Out of Eggs, one case
Vegan egg substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Flax eggs
Per 1 egg
1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water
The best vegan egg substitutes are Flax Eggs, Chia Eggs, Aquafaba, and Commercial Vegan Egg Replacers. These provide binding, moisture, and leavening without any animal products.
- Best for —
- cookies
One casethe full eggs card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 egg | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flax eggscookies | 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Chia eggscookies | 1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Aquafabameringues | 3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea liquid)Tweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Commercial vegan egg replacercakes | 1 tsp powder + 2 tbsp waterTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Silken tofucheesecakes | ¼ cup blended silken tofu | No verdict on record |
| 6 | Applesaucecakes | ¼ cup | No verdict on record |
Flax eggs
nutty · similar texture
Made by mixing ground flaxseed with water to create a gel-like binding agent. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
- Best for
- cookies, muffins, pancakes, veggie burgers, energy bars
Mix and let sit for 5 minutes until thickened. Adds nutty flavor and provides excellent binding properties.
Chia eggs
neutral taste, similar texture
Similar to flax eggs but with smaller seeds. Creates a gel that binds ingredients together with minimal flavor impact.
- Best for
- cookies, muffins, pancakes, energy bars, vegan meatballs
Let mixture sit for 10 minutes to form gel. Chia seeds are smaller and less noticeable in final product than flax.
Aquafaba
neutral taste, similar texture
The liquid from canned chickpeas that can be whipped like egg whites. Good for meringues, mousses, and light baked goods.
- Best for
- meringues, mousses, macarons, whipped cream, light cakes
Whip aquafaba with a mixer until it forms stiff peaks. Works best when chilled before whipping.
Commercial vegan egg replacer
neutral taste, similar texture
Powdered mix designed specifically for vegan baking. Provides consistent results for binding and leavening.
- Best for
- cakes, cookies, muffins, when you want consistent results
Follow package instructions. Mix powder with water before adding to recipe. Best for leavening and binding.
Silken tofu
neutral taste, creamy texture
Blended silken tofu provides moisture and binding. Works well in dense baked goods and creamy recipes.
- Best for
- cheesecakes, quiches, custards, dense cakes, creamy fillings
Blend silken tofu until smooth before using. Adds protein and creates a creamy texture.
Applesauce
slightly sweet
Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients. Makes baked goods denser and moister.
- Best for
- cakes, muffins, quick breads, when you want moisture
- Texture
- denser
Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid extra sugar. Makes baked goods denser and moister.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan egg substitutes must provide the same functions as eggs (binding, moisture, leavening) while being completely plant-based. The recommended substitutes work because they offer these properties through different plant sources, each with their own unique benefits and applications.
Tips for substituting eggs
7 tips- For vegan baking, flax and chia eggs are the most reliable binding agents
- Aquafaba is good for recipes that need whipped egg whites
- Silken tofu works best in creamy, dense recipes like cheesecakes
- Commercial vegan egg replacers provide the most consistent results
- Always let flax and chia eggs sit for the full time to thicken properly
- For recipes requiring multiple eggs, consider using a combination of substitutes
- Test your substitute in a small batch first to ensure proper texture
Notes on eggs
- For protein-rich substitutes, consider silken tofu or commercial protein-based replacers
- For recipes needing whipped egg whites, aquafaba is the only effective vegan option
- For binding in savory dishes, consider mashed beans or lentils
- For moisture in baking, applesauce or mashed banana work well
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan egg substitute for scrambled eggs?
For scrambled eggs, try crumbled firm tofu seasoned with turmeric, black salt (kala namak), and nutritional yeast. Sauté with vegetables and seasonings for a convincing scrambled egg texture and flavor.
Can I use aquafaba in all vegan baking recipes?
Aquafaba works best in recipes that need whipped egg whites, like meringues or light cakes. For binding in cookies or muffins, flax or chia eggs work better.
How do I make vegan deviled eggs?
Use halved boiled potatoes or hollowed-out cucumber slices as the base. Fill with a mixture of mashed avocado, mustard, and seasonings, or use a tofu-based filling for a more traditional texture.
What's the best vegan substitute for eggs in pancakes?
Flax eggs or chia eggs work best for pancakes as they provide the binding properties needed. You can also use ¼ cup applesauce per egg for a slightly denser pancake.
Can I use commercial egg replacers for all vegan recipes?
Commercial vegan egg replacers work well for most baking recipes, but they may not work for recipes that need whipped egg whites. For those, use aquafaba instead.