How to Substitute Eggs in Recipes

Allergies
Recipes
Plant-based diets
Un père et son fils rient et s'amusent en préparant de la pâte dans une cuisine moderne et lumineuse - A father and his son are laughing and having fun while making dough in a bright, modern kitchen

Eggs are a valuable source of protein, vitamins B2 and B12, phosphorus, and zinc. They often play a crucial role in the structure and texture of dishes. However, for those who are allergic to eggs or follow a vegan diet, it is essential to know effective alternatives. Here are some tips for replacing eggs based on their role in the recipe.

*Note that these alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to eggs.

To Bind Ingredients

Oeuf dans un mélange de farine avec des ustensiles de cuisine

In recipes where eggs are used to bind ingredients, particularly in baking, several alternatives can be used:

1. Mashed Banana

Replace 1 egg with ½ a well-mashed ripe banana. This substitution works well in cake, muffin, and pancake recipes.

Try this substitution in our delicious Peach, Blueberry, and Yogourt Cake (Gluten-Free).

2. Applesauce

Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace 1 egg. Ideal for brownie, cake, and cookie recipes.

No eggs to bake our Oreo-Style Sandwich Cookies? No problem with this alternative!

3. Ground Flaxseeds

Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water and let it sit for 1 minute. This substitute is perfect for muffin and bread recipes, like our Banana and Vegetable Bread. The mixture can also replace eggs in savory recipes like meatballs and croquettes.

4. Chia Seeds

Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Use this mixture in cake, muffin, and pancake recipes.

Our Freezable Mini Pancakes cook very well with chia seeds instead of eggs.

To Leaven a Recipe

Gâteau à la vanille sur trois étages avec crémage blanc et petits fruits

If eggs are used as a leavening agent in a recipe, here's a good option:

5. Vegetable Oil and Baking Powder Mix

Combine 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 ml) of vegetable oil with 1 ½ tablespoons (22.5 ml) of water and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking powder to replace 1 egg. This substitution is ideal for cakes and muffins.

Try this option in our delicious Carrot and Lentil Muffins!

To Replace Egg Whites

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is an amazingly effective alternative for replacing egg whites. Use 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of aquafaba to replace 1 egg white. Whip the aquafaba until you get a firm and foamy consistency, similar to beaten egg whites. This substitute is perfect for meringues, mousses, macarons, and other desserts requiring egg whites.

Our Iced Matcha Dalgona Latte uses aquafaba for the frothy top!

Latte glacé Dalgona au matcha

Egg-Free Recipes

Here are some recipes that mimic eggs but do not contain them:

Replacing eggs in recipes is simpler than it seems. Whether you need to bind ingredients or leaven your preparations, there are a variety of options that allow you to continue cooking your favourite dishes without eggs. Try these substitutions and discover which ones work best for your recipes and personal tastes.

Do you have an egg allergy or are you vegan? Contact us to schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian nutritionist from our team to ensure you have all the necessary nutrients in your diet.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Ottawa