Meringue powder substitutes
Meringue powder substitutes — 4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fresh egg whites
1 egg white for every 1 tbsp meringue powder
The best substitutes for meringue powder are fresh egg whites, aquafaba, or powdered egg whites, depending on the use. Use 1 egg white, or 2 tablespoons of aquafaba, plus 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar for each tablespoon of meringue powder, and leave out the water the recipe adds for the powder. In icing that is not cooked, use pasteurized egg whites.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- meringues
Updated 8 Oct 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked · per 1 tbsp meringue powder| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tbsp meringue powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fresh egg whitesmeringues | 1 eggWorks | Works |
| 2 | Aquafabameringues | 2 tbsp aquafaba + 1/8 tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| 3 | Powdered egg whitesmeringues | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Cream of tartar + egg whitesmeringues | 1 egg white + 1/8 tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| Not a swap | Gelatin + water | not a swapNot for this | Not for this |
| Not a swap | Xanthan gum + water | not a swapNot for this | Not for this |
Fresh egg whites
similar taste and texture
The liquid form of what meringue powder is mostly made of.
- Best for
- meringues, royal icing, macarons, soufflés
Leave out the water the recipe adds for the meringue powder, and add 1/8 tsp cream of tartar per white if you have it. Raw egg white is not safe for everyone, so use pasteurized whites in royal icing and anything else that is not cooked.
Aquafaba
similar taste and texture
The liquid from a can of chickpeas, which whips like egg white.
- Best for
- meringues, royal icing, macarons, soufflés
Leave out the water the recipe adds for the meringue powder. It takes longer to whip than egg white, and the icing dries a little softer.
Powdered egg whites
similar taste and texture
Similar ingredient with different preparation.
- Best for
- meringues, royal icing, macarons, soufflés
Different preparation, similar function.
Cream of tartar + egg whites
similar taste and texture
Egg white for the structure, with cream of tartar as the stabilizer.
- Best for
- meringues, royal icing, macarons, soufflés
Leave out the water the recipe adds for the meringue powder. Cream of tartar alone does nothing here: it only steadies the egg white. Use pasteurized whites where the icing is not cooked.
Gelatin + water
different taste and texture
Often suggested, but gelatin sets a liquid and does not stand in for egg white.
- Best for
- nothing here
Gelatin and water do not whip into a meringue or dry hard the way royal icing has to. Use egg whites or aquafaba instead.
Xanthan gum + water
different taste and texture
Often suggested, but xanthan gum only thickens and does not stand in for egg white.
- Best for
- nothing here
Xanthan gum and water do not whip into a meringue or dry hard the way royal icing has to. Use egg whites or aquafaba instead.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use fresh egg whites instead of meringue powder?
Yes, fresh egg whites are a good substitute for meringue powder. Use 1 egg white for each tablespoon of meringue powder and leave out the water the recipe adds for the powder; 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar per white helps it hold. In royal icing and anything else that is not cooked, use pasteurized egg whites.
What's the difference between meringue powder and fresh egg whites?
Meringue powder is dried and more stable, while fresh egg whites are liquid and may require more careful handling. Both can be used to make meringues and royal icing.
Can I use aquafaba instead of meringue powder?
Yes. Use 2 tablespoons of aquafaba plus 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar for each tablespoon of meringue powder, and leave out the water the recipe adds for the powder. It whips like egg white, takes a little longer, and the icing dries a little softer.
Why is meringue powder so popular in baking?
Meringue powder is popular because it provides stability and structure to egg white-based recipes and is easier to store and use than fresh egg whites.
Tips for substituting meringue powder
6 tips- Meringue powder adds stability and structure to egg white-based recipes
- Meringue powder can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Meringue powder pairs well with sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla
- Meringue powder works well in meringues, royal icing, and macarons
- Meringue powder can be used to make stable whipped toppings
- Store meringue powder in a cool, dry place