Back to Basics: The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Egg Replacers..
Eggs are crucial in cooking and baking, providing structure, moisture, leavening, and even an eggy flavor. But whether you’re vegan, allergic, or just out of eggs, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that work just as well.
This guide breaks down the best vegan egg substitutes based on their function - so whether you’re baking cookies, making a scramble, or perfecting a crispy breading, you’ll know exactly what to use.
Giving Up on Eggs: My Story
Eggs were one of the last things I gave up when I went vegan over 20 years ago. Ironically, right before I made the switch, I was eating more eggs than ever. As a busy college student, my go-to late-night meal was breakfast for dinner - hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, and ketchup on the side. It was cozy, filling, and quick.
But something about the eggs just didn’t sit right with me. I was already vegetarian and trying to lean into this “vegan” thing I’d heard about, but I was stuck on my egg habit. Then one night, standing in my tiny kitchen, about to pour liquid eggs from a carton, I had a moment:
"Wait, what are eggs? Like, really?"
I stared at that gooey liquid and suddenly felt completely grossed out. The craving vanished, and I no longer wanted to eat eggs.
Of course, quitting eggs in theory was one thing - figuring out how to cook and bake without them was another. That's where vegan egg replacers come in.
Vintage Egg Replacers
Back then, options were limited. You either bought a specialty replacer or threw in applesauce and hoped for the best. I mean, applesauce still works as an option in recipes like my fave chocolate chip walnut cookies - but still. Vegan needed more options for vegan egg replacing bliss.
Modern Vegan Egg Replacers
Today, it’s a whole different game. Vegan chefs have cracked the egg-free code, and we now have amazing homemade substitutes, store-bought alternatives, and even vegan scrambles and omelets. And Just Egg - total game changer for 'ready to go' plant eggs.
If you’re here, chances are you’re at least curious about giving up eggs - or looking for ways to experiment with egg-free recipes. Or maybe you’re thinking:
“But eggs are healthy! They have protein, nutrients, good fats - you can’t just make that up.”
Yes, An Egg is A Nutrient Dense Whole Food
You’re right - eggs are nutrient-dense. But guess what? You can get those same nutrients from plants. (More on that below.)
For example, if you’re looking for a protein match, beans are your best friend - chickpeas, white beans, and even mung beans (which Just Egg is made from) all work.
My Favorite Egg Replacer
If I had to pick one egg replacer to use forever, it would be silken tofu. It blends light and fluffy, binds like a dream, and works in everything from scrambles to baking. Plus, it’s loaded with protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.
Why Replace Eggs?
Eggs are versatile, but there are plenty of reasons to swap them out:
- Ethical reasons – Avoiding animal products
- Environmental impact – Lower carbon footprint
- Health benefits – Cholesterol-free and allergen-friendly (Though as always, health opinions vary based on who you ask...)
- Convenience – No risk of spoilage, plus many plant-based replacements are pantry staples
Ethics: Why Do Vegans Avoid Eggs?
For many vegans, giving up eggs isn’t just about food—it’s about compassion, sustainability, and health.
- Animal Welfare – The egg industry, even so-called “humane” or free-range farms, relies on practices that many find cruel. Most egg-laying hens live in crowded conditions, and male chicks - who can’t lay eggs - are often discarded at birth.
- Environmental Impact – Egg production requires massive amounts of land, water, and feed, contributing to deforestation and pollution. Factory farms also produce high levels of greenhouse gases.
- Health Considerations – While eggs contain protein and nutrients, they’re also high in cholesterol. While dietary cholesterol doesn’t affect everyone the same way, many people thrive without it, getting protein and nutrients from plant-based sources instead. So what's better? vegan eggs or the real deal? Honestly, that's up for you and your personal doctor to decide, but nutritionally, you can get all the nutrients in eggs, from plant sources....
Nutrition: Key Nutrients In Eggs and How to Get Them in Plant-Based Sources
Whether you’re looking for protein, choline, or omega-3s, here’s how to get all the same benefits - without the eggs.
1. Protein: Essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Best vegan sources: Tofu & Tempeh, Beans & Lentils, Chickpea Flour, Just Egg, Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, Hemp, Chia, Sunflower Seeds).
2. Choline: Supports brain function, memory, and nervous system health. Best vegan sources: Soybeans & Tofu, Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts, Quinoa, Peanuts.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Crucial for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation. Best vegan sources: Flaxseeds & Chia Seeds, Walnuts, Algae-Based Omega-3 Supplements (provides DHA & EPA).
4. Vitamin B12: Supports energy, nerve function, and red blood cell production. Best vegan sources: Nutritional Yeast (Fortified), Fortified Plant-Based Milks, B12 Supplements (recommended for vegans).
5. Vitamin D: Supports bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Best vegan sources: Sunlight Exposure (the best source), Mushrooms (Exposed to Sunlight), Fortified Plant Milks & Cereals, Vegan Vitamin D3 Supplements (Lichen-Based).
6. Iron: Critical for oxygen transport, energy levels, and preventing fatigue. Best vegan sources: Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Black Beans), Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard), Tofu & Tempeh, Pumpkin Seeds & Sunflower Seeds.
Overall Thoughts on Replacing Nutrients in Eggs
Eggs aren’t the only source of these key nutrients! A balanced plant-based diet provides everything you need - without cholesterol or ethical concerns. If you’re experimenting with an egg-free diet, incorporating these plant-based alternatives will keep you fully nourished.
