With the growing popularity of plant-based diets, more people are looking for alternatives to traditional animal products like eggs.
We have compiled a list of the ten best vegan substitutes for eggs that will help you create delicious dishes without compromising texture, flavor, or nutrition.
9 Best Vegan Substitutes for Eggs
The key to finding the perfect substitute lies in understanding the role eggs play in the recipe. With that knowledge, you can determine which substitute will work best in your recipe.
And that’s how we came up with this list.
1. Applesauce
Applesauce is a popular choice among vegans looking for an egg alternative. It provides moisture and helps bind ingredients together, which makes it work particularly well in cakes, muffins, and quick bread.
To substitute applesauce for eggs, swap out each egg by using ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per large egg called for in the original recipe. Adjust sugar levels if needed because applesauce tends to sweeten dishes slightly.
Note that applesauce works better in cakes, brownies, and quick bread rather than recipes requiring leavening agents, like soufflé and meringue.
To add, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe slightly since applesauce adds extra moisture.
2. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds, also known as linseed, make an excellent egg substitute thanks to their binding properties. When mixed with water, they create a gel-like substance called flax “egg.”
To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of warm water and let sit for five minutes before adding it to your mixture. This alternative is ideal for denser baked goods such as brownies or pancakes.
Flaxseeds offer health benefits like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Remember, however, that since flax seeds absorb liquid, reducing other liquids in your recipe may be necessary.
3. Chia Seeds
Similar to flaxseeds, chia seeds form a gel when combined with water, making them another great option for replacing eggs.
Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg required.
Like flax eggs, chia eggs work best in recipes where a dense texture is desired. They also have the advantage of being rich in antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy fats.
4. Bananas
Bananas serve as both a binder and a natural sweetener in many vegan recipes. Their thick consistency helps maintain the structure of baked goods while contributing a subtle fruity taste.
As an egg substitute, replace one egg with half a mashed ripe banana (about 60 grams).
Note that banana’s strong flavor might not suit all recipes; therefore, it’s better suited for sweeter dishes like cookies, muffins, or bread.
Also, keep in mind that bananas tend to speed up browning, so monitor your baked goods closely during cooking.
5. Silken Tofu
Silken tofu provides an excellent source of protein and creaminess, making it suitable for savory dishes and some desserts.
While tofu doesn’t mimic the lifting qualities of eggs perfectly, it does contribute to a desirable density found in items like quiches, cheesecakes, and scrambled eggs.
Blend 1/4 cup silken tofu until smooth to substitute one egg, but don’t forget that tofu has little taste, allowing it to absorb flavors from other ingredients easily.
6. Aquafaba
Aquafaba, the viscous liquid found in chickpea cans, surprisingly replicates various functions of eggs, including foaming, emulsifying, and binding.
Use three tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg, whether whipped into stiff peaks for meringues or added directly to the dough for bread and pastries.
Although odorless and tasteless, aquafaba offers unique advantages over commercial egg alternatives, given its accessibility and low cost.
7. Nut Butters
Creamy nut butters like almond, cashew, or peanut butter can act as egg substitutes in some cases. They provide moisture and richness although they do not have the same binding properties as eggs.
To use nut butters as an egg substitute, you may need to adjust the amount of other ingredients in the recipe.
For example, in a recipe that requires one egg, you can use 1/4 cup of nut butter along with a little extra liquid (such as water or non-dairy milk) to maintain the right consistency. So, take caution when incorporating them into delicate baked items.
8. Vinegar & Baking Soda
The chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda releases carbon dioxide gas, which acts similarly to beaten eggs by lightning batters and doughs.
Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of white distilled or apple cider vinegar per egg.
Note that this mixture works mostly for leavening rather than for adhesion, so you may need to use in conjunction with binding ingredients like aquafaba or mashed bananas.
Vegan Egg Wash Substitutes
Egg wash is commonly used in cooking and baking as a glaze or as an aid for achieving a golden-brown color, shine, and stickiness on the surface of pastries, bread, and other baked goods.
When brushed onto dough or pastry before baking, egg wash helps the food brown evenly, gives it a glossy appearance, and sometimes acts as a sealant to help prevent drying out.
Below are two great vegan egg wash alternatives you should try.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil functions exceptionally well as a vegan egg wash substitute because it promotes browning and gives pastries and baked goods a subtle shine.
Due to its high saturated fat content, coconut oil remains solid at room temperature, but melts readily under heat, allowing for effortless application. Simply melt your chosen quantity of coconut oil and liberally coat your dough before popping it into the oven.
Another benefit of using coconut oil as an egg wash substitute is its mild flavor, which prevents it from overwhelming the taste of your baked goods.
That being said, bear in mind that coconut oil tends to solidify quickly upon cooling, potentially resulting in uneven distribution once removed from the oven. So timing is crucial when using it – aim to apply the melted coconut oil immediately before placing your pastries in the preheated oven.
Also make sure not to overuse it, as excessive amounts may lead to greasy residues rather than the intended crispiness associated with properly executed egg washes.
10. Plant Milk
Plain soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can effectively serve as an egg wash substitute, offering neutral flavors and minimal effect on the appearance.
Like egg wash, these non-dairy milks help with browning and generate tender crusts when applied correctly. Depending on your personal preferences, feel free to apply other ingredients like vanilla extract or turmeric for enhanced richness or coloration respectively.
Note: Some plant milk may show undesirable reactions when exposed to high temperatures or mixed with other ingredients, leading to curdling or separation. Test small portions ahead of full implementation to guarantee compatibility and prevent unwanted outcomes.
Conclusion
With myriad substitutes available nowadays, finding dependable vegan substitutes for eggs and egg wash is no longer a challenge.
From applesauce to tofu, nut butters to banana purée, and plant milk to aquafaba, you’ll surely find one that satisfies your tastes.