How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Preferably from a free-range hen, perfectly poached or lovingly scrambled, and piled-high onto a chunk of artisan sourdough, please.
If you’re thinking of going plant-based, though, fear not for your beloved breakfast: a newly-hatched batch of new products have recently hit the shelves of supermarkets offering meat-free alternatives to ordinary eggs.
Better still, as well as replicating the taste and texture of the cooking staple, these replacements come as convenient ready-made products, saving time and energy on whipping up alternatives at home (which have included mashed banana, flaxseed and water, apple purée, tofu and baking powder). Really, who has the time?
Hannah Carter, founder and CEO at OGGS, which make plant-based egg alternatives, says: “According to the World Health Organisation, 60 per cent of infectious diseases reported globally come from animals, while intensive livestock farming creates greater stress on the ecosystems that have created opportunities for disease to emerge. The last epidemic and pandemic derived from animals.
Whilst most of us understand that a plant-based majority diet will positively impact the planet, what we don’t realise is that we are also relieving the stress on overall long-term human health. According to a global study in 2018, eggs are the eighth-biggest contributor to CO2e gases, ahead of milk. We all look to make small changes that have a large impact on our planet, and while many of us are familiar now with the environmental and ethical reasons to cut-down on meat or milk, the exact same applies to eggs.
The eggs we habitually use as an ingredient contribute massively to the amount of CO2e released from the food chain, as well as create conditions for chickens that are impossible to ignore. Our products span both baking and scrambling, reduce carbon emissions by up to 72 per cent versus eggs, with 85 per cent less calories and zero fat.”
Here, we’ve rounded-up the crème de la crème of eggsquisite replacements, sure to have you flipping pancakes and frying breakfast in no time.
So, let’s get cracking – or not, as the case may be.
OGGS Aquafaba Egg Substitute
OGGS claim to have cracked the winning formula for a killer egg replacement. Made from chickpea water – AKA, aquafaba – their 200ml carton is completely plant-based and contains the equivalent of four eggs. Simply whip and whisk the liquid into recipes as you would a real egg, whether a fluffy cake or a frothy cocktail, and enjoy 30 per cent less CO2e than their animal counterparts. Genius.
Buy now £1.60, Ocado
Scrambled OGGS
Alternatively, the new Scrambled OGGS addition to their line provides light and fluffy scramble directly from the pack, making for creamy omelettes, quiches and omelettes – amongst other favourites. What’s more, the mixture contain 60 per cent less CO2e than eggs, while they’re Plant Based Taste Award Winners, too. Good news, all-round.
Buy now £2.50, Sainsbury's
Crackd The No-Egg Egg Replacer
Made, not laid, this egg replacer from Crackd pours all-natural pea protein into a bright-yellow bottle for the star ingredient in vegan Yorkies, brownies and pancakes, plus more. Rich in protein and low in fat, there are absolutely no artificial colourings or flavourings, making this your secret weapon in plant-based perfection.
Buy now £3.00, Tesco
Follow Your Heart VeganEgg
It’s easy to rise and shine every morning with a vegan replacement this eggcellent. A harmonious combination of organic soymilk powder, cellulose, calcium lactate and nutritional yeast, amongst others, it’s baked or scrambled to cook-up a proper breakfast of champions. Better still, everything is packaged up like real eggs in a cardboard holder, meaning you really can pretend they’re the real thing.
Buy now £7.85, Ethical Superstore
Zero Egg Classic
While the price of this American import might not be conducive to the cost-of-living crisis, can you ever really put a number on a cracking egg replacement? We certainly don’t think so.
This has got the seal of approval from professional chefs: it scrambles, bakes, binds, spreads and fluffs just like the real thing. Plus, it looks and tastes just like an ordinary egg, made from a unique blend of healthy plant proteins.
Buy now £44.99, Vegex
Free and Easy Egg Replacer
Brilliant for baking, the Free and Easy Egg Replacer comes in the form of a powder, with each tub containing the equivalent of 45 eggs – making this one of the most economical alternatives on the market. From cakes to meringues, simply follow the instructions for the part of the egg you’d like to replicate, including the whole egg, the egg white and the egg yolk. But the best bit? It’s low in fat and free of preservatives, meaning you can enjoy a sweet treat whenever you fancy, completely guilt-free.
Buy now £2.50, Asda
Holland & Barrett Vegan Egg Replacer
Dairy-free, gluten-free and, crucially, plant-based, this egg replacer from British health store Holland & Barrett does a cracking job at replicating the flavour and texture of hen’s eggs. We made a vegan meringue with it, and trust us, it was absolutely delicious. Stock-up before the secret’s out.
Buy now £2.99, Holland & Barrett
Vegg Vegan Egg Yolk
Promising all the rich flavour of an egg yolk without the cholesterol and side of cruelty, this American brand doesn’t disappoint, using only 100 per cent plant-based ingredients in their clever formula. Better still, the replacement is high in vitamins and low in fat, while being GMO- and soy-free. What’s not to love?
Buy now £9.98, Amazon
Orgran No Egg (Egg Replacer)
No less than 33 eggs – or, at least, the equivalent of – are packed into this 300g pack of replacer from Orgran. As well as being made without eggs, it’s free from wheat, gluten, dairy, yeast and soy, but not at the expense of flavour or texture. Making this a stellar choice for bakes and cakes with a conscience.
Buy now £3.50, Planet Organic
Bob’s Red Mill GF Egg Replacer
Created by the American brand of whole-grain foods – based in Oregon – this resealable bag of egg replacer is easy to use and dependable. It’s made with just four ingredients, with no wheat, gluten, soy, corn, grains or beans, all of which is mixed and packaged in a gluten-free environment for extra reassurance for those who are intolerant. Fat and cholesterol? An impressive zero per cent. Go get.
Buy now £13.26, Amazon
