9 Best Meringue Powder Substitutes

Do you love baking? If so, then you know how important it is to have the right ingredients. Chances are that you need to use meringue powder to use in your recipes.

But what if it’s not available or too expensive or you hate the hassle of making meringue? Meringue is a finicky thing to make. It can be difficult to get it just right and sometimes it doesn’t even turn out at all.

But what if I told you there are other options out there that can give you the same result when you don’t have time or patience for meringue?

I know how much you love your desserts and that means I also know how much time, effort, and energy goes into them! So let me do the work for you by giving our list of best meringue powder substitutes so that next time a recipe calls for meringue powder, you won’t have any trouble finding an alternative!

What is Meringue Powder?

Meringue powder is a dried and powdered form of beaten egg whites. It is used to make meringue, which is a light, airy French dessert. This type of dessert is often used in cakes, pies, and other desserts.

The Pros of Using Meringue Powder

There are several reasons why you might want to use meringue powder in your recipes. Here are a few of the pros:

  • Meringue powder helps to stabilize egg whites and prevents them from collapsing.
  • It makes it easier to make meringue because you don’t have to worry about getting the egg whites to the perfect consistency before beating them.
  • The powder helps to make a smooth, glossy meringue that is less likely to weep or crumble.

The Cons of Using Meringue Powder

There are also a few reasons why you might not want to use meringue powder in your recipes. Here are a few of the cons:

  • Meringue powder is not always easy to find.
  • It can be expensive.
  • Meringue powder can be a hassle to make if you don’t have any on hand.

Now that we know a little bit about meringue powder, let’s take a look at some of the substitutes you can use if you don’t have any or don’t want to use it.

9 Best Meringue Powder Substitutes

1. Fresh Egg Whites

The most obvious substitute for meringue powder is fresh egg whites. If you have eggs on hand, this is the easiest way to go. Just make sure that the eggs are at room temperature before you start beating them and that there is no yolk in the whites.

Simply beat the egg whites until they are stiff peaks form and then use them in your recipe as instructed.

The Pros of Using Fresh Egg Whites:

  • They are easy to find and usually inexpensive.
  • They are natural stabilizers, so they will help your meringue stay together.
  • They add a nice flavor and richness to the dessert.

The Cons of Using Fresh Egg Whites:

  • You have to beat them until they reach stiff peaks, which can be difficult or time-consuming.
  • If you don’t use them right away, they can spoil.

2. Egg White Powder

If you don’t want to use fresh egg whites, you can also use egg white powder. This is a dried form of powdered egg whites that can be found in most grocery stores. Simply follow the instructions on the package to reconstitute the powder and then use it in your recipe.

The Pros of Using Egg White Powder:

  • Egg white powder is a shelf-stable product, so it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
  • It is easy to find in most grocery stores.

The Cons of Using Egg White Powder:

  • You may have to do some experimentation to get the right consistency when using egg white powder.
  • It can be a little more expensive than some of the other substitutes on this list.
  • It doesn’t always work well in recipes and can sometimes make the meringue gritty or lumpy.

3. Aquafaba

Aquafaba

Aquafaba is a vegan alternative to egg whites that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is made from the liquid that is leftover after cooking legumes such as chickpeas or beans. Aquafaba can be used to replace eggs in many recipes, including meringue.

The Pros of Using Aquafaba:

  • Aquafaba is a vegan alternative to egg whites and therefore can be used by those who are lactose intolerant or have egg allergies.
  • Aquafaba is a healthy substitution and is low in calories.
  • It has a similar consistency to egg whites, making it a good replacement in recipes that call for meringue powder.

The Cons of Using Aquafaba:

  • Aquafaba can be expensive, depending on where you purchase it.
  • It can be difficult to find in some areas.

4. Agar Powder

Agar powder is a type of seaweed that is often used as a vegetarian and vegan thickener and stabilizer. It has a high gelatin content, which makes it an ideal replacement for meringue powder in recipes.

The Pros of Using Agar Powder:

  • Agar powder is a healthy substitution.
  • It is a vegetarian and vegan alternative to meringue powder.
  • Agar powder is gluten-free.

The Cons of Using Agar Powder:

  • Agar powder can be expensive.

5. Flaxseeds

Flaxseed Substitutes

Flaxseeds are a good substitute for meringue powder in vegan recipes. They have a high gelatin content and help to stabilize the meringue. In addition, flaxseeds add nutritional value and flavor to the dessert.

