Out of Eggs, one case
Egg substitutes for an egg allergy
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Powdered egg replacer
1 ½ tsp + 2 tbsp water for every egg
Every swap here is free of egg: a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed in 3 tablespoons water), ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt, 3 tablespoons of aquafaba with 1 teaspoon of oil, or a powdered egg replacer. Carton products such as Egg Beaters are made from egg whites and are not safe for an egg allergy.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- The tweak —
- Whisk the powder into the water first, or use the amount on your box. Read the label for other allergens.
- Best for —
- cakes, cookies and muffins
One casethe full eggs card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 egg | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powdered egg replacercakes, cookies and muffins | 1 ½ tsp + 2 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Flax eggcookies and brownies | 1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Unsweetened applesaucemuffins, snack cakes and brownies | ¼ cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Aquafabameringues and macarons | 3 tbsp + 1 tsp oilTweak it | Tweak it |
| Not a swap | Carton egg substitute | not a swapNot for this | Not for this |
Powdered egg replacer
neutral taste
A starch and leavening blend sold for egg-free baking. The most predictable option across recipes.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies and muffins, pancakes and waffles
- Prep
- Whisk the powder into the water first, or use the amount on your box. Read the label for other allergens.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Scrambles, custards and meringue.
Flax egg
nutty
A gel that binds. Best in bakes with some color and flavor of their own.
- Best for
- cookies and brownies, muffins and quick breads, veggie burgers
- Prep
- Rest 5 minutes to gel.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Light sponge cakes.
Unsweetened applesauce
slightly fruity; denser
Moisture and gentle binding from fruit pectin.
- Best for
- muffins, snack cakes and brownies, box cake mix
- Prep
- Add ¼ tsp baking powder per egg replaced.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Crisp cookies.
Aquafaba
neutral once baked
Chickpea liquid. Unwhipped it replaces whole egg; whipped it replaces egg white in meringue and mousse.
- Best for
- meringues and macarons, cakes and cupcakes, egg-free mayonnaise
- Prep
- For whole egg add the oil. For meringue, whip 3 tbsp per egg white with a pinch of cream of tartar.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Custards, which need the setting power of yolk.
Carton egg substitute
Products sold as egg substitute in the dairy case are pasteurized egg whites with color and vitamins added.
- Best for
- nothing for an allergy
- Contains
- eggs
- Where it fails
- It is egg. The same goes for most fresh pasta, regular mayonnaise, meringue powder and many baking mixes: read every label.
Tips for substituting eggs
4 tips- Egg can hide under other names on a label: albumin, globulin, lysozyme, ovalbumin, lecithin from egg, and words starting with ovo.
- Shiny baked goods may have been brushed with egg wash. For your own baking, brush with milk, plant milk or melted butter.
- Two eggs or fewer is the easy range. Recipes built on eggs, such as quiche, custard and angel food cake, need a recipe written egg-free.
- For a scramble, crumbled firm tofu cooked with turmeric and salt is the usual stand-in.
Questions
4 questionsIs Egg Beaters safe for an egg allergy?
No. It is made from egg whites. Use a powdered egg replacer, flax egg, applesauce or aquafaba.
What is the best egg substitute for baking with an egg allergy?
A powdered egg replacer for the most predictable result, or ¼ cup applesauce or yogurt per egg in cakes and muffins.
Is mayonnaise safe for an egg allergy?
Regular mayonnaise is made with egg yolk. Vegan mayonnaise is egg-free; check the label.
Can an egg-allergic person eat baked goods made with egg?
That is a medical question with different answers for different people. Ask the allergist who manages the allergy, and do not test it at home.