Vegan Options for Egg Replacements
The beauty of the vegan diet is that though you might have to do a little more research to prepare meals, it sure is worth it, both health-wise and taste-wise!
Here’s a word of advice: once you feel limited in any area of cooking, just know there is a way. One example of a major concern a reason most people do not give up eggs is baking! The magnificent aroma, the fluffiness, the bursting flavors, and popping colors—it’s just so sweet! Who doesn’t love to bake or even enjoy a great pastry from time to time? Especially if you are anything like me and have a sweet tooth.
Sadly, there are not many vegan pastry options readily available for purchase. If you are desirous of cooking or baking something that requires a vegan egg replacement, consider these options:
1. Flaxseed or Chia Seed
Flaxseed and chia seed are some of the first vegan egg substitute options I have tried. They both are easy to incorporate in any meal preparation and can be used as a vegan egg substitute in baking cakes, muffins, and bread.Blend 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for a vegan egg substitute.
One of the things I like about flaxseed and even more so chia seed is that the taste of the final product is barely altered.
All you have to do is to combine either with water and it will create a gel-like substance which is what is used instead of eggs.
Another great plus is that flaxseed and chia seeds are both high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. So not only are they great substitutes but they aid in achieving a healthy vegan diet.Blend 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for a vegan egg substitute.
2. Store Mixes
There are also store bought vegan egg options. These include brands like Just Egg and Follow Your Heart VeganEgg. These are specially formulated and designed to offer similar results and taste of egg however with plant-based ingredients. This is often used to prepare scrambled eggs and even used to bake.
3. Tofu
Vegans can say just how versatile tofu is and how it completely transforms the kitchen. With the right herbs and seasoning you can never deny the taste. Importantly this is a great alternative for scrambled eggs. Very high in protein and without a doubt a great option to consider as a vegan if you’re feeling for scrambled eggs.
4. Chickpeas
Chickpea flour literally smells like egg to me! It is also referred to as gram flour. Like tofu this is incredibly high inprotein. The liquid from a can of chickpeas can be whipped up to create a vegan meringue or used as a vegan egg substitute in baking.
5. Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce can be used as an egg replacement in baking. Applesauce is a fruit puree, so it adds moisture to baked goods just like eggs do. This helps to keep cakes, muffins, and other baked goods moist and tender.The pectin in applesauce helps to bind the ingredients together, just like eggs. This helps to prevent baked goods from becoming crumbly or dry. It also adds a subtle sweetness and tartness to baked goods. This can be a welcome addition to recipes that call for a lot of sugar, or it can be used to offset the richness of other ingredients, such as chocolate or nuts.
Final Thoughts
A vegan diet isn’t limited. You just need to learn to enjoy research and experimentation. With the above-listed vegan egg substitutes, you don’t have to worry about missing out on animal-based foods.
As you enjoy your vegan journey, be sure to also try black salt, nutritional yeast, and aquafaba (the leftover liquid from a can of chickpeas or other beans). They are all great vegan egg substitutes.