The Pros of Using Flaxseeds:

  • They are a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans.
  • Flaxseeds help to stabilize the meringue.
  • They add flavor and nutritional value to the dessert.

The Cons of Using Flaxseeds:

  • Some people find the flavor of flaxseeds to be overpowering.
  • Ground flaxseeds can go bad quickly, so use them within a few days of making the meringue.

6. Gelatin

Gelatin is a type of protein that is derived from collagen in animals. It is often used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent in food. Gelatin can be used as a substitute for meringue powder in most recipes.

The Pros of Using Gelatin:

  • It is affordable and easy to find.
  • It is a natural ingredient.
  • It is flavorless and odorless.

The Cons of Using Gelatin:

  • Some people are allergic to it.
  • It can be tricky to get the right consistency when replacing meringue powder.

7. Chia seeds

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a good substitute for meringue powder in vegan recipes. They have a high gelatin content and help to stabilize the meringue. In addition, chia seeds add nutritional value and flavor to the dessert.

The Pros of Using Chia Seeds:

  • They add nutritional value and flavor to the dessert.
  • They are a good substitute for meringue powder in vegan recipes.

The Cons of Using Chia Seeds:

  • There is a slight taste difference between chia-based meringue and meringue made with meringue powder.
  • Chia seeds can be expensive, depending on where you purchase them.
  • They can be difficult to work with because they tend to form a thick paste when wet.

8. Xanthan gum

Xanthan gum is a type of carbohydrate that is often used as a food additive. It is produced by bacteria and has a high gelatin content. Xanthan gum is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It is also effective at reducing the amount of oil that is absorbed by food.

The Pros of Using Xanthan Gum:

  • It does not have a strong flavor or odor.
  • It is non-toxic and can be used by people with food allergies.
  • It is soluble in both hot and cold water.

The Cons of Using Xanthan Gum:

  • It can be expensive.
  • It can cause digestive problems in some people.
  • It can be difficult to mix with other ingredients.
  • It can thicken quickly and become difficult to manage.

9. Vegan Meringue Powder

If you are looking for a vegan-friendly substitute for meringue powder, there are several brands of vegan meringue powder on the market.

These powders are made from plant-based ingredients and do not contain any eggs or dairy. It’s only composed of four ingredients: sugar, aquafaba powder, cornstarch, and cream of tartar.

The Pros of Using Vegan Meringue Powder:

  • They are made from plant-based ingredients.
  • They are vegan-friendly.

The Cons of Using Vegan Meringue Powder:

  • They can be difficult to find.
  • They may not work in all recipes.

What Does Meringue Powder Taste Like?

Meringue powder has a slightly sweet, vanilla-like flavor. It is a great way to add flavor and stability to meringue desserts.

It is not as pronounced as the flavor of eggs, so it will not affect the flavor of your recipe.

What Can Be Substituted for Meringue Powder in Royal Icing?

If you do not have meringue powder, you can substitute it with fresh egg whites. However, this will add a slight egg flavor to your royal icing.

You can also use egg white powder with powdered sugar. This will help to add some stability to your royal icing.

Read More: Best Candy Melts Substitutes

Can I Make My Meringue Powder?

If you do not have meringue powder, there is no need to worry. You can make your own by combining egg whites and sugar in a food processor.

Process the mixture until it forms stiff peaks. Then, spread it out on a baking sheet and bake at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours. Let the mixture cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Can You Use Cream of Tartar in Place of Meringue Powder?

Cream of tartar is a stabilizer that’s sometimes used in meringue to prevent the eggs from collapsing. But you cannot use cream of tartar as a direct substitution for meringue powder.

Is Meringue Powder and Egg White Powder the Same?

Meringue powder and egg white powder are not the same. Egg white powder is made from dehydrated egg whites, while meringue powder is made from sugar, cornstarch, and dried egg whites.

The main distinction between meringue powder and egg white powder is that meringue powder is intended to replace all of the components in a meringue, whereas egg white powder is formulated to replace only the eggs.

Final Words

Meringue powder is a staple in any baker’s kitchen. While it can be difficult to find, there are many substitutes for meringue powder that you might want to explore. Whether you need vegan-friendly products or something that will work with your specific recipe, there’s sure to be an option out there for you!

I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d be happy to help!

Thank you for reading! Happy baking!

I’m a passionate food blogger on a journey to become a go-to person who can help others prepare delicious foods. I share recipes, food substitutes, and other cooking tips. Read more about my journey...

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