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Are you looking for the best vegan egg substitutes for baking and cooking?
This ultimate list has good you back!

Reasons to find vegan egg replacements

Whenever I mention that I’m vegan and I don’t eat eggs, I get the same answer: Okay, no meat, that’s understandable. But eggs? What’s so bad about them?

From an ethical point of view, eggs are problematic. Male baby chickens are being shredded after birth and the cage rearing for example. Whatever your reasons for living the egg-free lifestyle are, I feel you. It can be hard to avoid them as they seem to be in EVERYTHING. Cookies, Cakes, Pancakes, Mayo without egg? Good luck finding them in conventional cafés.

The thing is: It’s extremely easy to make these things without them, as I will show you in a second. At least when baking and cooking at home we can easily substitute them with vegan alternatives. While you won’t find the perfect fit-all replacement, there is one for every purpose.

Reasons for using eggs in recipes

Lots of recipes call for eggs for their binding property. Without them, cookies and cakes would simply crumble and fall apart. But are eggs alone with this superpower? No.

Here’s my complete list of all plant foods that serve just as well in keeping your cakes together:

For Baking and Cooking:

Flaxseeds + Water

This is probably the most popular one, and for good reason, as flaxseeds contain a great amount of omega 3 fatty acids:

Combine one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water, stir well and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.

Chia Seeds

Same as flaxseed, chia seeds provide lots of nutritional value. Combine 1 Tablespoon of ground chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. It should create a gloopy texture.

Arrowroot Powder

Ideal for sauces, puddings and baked goods that do not need to rise.

Use 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder to replace 1 egg.

Starches

Most commonly found in supermarkets and cheap. You can use corn-starch or potato starch. Use 1 tablespoon starch plus 3 tablespoons water for one egg.

Chickpea Flour

Perfect for health-conscious people as it is rich in protein and high in other minerals and vitamins.
Use ¼ cup of chickpea flour and ¼ cup water or non-dairy milk.
Check out this awesome recipe for chickpea flour omelette.

Agar-Agar

This is a vegan substitute for gelatine and a good replacement for egg white. For each egg white, dissolve 1 teaspoon agar powder in 1 tablespoon of water.

Soy lecithin

A great substitute for egg yolk as its binding properties are similar to that of eggs. One tablespoon of soy lecithin can replace one egg.

Baking Powder and oil

Vegan on a budget? No problem with this substitute. Baking powder is an ideal leaving agent and therefore best used in cakes, cookies and pancakes. Combine 1 1/2 Tbsp water, 1 tsp baking powder and 1 1/2 Tbsp of oil to replace one egg.

Mashed Banana

This creates the dense, moist texture that many people love. If you like it fluffier, add baking powder to your recipe. One banana equals one egg.

Apple sauce

Apple sauce is similar in its properties to the mashed banana. Use 1/4 cup for one egg.

Mashed Avocado

Not commonly known, but a surprisingly good egg replacement. It’s great for savoury dishes as well as desserts.

Commercial egg replacer

Most commercial egg replacers like Ener-G or Bob’s Red Mill consist mostly of starches and leaving agents, but they are a convenient and reliable option.

For Taste and Texture:

Egg dishes are an all-time favourite for breakfast. Sometimes you just need your scrambled eggs or omelette for comfort. Here are some decent vegan alternatives:

Tofu

This is great for scrambled “egg”. Use silken tofu for extra softness. If you combine it with Kala Namak, you will be amazed by the resemblance! Check out this recipe for tofu scramble perfection.

Kala Namak

This is an Indian Himalayan salt that tastes like egg due to its high level of sulphur. (Don’t worry, it’s all-natural). It’s almost scary how real it tastes. You can find this in health food stores or just buy online.

Turmeric

A hint of turmeric gives vegan egg dishes the right colour. But don’t go overboard with it, as it has quite a strong taste which can quickly become overpowering.

Artificial egg

More and more companies offer artificial egg substitutes, that tase and look more and more like the real thing. The ingredient list is pretty long though, so if you have any allergies, make sure to read it properly. The most popular ones are Just Egg and Follow your Heart, which both makes delicious scramble or omelette. Unlike Red Mill or Ener-G, these are not meant for baking.

Best Recipes to try with vegan eggs

Keen to try out some of the replacements mentioned here? Try these incredible vegan versions of popular egg dishes.

Nutritional value of eggs and vegan equivalents

Though eggs are often unethical and may contribute to heart problems, they do contain important nutrients. Some of the replacements mentioned here (like starches and flour) do not. [Source]
So, if you used to eat eggs for their nutritional benefits, consider these vegan egg substitutes that are just as high in nutrients:

Tofu, Tempeh and other soy products contain even more protein and essential amino acids.
They are a good source of calcium (if fortified) and selenium. Soy products are also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than eggs.
Eggs are a source of vitamin b12 and vitamin d though, so consider taking a supplement if you avoid them.

Bottom line

There are many options for creating delicious egg-free meals. It’s all about experimenting and finding out what works best for you (isn’t that half the fun anyway?)

What’s your experience? Do you still use eggs or have you found your favourite vegan egg substitute?