The Ingredients Quietly Replacing Eggs in American Kitchens

Eggs have remained a staple in American kitchens. Their price has increased in recent years, like almost all other foods, services, transportation, and so on, which is why some egg lovers have sought alternatives. Online communities like Reddit and other forums are great resource for finding substitutes, and this list reveals them to help you when cooking!

Applesauce

One of the egg substitutes is applesauce because it adds extra flavor when cooking or baking. Many culinary experts know that applesauce is often used in muffins, cakes, quick breads, and brownies. Its function is to help bind all the ingredients together and add moisture to the food. It’s a good alternative to eggs when their price skyrockets. Reddit user Bouche_Audi_Shyla commented: “Either homemade or way-too sweet processed apple sauce is great”.

Mashed Bananas

Mashed bananas are an ingredient that can be added to pancakes, muffins, and other sweet baked goods. Like applesauce, they provide more structure and moisture. Even better, if you have some at home that are about to go bad, you can turn them into mashed bananas, which will provide the natural flavor of sugar without any artificial sweetener. Reddit user [borrado] expressed: “There’s nothing better than mashing a couple of bananas until their liquids, and drinking it out of a cup. The taste is amazing. Move aside juice, mashed bananas are the best drink”.

Flaxseed “Eggs”

The properties of eggs are what make them so valuable, and these same properties can be generated by mixing ground flaxseed with water. This mixture creates a gel-like texture that binds all the ingredients together. The high fiber content of flaxseed, combined with its omega-3 fatty acids, make it a powerful food. Reddit user Raebrooke4 stated: “Either in my protein shake or in yogurt, for me fiber does equal weight loss. Fiber will keep you full so you have less room for junk”.

Chia Seed “Eggs”

Chia seeds function similarly to flaxseeds when they come into contact with water. The gel they release is very nutritious and can help bind a whole meal together. People who cook healthy dishes often consider chia seeds because they are very nutritious and don’t spoil easily. As an egg substitute, chia seeds work best when they are not the main ingredient in the recipe. Reddit user dzsudlomekimenu expressed: “My experience is that I ‘dissolve’ 1/2 tablespoons of chia seeds in enough milk to cover the seeds. Then I blend fruit with half a glass of Greek yogurt and pour it together, this is a serving for one person”.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has emerged in recent years as a richer, higher-protein alternative that can be added to dishes like cakes, muffins, and quick breads. Its smoother texture compared to eggs has made it a staple ingredient in many healthy recipes. Reddit user Blanik_Pilot reflected: “The blended tropical fruit flavor only comes as the nonfat at Aldi, I’m not avoiding fats but the better tasting flavors are mostly the nonfat ones”.

Cottage Cheese

Blended cottage cheese appears in many recipes that highlight its high protein content. Some people use it to replace eggs at breakfast, because that extra protein is always beneficial. It has become an unexpected egg alternative, thanks in part to social media. Reddit user amandahontas explained: “If you dislike the texture you may prefer it blended! My mom puts it in lasagna and I think it’s pretty good”.

Silken Tofu

Among vegans, silken tofu is a popular ingredient because it can be used in desserts and baked goods, such as brownies and cakes. And because of its neutral flavor that blends well with recipes, many cooks are surprised to discover that a recipe calls for silken tofu. Reddit user Lilacs_orchids appraised: “With some soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and green onion, I can easily eat a whole pack of silken tofu”.

Commercial Egg Replacers

In grocery stores like Bob’s Red Mill and Ener-G, egg replacement products have appeared and gained visibility, especially when there are egg shortages due to disruptions in the production chain. This type of product is designed to be baked and sells more when egg prices spike. Reddit user Many_Sky revealed: “I found out that commercial egg replacers work better than flax egg and have taken to modifying non-vegan recipes on my own”.

Aquafaba

What happens with aquafaba is that it mimics what eggs do in some recipes, so it’s one of the greatest egg substitutes. Aquafaba is the liquid found in cans of chickpeas and can be used for meringues, macarons, and whipped toppings. It’s a liquid that was previously discarded, but it’s appreciated that a use has been found for it as an egg replacement. Reddit user talented_fool wrote: “This water is quite floury, and can be used both to thicken liquids and to whip it, like egg whites, until a relatively stable foam is achieved”.

Chickpea Flour

When you need to bake or prepare a breakfast that calls for eggs in the recipe, you can opt for chickpea flour. Whether in omelets or pancakes, this extra boost of protein will be beneficial for the human body, which is why it appears in many international recipes. Reddit user tottobos commented: “Just put the chickpea flour on a pan over the stove and stir with a spatula to dry roasted prior to use. It will take less than 5 minutes. You’ll smell the nutty aroma as it is roasted”.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is similar to what applesauce does when it works as egg substitutes. Whether in muffins, cakes, or quick breads, you can add it freely during the fall months when it’s most popular. Otherwise, you can buy canned pumpkin year-round. Reddit user nettletart reflected: “The moisture content of freshly baked winter squash is much higher than canned. Try to dry it and pureé and bake it again, or cook it on the stovetop”.

Mayonnaise

Everyone knows mayonnaise, and many have realized it’s one of the good egg substitutes. You probably remember your mother or grandmother baking a cake with mayonnaise because those recipes aren’t exactly groundbreaking. Mayonnaise adds flavor and moisture, a technique that’s key in many traditional recipes. Reddit user SumTenor commented: “There needs to be just enough to make the food moist and interesting, but not so much that’s slippery, wet and falling apart. It’s a delicate dance”.

Just Egg and Similar Liquid Alternatives

One of the egg substitutes that has emerged is plant-based liquid egg, called ‘Just egg’, which people use for scrambles, breakfast sandwiches, and baking. Its popularity has opened the door to plant-based foods that were previously absent from the everyday cooking of many families. Reddit user [borrado] commented: “Just Egg looks and tastes exactly like scrambled egg. It’s a little pricey but definitely a fun treat every once in a while”.

Extra Beans in Breakfast Burritos

You don’t always have to be cooking to get an egg substitutes like the alternatives mentioned above. Many people prefer beans, whether for breakfast or main meals. When you make a burrito with potatoes, cheese and vegetables, try adding beans instead of eggs. This will make your dish much cheaper and extended the use of other, more expensive ingredients. Reddit user possiblyMorpheus commented: “White beans with cilantro, and tomato, or with sausage, Haitian black beans, are delicious”.

Why Americans Are Becoming More Flexible About Eggs

The fluctuating price of eggs due to production chain issues and inflation has led Americans to feel more comfortable cooking without them. Alternative techniques for egg substitutes are circulating on social media and improve many dishes that were originally made with them. As a result, eggs are now seen as just another option, rather than an irreplaceable ingredient.