Keto Means
Photo by Mikhail Nilov Pexels Logo Photo: Mikhail Nilov

Why does applesauce work as a substitute for eggs?

The pectin found in applesauce acts as a binder. Since apples are high in sugar, it's an ideal choice for quickbreads, muffins, and pancakes. Apples are not a leavener, so baked goods will be more dense and moist with every egg you replace.

What are the worst vegetables for keto?
What are the worst vegetables for keto?

These veggies should be avoided at all costs: Potatoes (As they contain a lot of starch and carbs, equally harmful for diabetics) Sweet Potatoes...

Read More »
Is chewing gum OK on keto?
Is chewing gum OK on keto?

Most sugar-free gum is probably fine for keto, so long as you limit your intake to only a few pieces a day. If you like to have a pack or more a...

Read More »

The most commonly used egg substitutes include apple sauce, mashed bananas, yogurt, and flaxseeds. The best way to decide on your alternative is by understanding what purpose the egg is serving in the recipe. Aquafaba, or chickpea liquid, is your best bet for substituting only egg whites. No eggs? No problem. Whether you've got a food sensitivity, dietary restriction, or simply don't have any eggs on hand, there are plenty of replacements you probably have in your pantry right now. There are a few things to consider when replacing eggs. The trick to deciding which egg substitute to use is understanding why the egg is being used in the recipe in the first place. Once you've figured out its purpose, you'll also want to take into account taste. The last thing you want is for your egg substitute to overpower the flavor of whatever you're baking.

What do eggs do in baking?

Eggs play an important role in baking, and the best replacement comes down to determining what purpose the egg is serving. "You have to know what the egg is doing in the recipe," says chef, author, and cooking teacher Amy Fothergill, adding that substitute can interact with other recipe ingredients and impact the overall flavor or texture of the dish. Whole eggs add structure, texture, moisture, and volume to baked goods in three main ways:

Binder: Helping to hold dry ingredients together and providing moisture

Helping to hold dry ingredients together and providing moisture Emulsifier: Acting as a thickening agent and providing body to a recipe Acting as a thickening agent and providing body to a recipe Leavener: Giving "lift" and creating air pockets to help baked goods rise When deciding on a replacement, it's important to understand that the finished product won't likely be an exact replica. But understanding what eggs bring to the table, and what result you want to achieve, is the first step in a successful swap: Quick tip: As a general rule of thumb, the standard volume of one egg is ¼ cup. Use this baseline measurement as a guideline for your substitute ratio.

1. Applesauce

The pectin found in applesauce acts as a binder. Since apples are high in sugar, it's an ideal choice for quickbreads, muffins, and pancakes. Apples are not a leavener, so baked goods will be more dense and moist with every egg you replace. Beyond that, applesauce is high in sugar, so that will come through in the final product, but that's not necessarily the worst thing for certain items. How to use it: To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of applesauce.

What is your body lacking when you crave chocolate?
What is your body lacking when you crave chocolate?

For instance, chocolate cravings are often blamed on low magnesium levels, whereas cravings for meat or cheese are often seen as a sign of low iron...

Read More »
Is meatloaf OK for weight loss?
Is meatloaf OK for weight loss?

Though tasty, the hearty combo of ground meat, onions, breadcrumbs, and a slathering of ketchup is typically packed with calories, saturated fat,...

Read More »

2. Mashed banana

Bananas work similar to applesauce in that they bind together dry ingredients and add moisture. The fruit's natural sweetness makes it ideal for sweeter baked goods. If you're in need of a more neutral flavor, you can try another pureed fruit: mashed avocado. How to use it: To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of mashed banana.

3. Yogurt or buttermilk

Plain yogurt or buttermilk can replace eggs in adding moisture and richness to a recipe. They work best in batter-type baking (think: brownies, cakes, drop cookies). Because yogurt and buttermilk contain acid, they can be used as a leavener with the addition of baking soda or powder. How to use it: To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of yogurt or buttermilk. Add ¼ teaspoon of baking powder if you need a little lift.

4. Carbonated water

Carbonated water acts as a leavener by trapping air bubbles. It can also add moisture to a recipe and can be used in conjunction with other egg substitutes — particularly denser options like fruit purees — when replacing multiple eggs. This technique works in cupcake and cake batter, and can also work with pancakes, waffles, and quick breads. How to use it: To replace one egg, use ¼ cup of carbonated water.

