Out of Meringue powder, one case
Meringue powder substitute - for royal icing & baking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fresh egg whites + cream of tartar
Per 1 tbsp meringue powder
2 egg whites + ½ tsp cream of tartar
The best meringue powder substitutes are fresh egg whites (1:1 ratio), aquafaba for vegan options, or powdered egg whites. For royal icing specifically, use 2 egg whites + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- royal icing
One casethe full meringue powder card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tbsp meringue powder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fresh egg whites + cream of tartarroyal icing | 2 egg whites + ½ tsp cream of tartarWorks | Works |
| 2 | Aquafaba (chickpea water)vegan royal icing | 3 tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Powdered egg whitesroyal icing | Same amountRatio (reconstitute with water first)Works | Works |
| 4 | Gelatin + waterroyal icing | 1 tsp gelatin + 2 tbsp waterYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Xanthan gum + waterroyal icing | ¼ tsp xanthan gum + 2 tbsp waterYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Fresh egg whites + cream of tartar
similar taste and texture
The most direct substitute that provides the same whipping and stabilizing properties as meringue powder.
- Best for
- royal icing, meringues, macarons, soufflés
Best for royal icing and meringues. Cream of tartar adds stability.
Aquafaba (chickpea water)
neutral taste, similar texture
The liquid from canned chickpeas that whips up like egg whites. Excellent for vegan baking.
- Best for
- vegan royal icing, vegan meringues, vegan macarons, dairy-free baking
Good vegan alternative. Whips up beautifully and holds shape well.
Powdered egg whites
similar taste and texture
Dried egg whites that work almost identically to meringue powder when reconstituted.
- Best for
- royal icing, meringues, macarons, any meringue powder recipe
Most similar to meringue powder. Mix with water before using.
Gelatin + water
neutral taste, different texture
Provides structure and stability but won't create the same airy texture as whipped egg whites.
- Best for
- royal icing, frosting, glazes
Good for royal icing but won't whip like egg whites. Heat gelatin first.
Xanthan gum + water
neutral taste, different texture
Plant-based thickener that provides structure but lacks the whipping properties of egg whites.
- Best for
- royal icing, glazes, thickening
Good thickening agent but won't whip. Best for glazes and icings.
How it behaves in this recipe
Meringue powder is primarily used for royal icing, meringues, and other egg white-based recipes where stability and structure are crucial. The best substitutes maintain these properties while providing similar whipping and stabilizing effects. Royal icing specifically requires substitutes that can hold their shape and provide the glossy, hard finish that meringue powder creates.
Tips for substituting meringue powder
8 tips- For royal icing, always add cream of tartar to fresh egg whites for stability
- When using aquafaba, reduce sugar slightly as it's naturally sweet
- Powdered egg whites need to be reconstituted with water before using
- Gelatin-based substitutes work best for poured icings, not whipped ones
- Xanthan gum works well for glazes but won't create meringue-like peaks
- Always whip egg white substitutes to soft peaks before adding sugar
- For vegan royal icing, aquafaba is your best bet for authentic texture
- Store any leftover egg white substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Notes on meringue powder
- Use store-bought royal icing mix as a convenient alternative
- Try marshmallow fluff for a different texture in some applications
- Consider using Italian meringue (cooked sugar syrup) for extra stability
- For vegan options, explore commercial vegan meringue powders
- Use Swiss meringue buttercream as a stable frosting alternative
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best substitute for meringue powder in royal icing?
Fresh egg whites with cream of tartar is the best substitute for royal icing. Use 2 egg whites + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder. This provides the same stability and texture as meringue powder.
Can I substitute cream of tartar for meringue powder?
Cream of tartar alone won't work as a direct substitute for meringue powder. However, it's an essential ingredient when using fresh egg whites as a substitute. Add ½ tsp cream of tartar per 2 egg whites to provide the same stabilizing effect as meringue powder.
What's a good vegan substitute for meringue powder?
Aquafaba (chickpea water) is the best vegan substitute for meringue powder. Use 3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 tbsp meringue powder. It whips up beautifully and provides similar texture and stability for royal icing and meringues.
How do I substitute egg whites for meringue powder?
To substitute egg whites for meringue powder, use 2 egg whites + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder. Whip the egg whites to soft peaks before adding sugar, just like you would with meringue powder.
Can I use powdered egg whites instead of meringue powder?
Yes, powdered egg whites are an excellent substitute for meringue powder. Use a 1:1 ratio, but reconstitute the powdered egg whites with water first according to package directions before using in your recipe.
What's the difference between meringue powder and egg white powder?
Meringue powder typically contains egg whites, sugar, and stabilizers like cream of tartar. Pure egg white powder is just dried egg whites. For most recipes, powdered egg whites work as a direct substitute, but you may need to add cream of tartar for extra stability.
How much meringue powder equals one egg white?
Generally, 1 tablespoon of meringue powder equals about 2 egg whites. However, this can vary by brand, so check the package directions. When substituting fresh egg whites, use 2 egg whites + ½ tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder.