SaurabhMeringue powder consists of dried egg whites and is used in many recipes as a substitute for fresh egg whites. Some of the recipes where meringue powder is used are angel food cake, frostings, meringue, and royal icing.
Except dried egg white’s meringue powder contains some other additives like sugar, gum arabic, calcium sulfate, silicon dioxide, cornstarch, citric acid, and cream of tartar.
Meringue powder is used in recipes where the egg whites need to be beaten to form stiff peaks and to stabilize the frostings. You can even use meringue powder in baking recipes like cookies, bread, brownies, or muffins and still have a good final product.
The best substitutes for Meringue powder are fresh egg whites, egg white powder, aquafaba, agar powder, chia seeds, flax seeds, gelatin, and xanthan gum.
Read on to learn more about each substitute.
Meringue Powder Substitutes
For the best results in your recipes, you can use fresh egg whites or egg white powder as a substitute for meringue powder.
But if you are vegan or don’t want to consume eggs, you can choose between some of these substitutes that don’t contain eggs.
1. Fresh egg whites
Fresh egg whites are the best option when you need a replacement for meringue powder. Just separate the whites and whip them until stiff peaks are formed.
Add lemon juice or cream of tartar to stabilize the whole mixture and prevent it from collapsing. One egg white can be used as a substitute for two tablespoons of meringue powder.
2. Egg white powder
Egg white powder is made only of dried pasteurized egg whites. You can use it in baked goods, meringue, cakes, cookies, icings, smoothies, and many other recipes. But first, you have to rehydrate it in water before use.
Meringue powder has added sweeteners and stabilizers. So, if you are using egg white powder as its substitute you will have to add them into the mixture for a better final product. Use egg white powder in1:1 ratio with meringue powder.
3. Aquafaba
Aquafaba is the liquid inside a can of chickpeas. You can simply drain the liquid and whip it to form a foam. If you are using aquafaba to make meringue you will have to add cream of tartar to stabilize the mixture and create stiff peaks. To substitute 1 cup of meringue powder, use 1 ½ cups of aquafaba.
4. Agar powder
Agar powder is also a good substitute for meringue powder. It is vegetarian gelatin made of algae, a type of seaweed. And is used as a gelling and thickening agent.
Mix equal amounts of agar powder and water and bring it to a boil for about five minutes. When the mixture is set, whip it and use it as a substitute for meringue powder.
This substitute is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and people allergic to eggs. One tablespoon of agar mixed with one tablespoon water is the amount you can use as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of meringue powder
5. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are small black seeds with a nutty flavor but even if they are small, they are full of nutrients. When soaked in liquid chia seeds, they are forming a gel-like texture which is used as a binding and thickening agent in recipes.
You can ground the chia seeds and use them as a substitute for meringue powder, but have in mind that they can alter the color of your dish. Or you can buy white chia seeds instead of black.
Add 2 tablespoons of water to 1 teaspoon chia seeds. Soak them for a few minutes. Then, whip the mixture and use it as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.
6. Flaxseeds
Flax seeds are very nutritious seeds and they perform as a binder in recipes like cookies, cakes, muffins, pancakes, and many other baked goods.
These seeds contain mucilaginous substances in their outer layer which swells when exposed to liquid and forms a gel-like texture. If you want to use flax seeds as a substitute for meringue powder ground 1 tablespoon flax seeds and add 3 tablespoons of water.
Mix them and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes. Whip the mixture and use it as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.
7. Gelatin
Gelatin is a product made from the collagen found inside the bones, connective tissues, and skin of pigs, cattle, and other animals. So, if you are vegan or vegetarian, this is not the right product you can use as a substitute for meringue powder in your recipes.
Gelatin can be found as a powder and sheets and is used to thicken desserts, ice cream, yogurt, puddings, and some other products.
Mix 1 tablespoon of gelatin with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Let it sit for few minutes. Whip the mixture and use it as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.
8. Xanthan gum
Xanthan gum is a powder used in baking and cooking to thicken sauces, dressings, and baked goods, it is also added to meat, dairy, and many other products.
This powder mainly consists of fermented corn sugars. Therefore, it works as a substitute for eggs in many vegan recipes. Just mix ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum with ¼ teaspoon water. Let it thicken for a few minutes. Whip the mixture and you can use it as a substitute for 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.
Related Questions
Can you use cream of tartar in place of meringue powder?
Cream of tartar works as a leavening agent in baked goods, while meringue powder is made of dried egg whites and additives. It is a common ingredient in meringue and some other desserts. Therefore, you can’t use cream of tartar in place of meringue powder.
What can be substituted for meringue powder in royal icing?
The best substitutes for meringue powder in royal icing include fresh egg whites. Or egg white powder mixed with confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice.
Can I use cornstarch instead of meringue powder?
Cornstarch is the ingredient in meringue powder that prevents it from collapsing. But you can’t use cornstarch instead of meringue powder.
Can I make my meringue powder?
You can make your meringue powder with just a few ingredients. Gather the following products and follow the steps below the list with ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions:
Heat the oven to 200 degrees. Add the egg whites and cream of tartar in a bowl and beat them on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Increase the speed to high and add the maple syrup. Beat the mixture until hard peaks form. Line up a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and spread the mixture evenly.
Bake it for two hours or until it is dry, turn off the heat, and leave it in the oven overnight. Break the meringue into chunks and ground them into powder. You can store your meringue powder in a jar in the refrigerator.
Where do I find meringue powder in the grocery store?
You can find meringue powder in the grocery store in the baking or spice section.
Final Thoughts
You can use meringue powder to make meringue, royal icing, and for decorating many sweet treats. But if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with some of the ingredients mentioned in this article. Try them and let us know how they worked in your recipe.
