Eggs are a versatile and popular ingredient in cooking and baking, but vegans have to look elsewhere for substitutes. Vegan eggs are a great alternative that are perfect for any recipe you have in mind. But what exactly are vegan eggs and how can you use them in your recipes?
Vegan eggs are a cruelty-free alternative to regular eggs, made using one or more plant-based substitutes. These egg substitutes can be used in baking, scrambles, omelets and more, replicating the taste and binding ability of traditional eggs.
What Are Vegan Eggs Made Of?
There are many different kinds of vegan eggs. Commercial products such as Just Egg are made from mung beans, oil and seasoning. Neat Egg, a type of egg replacer for baking, is made of chia seeds and garbanzo beans. There are also many types of vegan egg alternatives that are simply fruit, seeds, and other whole foods.
Vegan Egg Replacement for Scrambled Eggs, Quiches and More
While there are many types of vegan eggs for baking, there are only a few for stand alone egg dishes. If you miss eating scrambled eggs or want to make a vegan omelet, the following make excellent substitutes.
JUST Egg
Just Egg is a plant-based egg substitute made from a mix of mung bean protein isolate, black salt, and other natural ingredients. This vegan egg product is just like liquid eggs and can be used as a one-to-one substitute for scrambled eggs, omelets and in quiches.
It provides a very similar taste and texture of eggs without any of the cholesterol. It also has similar nutritional values as chicken eggs. JUST Egg comes in a "folded" form as well. These are similar to omelets and work great on a sandwich.
Firm Tofu
Using firm or extra-firm tofu works great as a vegan egg replacement. One delicious use is to make vegan egg salad with it. Or make a tofu scramble in place of scrambled eggs. Tofu is also super healthy and has 10 grams of protein per serving.
Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, has an egg-like consistency when it is mixed with water. It can be used to make omelets, pancakes, and other savory dishes. This versatile product can also be used in baking for cakes, cookies, muffins and more.
Vegan Egg Substitutes for Baking
Traditional eggs in baking are used as a binding agent, not for taste. There are many egg substitutes that work in a similar way to regular eggs but without the animal products.
Flax Egg
When ground flax seeds are mixed with water, flax eggs are created. Flax eggs are a very popular vegan egg that are used as a binder in baking. Flax eggs are also lower in calories and saturated fat than traditional eggs and higher in fiber as well as other having other health benefits.
Neat Egg
Neat Egg is a powdery mix that you can find in many grocery stores. Made of chia seeds and garbanzo beans, you can simply add a little water and then use it as a replacement for eggs in your favorite recipes. It is used as a binder, not as a stand-alone replacement for scrambled eggs.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds can be used as a vegan egg substitute in baking recipes. When mixed with water, chia seeds develop a gel-like consistency which works well as an egg replacement in many recipes such as muffins and pancakes. Chia seeds are super nutritious and high in fiber and plant protein.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a great option for vegan baking. When used in recipes, it acts as a binder and helps to give baked goods a moist, soft texture. It has a natural sweetness which make it a good choice in baked treats. It can also be used to reduce the fat content of recipes.
Banana
Bananas can be used in baking as a vegan egg substitute by mashing a ripe banana and adding it to the recipe. This vegan egg substitute provides moisture and sweetness to baked goods while also adding fiber and other essential nutrients.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is also a popular vegan egg substitute. It can be used as a binder to replace eggs in recipes. Like other vegan egg substitutes, it has the added benefit of containing zero cholesterol and being cruelty-free.
Aquafaba has a similar consistency to egg whites and can also be used to make meringues, marshmallows and more.
Potato Starch
Potato Starch, or cornstarch, can be mixed with water to make a gelatinous product. It can be used as a thickener in baking, puddings and more.
Sweet Potatoes
Cooked sweet potatoes are another good choice for a vegan egg replacer for baking. They can add moisture and sweetness to your recipes without the fat and cholesterol.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
If you are looking for an airy, light texture in your baking recipes, a combination of baking soda and vinegar can be a great egg substitute. This combination produces carbon dioxide and water which will help to create a light and fluffy baked good.
You can mix them separately and then add to your batter. Or you can just make sure both ingredients are used and mixed within the recipe.
Vegan Alternatives for Egg Flavor
Sometimes you just need the egg flavor for a dish you're making. Believe it or not, there is a seasoning that can deliver the egg flavor! This works great in a recipe for vegan egg salad.
Black Salt (Kala Namak)
If you are looking to add an eggy flavor to your vegan dishes, black salt may be the ingredient you need. Also known as kala namak, black salt is a type of Indian volcanic rock salt that has a unique sulfur-like smell and strong flavor. It can help give your vegan dishes the "just-like-the-real-thing" flavor.
Popular Brands of Commercial Vegan Eggs
There are many different vegan egg products available at your local grocery store. Some of the more popular are:
- JUST Egg
- Neat Egg
- Ener-G Egg Replacer
- Judee's Vegan Egg Replacer Powder
- Orgran Vegan Easy Egg
- Bob's Red Mill Egg Substitute
- The Vegg
- Vegg Vegan Egg Yolk
- Phoebe Egg Replacer for Baking
FAQ
Are eggs vegan?
Real eggs from chickens or other animals are not vegan. If something comes from an animal, it is not part of a vegan diet.
Why don't vegans eat eggs?
Vegans do not eat eggs because they come from animals which goes against the main goal of veganism - avoiding any foods or products have been derived from animals.
It's also highly likely that the eggs come from factory farms which use inhumane practices and negatively impact the environment. Many vegans are concerned with animal welfare and are against factory farms.
Are vegan eggs just as healthy as regular eggs?
Most vegan eggs are healthier than traditional eggs. They do not have any cholesterol and most are lower in saturated fat. Many kinds also contain protein and fiber and are part of a healthy diet.
Summary
There are many vegan egg replacements out there for the different ways you need to use them for. Whether you miss the taste of a scrambled egg or an omelet or you're looking to make some delicious sweet treats, there are lots of vegan eggs available. The best part is that these egg alternatives are healthier than traditional eggs and don't harm any animals!
Wondering about other substitutes? Check out:
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