Customers are dealing with high prices and bare shelves as egg prices continue to rise, currently averaging $4.15 per dozen and predicted to rise by another 20%. A primary cause? A nationwide scarcity results from farmers having to kill millions of hens due to bird flu outbreaks.
However, don’t allow that to interfere with your meals. Depending on the purpose of eggs in your recipe, experts say many egg substitutes perform equally well in baking and cooking.
Egg Alternatives for Cooking & Baking
- For binding (e.g., cakes & pancakes): Try flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), mashed bananas, or applesauce.
- For leavening (e.g., fluffy baked goods): Apple cider vinegar + baking soda make a great duo.
- For moisture (e.g., brownies & muffins): Silken tofu or full-fat yogurt can keep your baked goods soft.
- For a meringue-like texture: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped to form peaks.
- For a golden-brown glaze: Use maple syrup or olive oil with a pinch of turmeric for that perfect finish.
Making the switch to egg alternatives is easier than home cooks may think, according to chef Adam Sobel. “It seems scary until you do it once—then you realize, ‘Oh, it’s easy!'”
Therefore, these substitutions will keep your kitchen operating efficiently—without a hitch—whether you’re vegan, allergic, or simply trying to save money.