If you like baking and cooking, then you surely know that egg whites are essential in many dishes. However, not everyone likes eggs, and sometimes it is hard to know what to use in their place.
Egg whites serve a specific purpose, but you can replace them without hurting your final product.
What Are Egg Whites?
Also known as egg albumin, the white part of the egg is a very nutritious and versatile ingredient. The egg white is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, so many people consume it instead of the yolk to have a healthier meal.
However, egg whites are useful in many important functions, like binding, foaming, leavening, and emulsifying.
Egg whites have been part of cooking and baking for a very long time. Some of the common recipes that have this food include muffins, frittatas, sauces, protein shakes, and even cocktails.
Why Replace Egg Whites, Anyway?
While egg whites are good for many purposes, there are various reasons why someone would replace them. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Egg Allergy: While egg allergies tend to be resolved in childhood, some may remain into adulthood. Eating egg whites is incredibly dangerous for those that have an allergy and can cause a bad reaction.
Veganism: If someone follows a strict plant-based diet, then eating any animal product is out the question. This, of course, includes egg whites.
Taste: In some cases, people simply don’t like the taste of eggs, which includes egg whites. Or it could also be the case that your eggs are not fresh anymore. (Also see how to tell if eggs are bad)
What Can I Replace Egg Whites With?
Whether you don’t like their flavor or you don’t want to use them, these egg white substitutes are great for any of your baking and cooking needs:
For Baking, Cake Mix, Cookies, and Brownies
#1. Ground Flaxseed
This choice may seem weird, but it is not only a healthy and vegan-friendly choice but extremely useful. When you add flaxseed to water, you get a gelatinous mixture, which works in the same way that egg whites would.
Flaxseeds are also very healthy, as they are high in omega 3, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Use ground flaxseed in savory muffins, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and some cakes. Keep in mind, though, that this choice will add crunch to whatever you prepare. For one egg white, use one tablespoon of flaxseed and about two and a half cups of water.
#2. Aquafaba
You may have heard this word before if you like to cook with chickpeas. Aquafaba is the canned liquid that chickpeas come in, and it is thick, which makes it great for binding, leavening, and emulsifying.
One thing to keep in mind is that this liquid is salty and may have some traces of chickpeas.
Use this liquid when you bake all sorts of things, including bread, muffins, cakes, and making thick sauces. You can use about one and a half tablespoon for every tablespoon of egg whites that your recipe asks for.
#3. Applesauce
This is an easy choice that is completely vegan and very healthy. You can find applesauce in any grocery store, but you can also make it at home by cooking and pureeing apples into a mash.
This choice is great for baking all sorts of things, including muffins, cookies, brownies, and cakes.
You need to remember that when you use applesauce, your product may end a bit chewier than with egg whites. Use about ¼ cup for every egg white that you need in your dish.
While you shouldn’t eat this mixture of baking soda and vinegar on its own, in baking, this mix can be a fantastic substitute for egg whites.
During the baking process, the soda and vinegar have a chemical reaction that leads to leavening and expansion. Use these two when baking bread, muffins, cakes, waffles, and pancakes.
Try about one teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of white vinegar for every egg white that your recipe indicates. Make sure you add these when you are making the dough.
Also known as agar powder, this option comes from a type of red algae and it is usually sold as a powder. Normally, agar-agar is a vegan replacement for gelatin, but it can be a thickener in soups, sauces, and drinks.
If you want to replace egg whites in baking things like bread, macarons, and granola, mix one tablespoon of water with one tablespoon of agar powder.
As a tip, agar-agar gets a better texture when you let it chill in the fridge for a day, then you can whip it and use it, or keep it refrigerated until you are ready to use it. Agar-agar may not be as easily available but a health store could have it.
#6. Xanthan Gum
This choice is a vegan and vegetarian favorite, as it is low in calories and can be used in thickening, leavening, and binding.
You are now able to find xanthan gum almost everywhere, but make sure you let this powder sit in water for a long time before you use it. Use ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum with about ½ teaspoon of water, mix well, and let it thicken.
Add xanthan gum to any of your baked goods, like bread, granola, or muffins, but also in drinks and sauces. The mixture above replaces one egg white in any of your recipes.
Using a nut butter such as peanut, almond, or cashew is a great option when you are making sweet and savory dishes.
Make sure to choose a smooth butter and not crunchy, and add it to sauces, dough, granola, and even smoothies or drinks. For every one egg white, use three tablespoons of nut butter.
Another thing to keep in mind is that nut butter is usually sweet and salty and very thick, which may mean you need to alter the other ingredients and liquids. Also, this choice is high in protein but also in fat, so you need to remember this before you use it.
Some good vegan substitutes for egg whites are flaxseeds, chia seeds, agar-agar, tofu, xanthan gum, and applesauce. You can find other options out there, but make sure you check the ingredients list before you use them.
How much egg white equals an egg?
Because egg whites are less thick and less dense than a whole egg, you will need about two egg whites or ¼ cup of egg whites for every whole egg.
What does egg white do in baking?
In baking, egg whites serve various purposes. Some of the things you can do with egg whites include leavening, foaming, binding, and emulsifying. Since egg whites are neutral, they don’t alter the flavor at all.
Conclusion
If you like cooking with eggs, then egg whites are certainly part of your ingredient list. However, eggs aren’t an option for everyone, so knowing what alternatives to use is a good idea. You can try any of these 7 substitutes for delicious flavors and amazing texture.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
