🥧 Baking

Meringue Powder Substitute - for Royal Icing & Baking

Discover the best meringue powder substitutes for royal icing, baking, and all your egg white-based recipes. Complete guide with ratios, tips, and alternatives.

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Quick Answer

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 + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder.

Best Substitutes

Fresh Egg Whites + Cream of Tartar

2 egg whites + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder

The most direct substitute that provides the same whipping and stabilizing properties as meringue powder.

Best for:

royal icingmeringuesmacaronssoufflés

Best for royal icing and meringues. Cream of tartar adds stability.

Aquafaba (Chickpea Water)

3 tbsp aquafaba per 1 tbsp meringue powder

The liquid from canned chickpeas that whips up like egg whites. Excellent for vegan baking.

Best for:

vegan royal icingvegan meringuesvegan macaronsdairy-free baking

Perfect vegan alternative. Whips up beautifully and holds shape well.

Powdered Egg Whites

1:1 ratio (reconstitute with water first)

Dried egg whites that work almost identically to meringue powder when reconstituted.

Best for:

royal icingmeringuesmacaronsany meringue powder recipe

Most similar to meringue powder. Mix with water before using.

Gelatin + Water

1 tsp gelatin + 2 tbsp water per 1 tbsp meringue powder

Provides structure and stability but won't create the same airy texture as whipped egg whites.

Best for:

royal icingfrostingglazes

Good for royal icing but won't whip like egg whites. Heat gelatin first.

Xanthan Gum + Water

1/4 tsp xanthan gum + 2 tbsp water per 1 tbsp meringue powder

Plant-based thickener that provides structure but lacks the whipping properties of egg whites.

Best for:

royal icingglazesthickening

Good thickening agent but won't whip. Best for glazes and icings.

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What'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 + 1/2 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 1/2 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 + 1/2 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 + 1/2 tsp cream of tartar per 1 tbsp meringue powder.

Summary

Find the best meringue powder substitutes for royal icing, baking, and meringues. Complete guide with fresh egg whites, aquafaba, powdered egg whites, and more with exact ratios and tips.