Vegan Eggs: Everything You Should Know
For years, vegan eggs seemed like a pipe dream for vegans. But now, they are the hottest new food trend in Australia!
With so much suffering caused to animals in the egg industry, we have to celebrate any product that takes away their exploitation. Vegan eggs are a great way to start on a cruelty-free diet and they’re a gateway to other plant-based foods. Plus, they’re good for our health, the environment and the planet. What’s not to love?
Can Vegans Eat Eggs?
Vegans don’t eat eggs — at least not the non-vegan ones. Many people think they don’t need to quit eggs because “it doesn’t necessarily kill chickens”. But this is not quite true! There are plenty of reasons why vegans don’t eat eggs and why non-vegans should consider quitting chicken eggs as well. Here are a few:
Chicken Eggs Are Bad For The Environment
The egg industry is one of the most harmful to the planet, emitting 18% of the world’s total greenhouse gases and using up 30% of the world’s water, and producing more than 5 million tonnes of excrement every year.
Chicken Eggs Are Cruel & Unethical
Egg-laying hens are kept in cages so cramped they can’t even flap their wings. They are forced to lay more eggs, and when they are no longer productive, they are processed for pet food or just end up in a landfill.
The egg industry steals the children from their mothers by separating the two when the chicks are only a few days old. The male chicks are killed instantly, and the female chicks are raised to lay eggs.
Chicken Eggs Are Unhealthy
Not to mention the health risks of consuming eggs, which are filled with cholesterol and are linked to heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Eggs are a top food allergy and can cause irritable bowel syndrome, anemia and even asthma.
So now that you know why you should switch to vegan eggs… you should have a few questions about them. Let’s get them answered!
How do vegan eggs taste?
Vegan egg companies have a good idea of how to replicate the egg's taste. While some vegan egg substitutes are still in their developmental stages, the latest formulas have nailed the taste. And yes, vegan eggs do scramble just like real eggs!
There’s something about the flavour and texture that’s just so egg-y. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or just looking to up your protein intake, vegan eggs are the perfect addition to your diet.
What are vegan eggs made of?
Some vegan egg brands use plant-based proteins like soy and peas to replicate the egg white. The yellow of the egg is created using plant-based colouring that is derived from plants such as maize, beetroot, or turmeric. Next, come the emulsifiers and thickeners which are sourced from seaweed or mustard.
And finally, the egg yolk is produced using a variety of ingredients that can include: a combination of nutritional yeast, yellow mustard, and yeast extract to replicate the savoury taste of eggs. Soya protein isolate creates a foam when whisked. Vegetable gum, also known as xanthan gum, makes the egg foamy. This is then combined with the other ingredients to make the egg yolk.
Are Vegan Eggs Healthy?
There’s no doubt that vegan eggs offer a more compassionate and sustainable alternative to chicken eggs. But they also offer a delicious and nutritious alternative. When it comes to nutritional value, vegan eggs win, hands down.
That’s because, like plant-based milk, vegan eggs are made from legumes, specifically soy, peas, or beans. They offer a host of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, B12, and omega 3 and 6, as well as being cholesterol free.
Vegan eggs are a smart alternative for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake or who are following a vegan diet. While the exact nutritional profile of vegan eggs is dependent on the brand, they are generally a healthier alternative to chicken eggs.
Are vegan eggs sustainable?
The best thing about vegan egg alternatives is that they are highly sustainable. For years, the world has been searching for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and the answer is simple: plant-based foods.
Vegan eggs are a great start to reducing our carbon footprint as well as our cholesterol levels. These plant-based products are made from renewable resources that don’t require the same amount of water and gas that traditional egg-laying chickens do. Vegans and vegetarians have been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability – now it’s the rest of the world’s turn!
Best Vegan Egg Brands: Where To Buy Vegan Eggs
The type of vegan egg you choose depends on what you want to cook with it. We have a favourite vegan egg brand: vEGGs, veGGs: a 100% plant based egg substitute made from all-natural ingredients. Their products are new arrivals in our vegan online shop!
vEEGs Omelette Egg Replacer is perfect for—you guessed it—making omelettes or as a scrambled egg replacer. However, you can also use it for other dishes such as pancakes, quiches, and waffles.
This vegan egg substitute is made for recipes where egg is a binder, not the primary ingredient. It is perfect for cooking, baking, breading or yolk replacement.
Orgran Vegan Easy Egg is made in Australia. Best for scrambled eggs, quiche, frittata and omelette recipes.
Orgran no Egg Replacer lets you create quality cakes and baked goods with a similar texture to those with eggs. Use to make meringues, pancakes, desserts and cake!
Make perfect plant based quiche, frittata, omelette, tarts and more. This plant-based egg is based on tapioca starch, and 1 box of Savoury Egg Mix is equivalent to 12 traditional eggs!
How to Use a Vegan Egg Replacer?
When you purchase a vegan egg, it will always have instructions on the package. The Plantasy Foods Egg Free Omelette Mix, for example, has a few suggestions of recipes you can make with it:
- To make vegan quiche: Add 600ml plant based milk to the vegan egg substitute + 2 tbls oil, whisk until smooth then pour into prepared pastry shell or baking dish with chosen veggies and ingredients. Bake for approx 30 mins then cool for 10 mins to allow to set.
- To make vegan omelette: Whisk 3 tbls egg mix + 5 tbls plant based milk. Pour into heated non-stick pan and cook for 2 minutes, flip and cook for 1 min. Add fillings, fold over and serve.
We hope that we’ve given you some insight into the world of vegan egg options. As with any food, it’s important to do your research and make sure you know what goes into any product before you buy it. We think that plant-based eggs are a great addition to any diet, especially if they help us get our protein and iron from other sources that are cruelty-free!