Egg white powder is the powdered version of dried egg whites. They can be used to replace fresh egg whites and are usually used to create bubbles or foam. It has a better shelf life than fresh egg whites.
If you are allergic to eggs or just a vegetarian looking for the best egg white powder substitutes, then take a look at the options we offer in this guide.
Regardless of the reason why you need a substitute, these alternatives can always come for help when you don’t have it in your kitchen but your recipe calls for it. Compared to fresh chicken eggs, powdered egg whites are pasteurized.
Best Egg White Powder Substitutes
1. Fresh Egg Whites
It’s more than obvious that the best substitute for egg white powder is fresh egg whites. Many of us buy eggs every day because they seem to belong to the recipes that are essential in our everyday meals. It is an important ingredients in many recipes, especially in baked goods and breakfasts.
You can also use them in savory and sweet dishes just the way you use egg white powder. Actually, you will get a better result with fresh egg whites in whipped form. Use 3 eggs instead of 2 tablespoons of egg white powder.
2. Meringue powder
Meringue powder is a combination of dried products, mostly used as a great baking substitute. It contains egg white powder in it, and is usually used in meringue lemon pie recipes, royal icing and macaroons. You can also use it to decorate cookies and glaze donuts.
When substituting with egg white powder you should also take into account other ingredients found in meringue powder such as cornstarch, citric acid, sugar, cream of tartar, calcium sulfate and silicon dioxide. Make sure they go well with your recipe before you may add it in it.
3. Arrowroot Powder
As for arrowroot powder, it’s a gluten- and grain-free powder made of tropical plant roots. It goes well with a number of baking recipes and can substitute egg white powder just like cornstarch.
Mix 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 3 tablespoons of water and whip until you get the needed texture. Use it in baked goods.
4. Aquafaba
The remaining liquid of chickpeas is called aquafaba and it’s one of the best substitutes for egg whites. When this liquid is whipped, it has a foam-like texture similar to whipped egg white powder.
You can either make it at home by soaking chickpeas and using its water or just use the liquid of canned chickpeas. This is a great alternative especially for vegans.
5 and a half tablespoons of aquafaba is equal to 2 tablespoons of powdered egg whites. Whipped aquafaba will easily become a meringue if you add cream of tartar into it.
5. Flaxseeds
The desired gel-like texture of egg whites can be made with the help of flaxseeds in many recipes such as cakes, pancakes, cookies, biscuits and muffins. Mix them with water and then use as a substitute for egg white powder in baking. You can also consider using flax seeds in vegan meringue recipes.
This is another good choice for vegetarians. However, it doesn’t work well with dishes that require a lot of eggs.
6. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is used in some foods to add thickness, to hold the ingredients in place as well as keep the texture from changing. You can use it if your dish needs to be thickened, be it a sauce, ice-cream, an egg-free cake, dressing or a cooked meal.
Use xanthan gum mixed with equal amounts of water and let it sit to get thicker. After this you can use it in recipes that call for powdered egg whites.
7. Chia Seeds
If you are looking for a low-carb alternative to egg white powder, then choose chia seeds. Although they have dark color and may change your meal’s hue, they are still other good substitutes in case you don’t have egg white powder in hand. They can substitute it in many baked goods and even in omelets.
Mix 1 teaspoon chia seeds with 2 tablespoons of water and let it sit. Then whip it to reach a foam-like texture similar to whipped egg whites.
Due to their gel-like and gooey texture chia seeds work perfectly as binding substances. Just like flax seeds, chia seeds are good for vegans.
8. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a white-colored powder often used in gravies and sauces as a thickener. Thus, in case your dish calls for powdered egg white as a binding ingredient, you can replace it with cornstarch.
Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of warm water when choosing it instead of egg white powder.
9. Gelatin
Gelatin is a healthy product with an interesting texture. Its main ingredient is animal collagen which is good for the health of human bones. It’s used in desserts such as ice-creams, puddings, marshmallows and candies.
You can mix it with many sweets, creams and drinks as well. It will provide your dish with a firm, jelly-like texture and will serve as a binding ingredient.
In order to substitute gelatin with egg white powder, you need to pour water on it and let it sit for a few minutes. Then whip it until you reach the desired texture. 1 tablespoon of gelatin mixed with 3 tablespoons of water is equal to 2 teaspoons of egg white powder.
10. Agar Powder
Agar powder is another awesome egg white substitute particularly in vegan dishes. You can choose it if you want to get the same firmness and texture in your dish as powdered egg whites provide.
Before using agar powder you’d better mix it with some liquid until it’s dissolved and then add to the rest of the ingredients.
11. SilkenTofu
Silken tofu is the same tofu, only its softer and subtler. So, you can mix and whip it, and the result will look like whipped egg whites.
It’s an amazing substitute for powdered egg whites in muffins, brownies, cakes and bread doughs. Silken tofu will provide a thick, dense and creamy texture to your dishes.
12. Mashed Bananas, Pumpkin or Avocado
Yes, they do replace egg white powder in several dishes such as muffins, cupcakes and even breads. Mashed bananas make your dough fluffier, add volume and moisture to it.
However, if you don’t like the taste of banana you may look for another vegetable or fruit-based substitute such as mashed pumpkin or mashed avocado.
No matter what fruit or vegetable you choose to use instead of egg whites, the ratio should be 1/4 cup of mashed fruit/veggie and 2 teaspoons of egg whites. Keep in mind that the end bakery is going to be dense and a kind of moisty. So, choose appropriate recipes for these alternatives.
13. Baking Soda and Vinegar
You can use this blend in several baked goods when you run out of both eggs and egg white powder. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 tablespoon vinegar and it will be equal to 2 egg whites. The best types of vinegars that go well in this substitution are white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar.
14. Coconut Cream
In some cases you can use whipped coconut cream instead of whipped egg white powder. Just make sure you use it immediately because unlike egg whites, coconut cream can’t be whipped twice. It will lose its foam-like texture.
15. Buttermilk or Plain Yogurt
The list would be incomplete without dairy substitutes. Both buttermilk and yogurt are as important as egg whites in baked goods. They can replace each other in many recipes. You can use them in muffins, biscuits and cupcakes.
FAQs on Egg White Powder
What do you use egg white powder for?
Egg white powder is usually used in baking, including recipes like marzipan, sorbets, pavlova, meringue, soufflé, icings and ice creams. All you need is just mixing warm water with egg white powder and beating it well until it becomes a foam-like substance to create bubbles or foam. Then you can add it to the other ingredients found in your recipe. You can use it the same way as fresh egg whites.
Is it safe to eat egg white powder?
Since powdered egg white is pasteurized, you can safely use it without cooking or baking. It’s an excellent source of protein and can be used instead of many dairy products in case you are lactose-intolerant.
Where to buy egg white powder?
You can find egg white powder in grocery stores or supermarkets from the baking section.
How much egg white powder equals one egg white?
1 tablespoon of dried egg white powder mixed with 3 tablespoons of water is equal to 1 large egg white.
Final Thoughts
When trying one of these egg white powder substitutes in different recipes, try to choose suitable options that go well with the rest of the ingredients. Choose gluten-free or veggie options if you are after diet-friendly and healthier alternatives.