When Is A Powdered Egg Replacer Actually Useful?

Eggs are packed with protein and have just five grams of fat, notes WebMD. They're a staple food for Americans for any meal, and they offer versatility for all sorts of dishes. For people watching their diets and fat intake, egg substitutes abound, including applesauce, flax seeds, and cultured milk. Many of these substitutes have different nutritional and flavor profiles while still offering the same type of thick liquid that works for a variety of recipes.

Egg replacer is a dedicated powder, engineered precisely as a substitute that mimics what eggs do for several applications at home and in a commercial setting, according to The Spruce Eats. The white powder combines starches, fibers, sodium bicarbonate, and rising agents. Several popular food brands make powdered egg replacers, and you can find gluten-free and vegan varieties if you have specific dietary requirements. In general, you'll need one serving of egg replacer for one whole egg.

But a powdered egg replacer may not be the best substitute for many kinds of recipes. Although it is versatile, powdered egg replacers come in handy for very specific applications in your recipes.

Your chosen powdered egg replacer replicates the chemical action in baking recipes where eggs and protein are not the main focus, according to The Spruce Eats. Think of foods that have a lot of flour, sugar, powders, and flavorings as the largest part of the recipe. Need something for great bread? A powdered egg substitute will work instead of eggs. Making flapjacks for breakfast? Powder works fantastically. Substitute the powder for eggs in bite-sized biscuits, crumbly scones, and just-right layered cakes. The reason is that these types of egg replacers mix extremely well with similar powdered ingredients with the same physical properties.

However, while they work well for baking recipes using flour, powdered egg replacers do not perform well for protein-based dishes. Don't plan on using powdered egg replacers for hearty breakfast quiches, eggs benedict, or sunny-side-up presentations. You can, however, utilize a powdered egg replacer with soy-based protein for vegan and vegetarian dishes, says The Spruce Eats.

Another way to substitute for eggs in a baking recipe is to use your favorite vegetable or corn oil, water, and some baking powder. Even better, these pantry staples aren't perishable and have a longer shelf life. They're also handy if you realize you're out of eggs after you start making your recipe.