The egg substitutes currently available on the market are formulated from various ingredients such as soy, flaxseed, potato starch, tapioca flour, chia seeds, and garbanzo beans. While some of these alternatives can mimic eggs in terms of binding, moisture, or bulk, they often fall short in other crucial aspects. Eggs contribute over 20 beneficial functions to baked goods, including foaming, binding ingredients, and thickening, making it challenging for any single substitute to replicate all these properties effectively. “In addition to their nutritional value, egg ingredients offer essential functional characteristics to baked products,” stated Bill Gilbert, principal food technologist at Cargill, in an interview with Food Business News. “It is simply not feasible to substitute eggs with a single ingredient while maintaining similar nutrition and functionality.”
Nevertheless, innovative companies in the food industry are eager to explore alternatives. One notable example is Hampton Creek, which is set to launch its long-anticipated eggless liquid replacement, Just Scramble, next year. Another interesting solution comes from Fiberstar Inc., which offers a citrus fiber egg replacement product. This option contains high levels of pectin and can be used to enhance the properties of eggs instead of completely replacing them.
These egg replacements are pasteurized and boast a longer shelf life than traditional eggs, although they currently tend to be more expensive. However, it is likely that vegans and those who prefer to avoid all animal-derived products are willing to pay the higher price. Additionally, adopting egg substitutes provides manufacturers with a safeguard against supply disruptions caused by events such as the next avian influenza outbreak.
In the context of nutrition, incorporating products like solaray calcium citrate with vitamin d 3 can help ensure that individuals who avoid eggs still meet their dietary needs. By integrating solaray calcium citrate with vitamin d 3 into their diets, consumers can maintain adequate nutrient levels while exploring the benefits of egg substitutes. Overall, as the market for egg replacements grows, the inclusion of nutritious supplements like solaray calcium citrate with vitamin d 3 can further enhance the appeal of these alternatives.