5. Baking soda and vinegar

The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar releases carbon dioxide and water, which can add lift to pancakes, cake, and quickbread batters. This combination "will give you rise, but if there's already sufficient baking soda in the recipe, it might rise and fall," says Fothergill. How to use it: To replace one egg, combine one tablespoon vinegar with one teaspoon of baking soda.

6. Aquafaba

Aquafaba is the liquid leftover after cooking chickpeas — the same liquid found in canned chickpeas. This substance can be used as a substitute for both whole eggs and egg whites. When whipped, aquafaba is an accurate swap for meringues — just add a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize it. Since its flavor is fairly neutral, it can be used in both sweet and savory applications. How to use it: To replace one egg, lightly whip three tablespoons of aquafaba until foamy. For an egg white substitute, keep whipping to desired stiffness.

7. Arrowroot powder

Arrowroot powder is extracted from the South American Maranta arundinacea plant. It acts as a thickening agent and can also serve as a binder. Since it doesn't have any noticeable flavor, it won't interfere with the taste of your recipe. Arrowroot powder is high in starch, and you can use cornstarch, tapioca powder, and potato starch in the same way. These ingredients can add structure to cakes and body to custards.

Do you gain weight back after egg fast?
Do you gain weight back after egg fast?

It's no secret that most people gain back any weight they lose on a fast, and the same holds true for the Egg Fast…for most people! There is,...

Read More »
Will bacon and eggs take me out of ketosis?
Will bacon and eggs take me out of ketosis?

If you've been asking —is bacon keto, we're here to tell you yes (and also encourage you to eat it). Among otherpork products, bacon is high in...

Read More »

How to use it: To replace one egg, add two tablespoons of arrowroot powder to three tablespoons of water.

8. Ground chia seed

The tiny seeds of the chia plant are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and can also be used as a binder for breads, cookies, and pancakes without adding any noticeable flavor. To emulate the richness of an egg, Fothergill recommends adding a pinch of vegetable oil. How to use it: To replace one egg, combine a tablespoon of ground chia with two tablespoons of warm water and one tablespoon of vegetable oil.

9. Ground flaxseed

Similar to chia seeds, ground flax mixed with water has a gelatinous property that allows it to hold other ingredients together, like binding meatloaf or crab cakes. Flaxseed can be purchased pre-ground, or you can opt to grind it yourself by adding whole flax seeds to a coffee grinder. It does have a stronger nut-like flavor that can be an excellent addition to banana bread or oatmeal cookies. How to use it: To replace one egg, add one tablespoon of ground flax seeds with two to three tablespoons of water and let sit for 10 minutes.

10. Silken tofu

This popular vegetarian protein source is best used as a binder and adding moisture. Silken tofu can be used as a replacement for eggs in foods that are typically dense, like brownies, cheesecake, and custard. How to use it: To replace one egg, use a ¼ cup of silken tofu. Pre-made egg replacers will vary in formula, but they are typically made of starch and some type of leavening agent, allowing it to mimic the binding and lifting of a real egg. Some popular brands include Bob's Red Mill and Ener-G. Just make sure to read the ingredients list carefully to ensure you aren't sensitive to any of its components. How to use it: Since commercial egg replacements vary, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Insider's takeaway

Replacing eggs in a recipe might be intimidating the first few times, but it is possible to use a substitute with great results. You may have to tinker with ratios and use several different alternatives to achieve the texture you're shooting for, so don't be afraid to experiment.

Does drinking water reduce body odor?
Does drinking water reduce body odor?

Stinking Breath and Body Odor Similarly, water helps release toxins through sweat. If your body is dehydrated, you are unable to release these...

Read More »
Does the boiled egg diet work?
Does the boiled egg diet work?

BOTTOM LINE: Although the boiled egg diet encourages eating healthy food groups and may promote short-term weight loss, it's overly restrictive and...

Read More »
What alcohol has no sugar or carbs?
What alcohol has no sugar or carbs?

For instance, pure forms of alcohol like whiskey, gin, tequila, rum and vodka are all completely free of carbs. These beverages can be drunk...

Read More »
What type of fat do you lose first?
What type of fat do you lose first?

visceral fat Excess visceral fat can pose serious health risks, but when you embark on a healthy diet and exercise plan, this fat is often the...

Read More »