some selenium, too, Linda! Selenium helps keep Cancer away…Also, Vit. A helps avoid breast cancer in some ladies. That is why I mentioned the ACES supplement (Vits. A, C, E and Selenium plus sometimes a few other important items are added in.). Me, myself and I, I would also make sure to have some medicinal mushrooms to keep stamina and brain healthy and boost mood in times of distress…
Honestly, I am not totally FOR IMPRINT CERTAIN about Mastic Gum to help with Tofu-damaged stomach. I just know it works very well for many with whatever stomach problems are bothering a person!
Hugs,
JESS
Hi Jess, that’s good to know, Mark has had two sisters with breast cancer. Great tips to share with all of us, you’re the best! Linda
Hi Jess, I’m glad you got out of Costco safely. In Salt Lake City Utah about a year ago, a young woman was walking with her daughter in the walkway when an older gentleman hit the gas instead of the brakes and it pinned her and she almost died. Her husband is a trauma doctor and got there right away but her legs ended up being amputated. She has shared her story on Instagram and she is one amazing woman. It’s all about be aware of our surroundings. But “stuff” happens. Our Costco has some really polite people so I guess we are lucky here. I agree with you on RFK, we have to have hope for a better future. Linda (I’m not sure what I did there)
Hi Linda, A reason for tofu to be problematic. Tofu is a soy bean product. Soybeans are one of the most common allergens there in foods. Very near the top of the list of the 8 most common allergens in foods. Applies to both animals and humans. (Watch the food you buy for dogs and cats,too). So anyone who cannot digest beans very well should avoid them. You need to read every label on every food you buy if you are sensitivity or out right allergic to them. The allergic reaction varies from indigestion, to contact dermatitis,to anaphylaxic shock.An allergy specialist can test for sensitivity and true allergy. The allergy (like every other allergen) can increase in severity over time. Another common place where soybeans can crop up is as vegetable oils,both, pure and mixed. Any vegetarian or
BTW how does a family of 2- 4, keep 5 lbs eggs fresh, without spoilage o or waste. buy about vegan should know that dairy substitutes, like vegan butter, and cheeses, and more. I just thought I should I should share this information, for all to know. I myself, have no problem with tofu. It is an alternative to replace nearly every dairy products as well as eggs.
Hi Mary Ann, my daughter has 8 people living in her house. The eggs go fast! Good to know about tofu. I think they buy that many every two weeks. Linda
BTW how does any family of 2- 4 manage to store 5 dozen eggs, without spoilage or waste. Not all have space for 2 fridges and chest freezers. Personal freezer storage facilities are certainly not available around here.
Hi Mary Ann, oh my gosh, I had forgotten about personal freezer storage units. Years ago, we had on whwen we lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. Oh my gosh. great reminder. Linda Yes, we only have a fridge and one freezer for the two of us. Linda
Another thought on the young person who acquired a stomach problem from tofu: Have you all tried for her to take 1 or 2 capsules of Mastic Gum? That stuff is a wonder for stomach aches, even when nothing much else works! You could also try Homeopathic Nut Vomica, too, to see if that would help!
Best,
JESS
Certified Natural Health Professional sine 2006
Hi Jess, thanks for the tip on people with issues with tofu, Linda
Oh, stupid Spell Check is at it AGAIN! The homeopathic product for stomach aches and nausea is Nux Vomica. I use 30 c variety. NUX, not NUT…stupid spell check!
JESS from Central NY
(Be glad you’re not here, btw! We had 8″ of snow over the weekend, including tons of bad winds, with one tree that went down in our back yard. THEN, on top of the snow, came freezing rain, so all roads and parking lots became skating rinks. I am very glad that the weather has improved a bit since then, thank God!!
Hi Jess, oh my gosh that is a lot of snow!! Sorry I put the wrong name on your previous comment. When it snows, the freezing rain comes, oh it is so bad! I’m sorry to hear you lost a tree, I’m glad it didn’t hit your house. Spell check, I totally get it! LOL! NUX, got it. Thank you, Linda