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The best substitutes for eggs in baking and cooking

The best substitutes for eggs in baking and cooking
Egg prices have hit *** record high and consumers are noticeably frustrated. I'm in Walmart right now. Check this out. This is 12 eggs, cage free large white, great value. This is the cheapest brand. So what's causing this? Between November and December, prices jumped 14% due to *** shortage of eggs. At the end of last year, the average cost of *** dozen eggs was $4.15 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of February 7th, those costs have nearly doubled, jumping to $7.34 according to the US Department of Agriculture. But some shoppers are seeing prices much higher than that average. How did it jump from $5 to $18 on almost $20? This got to stop. The highly contagious avian flu is fueling the nationwide shortage of eggs, causing the deaths of 130. birds since 2022. Frank Hiller, the owner of Hiller Ranch in Lakeside, California, is limiting how many eggs customers can buy. If you have *** healthy farm, you're producing the same amount of eggs you've always it's *** lot. Big box retailers like Trader Joe's and Costco are also limiting their sales of eggs. The shortage has even led to egg thefts in Pennsylvania. Thieves stole about 100,000 eggs from *** distribution trailer and recently outside of Seattle, thieves caught on camera stealing hundreds of eggs from Luna Park Cafe. We couldn't order any eggs, so we had to drive around all the markets to get the egg. Unfortunately, these high costs aren't expected to come down anytime soon. The USDA says prices are expected to rise another 20% this year. For Consumer Watch, I'm Jen Sullivan.
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The best substitutes for eggs in baking and cooking

Eggs are a household staple, but when the prices are this high, it may be time to consider some substitutes. outbreaks have led to a plummeting and caused a steady uptick in wholesale prices, which have skyrocketed to about $7 per dozen (compared to $3 in 2023), according to a recent report. Before you purchase your next carton, there are substitutes for eggs worth noting while we ride out these ever-increasing prices.

Related video above: Egg prices are soaring to record highs

Budget isn’t the only reason shoppers might balk at a carton of eggs. The breakfast staple isn’t suitable for those following a or anyone with an egg allergy. Concerns about contracting bird flu through eggs persist, though “experts state that the risk to the general public is low,” says , author and plant-based dietitian. “Cooking eggs to the appropriate internal temperature (165 degrees Fahrenheit) effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including avian flu viruses.”

That being said, Dandrea-Russert points out that plant-based substitutes provide the same essential nutrients found in eggs, such as vitamins A, E and B, as well as choline, selenium, iron and zinc, while also offering fiber, which is not found in eggs. It also doesn’t hurt that many substitutes offer similar perks as eggs, such as protein and healthy fats.

The Prevention Test Kitchen tried out multiple substitutes for eggs in boxed brownie mixes, which provided a baseline for how egg substitutes might react in other baked goods, and tapped a registered dietitian for some additional recommendations. The following swaps all work in a pinch.

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Greek yogurt

Like eggs, adds moisture and structure to baked goods. It also adds about the same amount of protein, so you won't lose out on the satisfaction factor. Regular yogurt may work, but it won't offer as much protein. Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt because it has a similar amount of fat as an egg. Unless you're looking to alter the flavor of your baked good, go for plain varieties.

In our brownie test, Greek yogurt was the next best thing compared to eggs, creating relatively fluffy bars with a rich, chewy bite.

How to use it: Substitute 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for one egg.

glass of aquafaba and chickpeas on table
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Aquafaba

Got a can of chickpeas? The viscous liquid in the can, called aquafaba, acts similarly to egg whites in recipes, adding moisture and height. You can even whip aquafaba into a fluffy, meringue-like consistency.

Use the liquid to replace eggs or egg whites in a recipe. Just note it will impart a slight bean-y taste, but it's usually undetectable in sweet baked goods.

It created slightly oily brownies with a shiny, crackly top. The aquafaba brownies were slightly less sweet than those made with Greek yogurt, probably because aquafaba adds less natural sugar.

How to use it: Substitute 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for one egg.

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Applesauce

Mashed fruit or starches are popular stand-ins for eggs. We've seen mashed bananas, apples and even canned pumpkin or sweet potato puree. In our brownie test, we used applesauce because it doesn't have as much sweetness as bananas or as much earthiness as pumpkin puree.

It worked but didn't provide as much structure as aquafaba or yogurt. The brownies were ultra-fudgy and dense with very little bite. We would guess that this wouldn't work for baked goods where height is a goal, like bread or cakes. For denser treats like brownies, it works in a pinch.

How to use it: Substitute 1/4 cup applesauce for one egg.

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Silken tofu

This type of tofu has a soft, creamy consistency that you can scoop up with a spoon. It's often used in soups or stews or blended into plant-based sauces, dressings and desserts. It also works as a substitute for eggs. Silken tofu imparts very little flavor but offers moisture and heft.

Like the applesauce, it created fudgy brownies that barely rose and didn't have much chew. It's better in dense baked goods like certain cakes, bars or brownies.

How to use it: Substitute 1/4 cup silken tofu for one egg.

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Flax meal

Flax meal, or ground flaxseeds, mixed with water creates what is popularly known as a "flax egg." The seeds absorb the water and form a gel-like substance. Similar in consistency to an egg, it helps bind ingredients and adds moisture and richness. Like eggs, flaxseeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike eggs, you'll also get a dose of fiber and healthy plant compounds.

In our brownie test, the flaxseeds created the densest result, with the brownies caving in the middle. They were also pretty oily, but we appreciated their shiny, crisp, crackly top.

How to use it: Substitute 1 tablespoon of flax meal and 3 tablespoons of water for one egg.

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Mung Beans

Of course, baking isn't the only time you might need an egg replacement. “If you're looking for a with a similar texture to scrambled eggs or an omelet, mung beans make a fantastic substitute,” says Dandrea-Russert. “They are rich in magnesium, zinc and fiber.” Blend and cook them for a similar texture to eggs, she says, or try a mung bean-based, liquid egg replacer like .

The Prevention Test Kitchen has tried Just Egg with great results, heating it in a skillet to form fluffy curds that remarkably mimic the real deal.

How to use it: Substitute 3 tablespoons of Just Egg for one egg.

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Firm tofu

Silken tofu may be best for baking, but firm tofu makes excellent scrambles. “Using firm or extra-firm tofu, simply squeeze out excess water, crumble it into a hot pan, and cook it with your favorite vegetables like onions, peppers and spinach,” says Dandrea-Russert. “This makes a nutritious, high-protein breakfast. I love serving it with avocado, salsa, cilantro and hot sauce, paired with a side of breakfast potatoes for the most satisfying .”

To mimic the color of scrambled eggs, sprinkle a little bit of turmeric into it as it cooks. It'll turn yolk-yellow.

How to use it: Substitute about 3 ounces of firm tofu for one egg.

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Powdered egg replacer

Starch-based egg replacers, like , can also work. It contains just four ingredients — potato starch, tapioca flour, baking soda and psyllium husk fiber — and is suitable for those on a vegan or gluten-free diet (or both). According to the brand, it can be used in cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes, quick bread and more. It does not work for scrambles or meringues. Unlike whole eggs, it's cholesterol-free and contains no fat.

How to use it: Substitute 1 tablespoon of egg replacer and 2 tablespoons of water for one egg.