Egg Alternatives

Eggs are highly nutritious, versatile and delicious. But, what if eggs aren't an option?

For some, eggs are off limits due to dietary preferences or allergies. Or, sometimes, you just cracked your last one and are simply out. And, although relatively low in cost, the price of eggs is subject to change and can rise due to various reasons, including egg shortages caused by bird flu. Whatever the case, consider integrating egg alternatives as staples in your kitchen.

Egg Alternatives: The Basics

Egg alternatives can be used in both cooking and baking. The alternative you use will depend on the desired function of the egg in that particular recipe. Eggs in recipes for baked goods are used for functions such as binding, leavening and adding moisture and richness to the baked product, while their use in savory dishes is often more straightforward. Egg alternatives range from chia gel to tofu, in addition to mixes that make egg replacement easy and effective. For example, one mix on the market is made from chia seeds and garbanzo beans, in which 1 tablespoon of mix is combined with 2 tablespoons water to provide the equivalent of one egg for use as a binder in recipes. If you choose to use these products, follow package instructions for best results.

How to Use Egg Alternatives

Here are some top picks for replacing eggs in recipes. One large egg is close to 3 tablespoons in volume. Keep this measurement in mind as a guide during cooking and baking.

• Scrambled egg alternative: In place of each large egg, cube 2 ounces firm tofu. Sauté while slightly smashing the tofu when preparing to achieve the look of scrambled eggs. Add a pinch of turmeric for an egg-like yellow color. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and add a pinch of black salt or pepper for a pop of flavor.
• Boiled egg alternative: To mimic the protein and texture of hard-boiled eggs in salads and sandwiches, dice extra-firm tofu (2 ounces tofu for each boiled egg you're replacing) and use as you would chopped hard-boiled eggs. Ready-to-eat baked tofu and white beans are other great options.
• Binding in baking: When chia seeds are stirred into water, juice or other liquid, the mixture becomes a recipe-ready gel, which acts as a binder and holds all ingredients together in a baked item. Try this standard version as a large egg equivalent: Mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water; let stand for 5 minutes. Prefer flaxseed? A tablespoon of ground flaxseed added to the same amount of water can be used instead of chia seeds.
• Leavening in baking: When you need a baked good to rise, make chia or flaxseed gel as indicated above, then add ½ teaspoon baking powder to the batter. Multiply based on the number of eggs in the original recipe. Powdered egg replacers also are popular and easy to use — simply follow the manufacturer's instructions and mix the powder with water.
• Moistness and richness in baking: Whether your recipe is sweet or savory, these egg alternatives are versatile in baking and provide a winning combination of moistness and richness: mashed banana, applesauce, pureed avocado, garbanzo beans or silken tofu. Use ¼ cup of any of these plant-based ingredients to replace one large egg.

The list of egg alternatives in cooking and baking is nearly limitless. When foregoing eggs, experiment with various fruits and vegetables that you have on hand, such as prune puree, apple butter, pumpkin puree and mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes — which are especially ideal for providing moistness while boosting plant-based nutrients. If leavening is needed, also add ½ teaspoon baking powder for each egg being replaced.