Eggs are the most popular binding agent in all types of recipes. From baked desserts, to breads, cakes, and even savory dishes.
If you are all out of eggs but need a binder for your recipe, no need to worry. There are a number of great substitutes you can use no matter what recipe you are making.
Some of these alternatives are kitchen staple while others are less popular, but each of them can be used to bind all types of dishes.
So what are the best egg substitutes for binding?
The top binding substitutes for egg are applesauce, bananas, avocado, fruit puree, xanthan gum, flaxseed, gelatin, powdered egg, and chia seeds.
Many of these ingredients are vegan and vegetarian friendly, so no matter what your dietary needs are, you will find a great alternative below.
Make sure to read on to find how to best use each egg replacement as a binding agent in your recipe.
Egg Alternatives for Binding
The protein in eggs allows it to provide stability as well as to bind together the other ingredients in your recipe.
Eggs are an excellent binding agent, but when you are all out of eggs, all is not lost. The following egg substitutes will bring together all the ingredients of your dish and provide an excellent finished recipe.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a classic replacement for egg as a binder. It will bring your other ingredients together just as well as an egg.
Regular, unflavored applesauce is your best option. Flavored and chunky applesauce will impart unwanted flavor and texture to your recipe.
Equivalent
1/4 cup of applesauce equals 1 egg
Bananas
Another popular replacement for eggs as a binder are mashed bananas. Most people will already have bananas in their kitchen, making this a great all around option when you are all out of eggs.
Bananas work particularly well in baked recipes when used as a binder. Be sure to use ripe bananas and to mash them before adding to your recipe.
Related: Bananas are Berries
Equivalent
1/2 a banana equals 1 egg
Avocado
I love adding avocado to my baked recipes. They provide just the right amount of binding while being packed with nutrients.
Make sure to use a ripe avocado and mash it before adding it to your recipe. Avocado can be used in any recipe that uses egg as a binding agent.
Related: Avocado Oil Substitutes
Equivalent
1/4 cup pureed avocado equals 1 egg
Fruit Puree
While not my first choice as a binder, fruit puree works in a pinch. It will act much like applesauce but will impart flavor. Be sure to use a fruit puree that compliments the other flavors in your recipe.
Related: How to Thicken Fruit Sauce
Equivalent
1/4 cup of fruit puree equals 1 egg
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is quite versatile and is a popular vegan replacement for egg as a binder in all types of recipes.
Xanthan gum is a powder that is composed of glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid that is fermented.
Xanthan gum works particularly well when baking cookies, cakes, and even making ice cream.
Related: Xanthan Gum Substitutes
Equivalent
1 teaspoon of xanthan gum equals 1 egg
Flaxseed
Another popular vegan and vegetarian friendly substitute for eggs, flaxseed is an excellent binding agent.
Flaxseed is a great option when baking cookies and making bread. Flaxseed will add an earthy, nutty flavor to your recipe but that is not an issue in most recipes.
Mix three tablespoons of water with every tablespoon of flaxseed to create a paste before adding it to your recipe.
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of flaxseed equals 1 egg
Gelatin
If you do not need a vegan substitute for eggs, then unflavored gelatin is an excellent alternative.
Gelatin is a great binder and can be used in all types of recipes. Before adding to your recipe, mix 2 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin with 1 cup of boiling water and stir to create a paste.
Equivalent
2 tablespoons of gelatin paste equals 1 egg
Powdered Egg
Powdered egg is a classic substitute for egg that can be used as a binder in all sorts of recipes.
Powdered egg is readily available in most supermarkets and it is easy to work with. There are both vegan friendly and non vegan friendly options out there so you can find a variety that fits your dietary needs.
Each type of powdered egg replacement will show the amount to use to replace an egg on the packaging.
Chia Seeds
Another great substitute for eggs when using them as a binder is chia seeds. This vegan friendly ingredient can be used in all types of recipes but it does take a bit of prep work before adding it to your recipe.
Add three tablespoons of water to each tablespoon of ground chia seeds and let them soak for at least thirty minutes. Then stir and add to your recipe.
If you have unground chia seeds, you will need to process them in your food processor before soaking them.
Equivalent
1 tablespoon of chia seeds equals 1 egg
Egg Replacement for Binding FAQ
What do vegans use to bind instead of eggs?
There are number of vegan substitutes for eggs when binding. You can use applesauce, mashed bananas, avocado, xanthan gum, or flaxseed. Read above for how to use each of these vegan egg alternatives.
What can I use instead of eggs to bind meatballs?
When making meatballs, use applesauce, mashed banana, pureed avocado, or xanthan gum instead of eggs.
What can you use instead of egg to bind breadcrumbs?
When binding breadcrumbs without egg, use mashed banana, applesauce, avocado, fruit puree, or flaxseed. Read above for how much of each these substitutes to use in your recipe.
What can you use in place of eggs in meatloaf?
Egg is a popular binding agent in meatloaf, but you can use a number of other binding agents when you are all out of eggs. Use banana, avocado, or applesauce when making meatloaf without eggs.
Can you substitute milk for eggs in meatballs?
No, you cannot use milk instead of eggs in meatballs. Eggs are used as a binder and milk will not provide the binding necessary when making meatloaf. Instead of milk, use avocado, xanthan gum, chia seeds, or applesauce to replace egg.
What is a good substitute for egg in pound cake?
The best substitute for egg when making pound cake is mashed banana. Use 1/2 a banana for each egg your recipe calls for. Keep in mind that your consistency will be altered when not using an egg.
What is a good replacement for egg in sponge cake?
When making sponge cake without egg, use unflavored applesauce. For each egg your recipe calls for, use 1/4 cup of applesauce.
What can be used instead of egg in angel food cake?
I do not recommend making angel food cake without egg. Your angel food cake will have a poor texture when using any substitute. But if you must make angel food cake without egg use aquafaba or xanthan gum.