Finding a gelatin egg substitute that works like a charm can sometimes feel like a kitchen mystery we’re all trying to solve.
It’s a game changer for our vegan friends or anyone who’s run out of gelatin at the last minute.
The magic of baking shouldn’t be held up by a missing ingredient.
We’ve been there, staring at a recipe, only to realize the gelatin egg is missing from our pantry.
Luckily, there are some pretty nifty alternatives that can step in and save the day.
These swaps not only keep our recipes on track but also add a twist that could make grandma’s old recipe seem like a new discovery.
Got allergies or dietary restrictions in the mix?
No problem. Our alternatives are here to ensure everyone gets a slice of the baking action, without compromise.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Gelatin Egg
In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for gelatin eggs, comparing their key characteristics and providing the proper ratios to ensure the best results in your recipes.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Flaxseeds | High in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and adds a nutty flavor | Replace 1 gelatin egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons water |
| Chia Egg | Nutrient-rich, high in fiber, and creates a gel-like consistency | Replace 1 gelatin egg with 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water |
| Agar-Agar Powder | Plant-based, gelling agent derived from seaweed, and offers versatility | Replace 1 gelatin egg with 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon water |
| Arrowroot Powder | Fine white powder with neutral taste, gluten-free, and thickening agent | Replace 1 gelatin egg with 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder + 3 tablespoons water |
| Vegan Mayonnaise | Creamy, emulsifying texture, and adds moisture to recipes | Replace 1 gelatin egg with 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise |
Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:
1 – Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds come from the Linaceae family of plants.
Flax seeds are extremely nutritious, rich in many nutrients, and contain good fiber.
They’re also cheap to purchase – you can easily buy an entire bag for just a few dollars at your local supermarket.
Additionally, flax seeds have a few dollars.
Flaxseeds are also versatile – you can add them to salads, cereals, etc.
The seeds also grind extremely well and can be used in baking, smoothies, etc.
Another positive is that flax seeds don’t need to be cooked to be edible.
This makes it a great substitution for gelatin eggs when you’re in the mood for something tasty but don’t have time to cook anything elaborate or complex.
- Key Characteristics: Flaxseeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, offering health benefits. When ground and combined with water, they create a gel-like consistency suitable for binding.
- Proper Ratio: Replace 1 gelatin egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
2 – Chia Egg
Chia egg is a simple recipe that uses chia seeds to create a binder.
The method used to make it is also incredibly easy, so you’ll have no problems making this vegan alternative.
To prepare the Chia Egg, all you need to do is mix one tablespoon of ground chia seeds with three tablespoons of water.
You wait about 15 minutes for the chia seeds to expand and absorb the liquid.
Chia eggs are extremely popular among vegans because they’re simple to make and can be used in any recipe that calls for gelatin eggs.
Additionally, you’ll also get a fair amount of omega-3 fatty acids when eating this dish.
- Key Characteristics: Chia seeds are nutrient-rich and high in fiber. When combined with water, they form a gel-like substance that can serve as a binder in recipes.
- Proper Ratio: Replace 1 gelatin egg with 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
3 – Agar-Agar Powder
Another great substitute for gelatin eggs is agar.
First of all, it’s important to note that this vegan alternative has two different types – powdered and flaked.
You can buy either one in your local supermarket or health food store.
It’s also extremely cheap to buy, costing about two dollars at most.
Agar needs to be heated before it sets.
Therefore, when adding this substitute into recipes, you have to cook for a couple of minutes to activate the powder and get it ready for your recipe.
- Key Characteristics: Agar-agar powder is a plant-based gelling agent derived from seaweed. It offers versatility in both sweet and savory recipes and provides a firm texture when set.
- Proper Ratio: Replace 1 gelatin egg with 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil, then allow it to cool and set.
4 – Arrowroot Powder
Last but not least is arrowroot powder.
This powder can be bought at your local grocery store in the baking section, where all other flour substitutes are sold.
To substitute gelatin eggs with this vegan alternative, you need to mix two tablespoons of arrowroot powder with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
Arrowroot is very simple to incorporate into your recipes, and it’s also very versatile.
It can be used in sauces, baked goods, desserts, and even as a thickener.
Just like agar powder, you need to cook this for a few minutes before using it in your recipe, and the final result tends to hold its form better than some other substitutes.
- Key Characteristics: Arrowroot powder is a fine white powder with a neutral taste. It acts as a thickening agent and can provide a similar binding effect as gelatin eggs.
- Proper Ratio: Replace 1 gelatin egg with 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Use this mixture as a thickener in your recipes.
5 – Vegan Mayonnaise
Vegan mayonnaise is another great substitute for gelatin eggs because it acts almost identically to the real thing.
It’s also very easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch of this vegan alternative pretty quickly.
All you need are three tablespoons of soy milk mixed with one tablespoon of lemon juice.
After mixing the two, you need to let it sit for a few minutes so that the vegan mayo.
Once done, it should have a very similar consistency as regular egg-based mayonnaise.
- Key Characteristics: Vegan mayonnaise has a creamy texture and emulsifying properties. It can be used as a binding agent and adds moisture to recipes.
- Proper Ratio: Replace 1 gelatin egg with 3 tablespoons of vegan mayonnaise.
Leave a comment