Now that I have you nutritionally on board, lets get into the details...
VEGAN EGG REPLACER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE
BAKING: The Best Vegan Egg Replacers for Baking
Baking with eggs is all about moisture, structure, and leavening. Here’s how to get the same results without them:
Vegan Egg Replacers for Moisture
Eggs help baked goods stay soft and tender. These substitutes add the same moisture while keeping things plant-based:
- Applesauce (¼ cup = 1 egg) – Adds moisture without changing flavor, great for muffins and cakes.
- Mashed banana (½ banana = 1 egg) – Works well in sweet recipes like banana bread but adds a slight banana flavor.
- Flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water = 1 egg, let sit for 5 min) – Thickens like an egg and provides slight binding.
- Silken tofu (¼ cup blended = 1 egg) – Adds a rich texture, best for dense cakes, brownies, and custards.
Recipe idea: vegan chocolate chip banana bread
Vegan Egg Replacers for Leavening (Rise & Fluff)
If your recipe needs eggs to create lift and airiness, try these:
- Baking soda + an acid (1 teaspoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice = 1 egg) – Perfect for fluffy pancakes, cakes, and muffins.
- Aquafaba (3 tablespoon chickpea brine = 1 egg) – Whips up like egg whites, making it ideal for meringues, macarons, or light-textured cakes.
- Yeast – Used in yeast breads, cinnamon rolls, and doughs where eggs help create structure and air pockets.
Some tips: 7 tips for fluffy cinnamon rolls
Vegan Egg Replacers for Binding
Eggs hold ingredients together, preventing crumbly cookies or falling-apart veggie burgers. These work just as well:
- Flax or chia egg – A great all-purpose binder for cookies, quick breads, and pancakes.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoon cornstarch + 3 tablespoon water = 1 egg) – Helps thicken and bind mixtures in baked goods.
- Mashed sweet potato (¼ cup = 1 egg) – Adds a bit of structure and a hint of sweetness, great in brownies or bars.
- Breadcrumbs or nut butter – Works well for veggie burgers and meatballs, helping them stay firm and intact.
Forever fan fave recipe: easy sweet potato veggie burgers
SCRAMBLES: The Best Vegan Egg Replacements for Cooking
Vegan Egg Replacers for Scrambling & Omelets
- Tofu (crumbled and sautéed with turmeric & black salt) – The go-to replacement for scrambled eggs.
- Just Egg (store-bought liquid egg replacer) – Cooks just like eggs, making it great for omelets and frittatas.
- Chickpea flour (½ cup chickpea flour + ½ cup water, cooked like an omelet) – A protein-rich option for egg-free breakfast dishes.
Forever fave morning starter: Kathy's Vegan Breakfast Sandwich - with Just Egg folded "egg" - or use my eggy tofu
Vegan Egg Replacers for Breading & Coating
Eggs are often used to help breadcrumbs stick to fried foods. Here’s what works instead:
- Aquafaba (chickpea brine) – The best vegan alternative for dredging and breading.
- Cornstarch + water – Helps create a crisp, golden crust on cutlets or fried foods.
- Just Egg – Works just like traditional eggs in breading recipes.
EGGY CHARACTERISTICS: Getting the ‘Eggy’ Qualities Without Eggs
Some dishes need more than just structure - they need that classic egg flavor, protein boost, or glossy finish.
Vegan Egg Replacers for That ‘Eggy’ Taste
- Black salt (Kala Namak) – A sulfur-rich salt that adds an authentic eggy flavor to scrambles, quiches, and omelets.
- Just Egg – A ready-made option that mimics both taste and texture.
Vegan Egg Replacers for a Glossy Finish (Bagels, Yeast Breads)
• Just Egg brushed on before baking – Creates a golden, shiny finish.
Vegan Egg Replacers for a Protein Boost
• Tofu, nut butters, mashed beans, or vegan protein powder – Adds protein to baked goods like muffins, cookies, and breakfast bars.
Vegan Egg Replaces: The Chart
| Egg Role | Best Vegan Substitute | Best Recipe Use |
| Moisture | apple sauce, mashed banana, flax egg, silken tofu | muffins, cakes, breads |
| Leavening (Rise) | baking soda or baking powder and an acid (vinegar or lemon juice), aqua faba, yeast | cakes, muffins, pancakes, waffles |
| Binding | flax or chia egg, cornstarch, aquafaba, mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs, nut butter | burgers, cookies, veggie balls, bars |
| Scrambled Eggs | Tofu, Just Egg, Chickpea Flour | scrambles, omelets, quiche |
| Breading | Aqua Faba, cornstarch, Just Egg, water | fried foods, cutlets |
| Gloss | Just Egg | bagels, yeast breads |
| Eggy Flavor | black salt, Just Egg | scrambles |
| Protein Content | Just Egg, Tofu, Nut Butters, Mashed Beans, Protein Powder | cookies, bars, breakfast baked goods (muffins, waffles..) |
Final Thoughts
Vegan egg replacers have come a long way! Whether you’re baking a cake, making a scramble, or binding ingredients together, there’s a plant-based alternative that fits.
The best approach? Experiment and see what works best for your recipes! Have a favorite egg replacer? Let me know in the comments!
And another silken tofu recipe fave: these mini chocolate chip cookies..
