
The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the phrase meringue is probably egg whites. This is the most common way for producing meringue, although it is not the only one. Meringue powder is a popular baking and decorating ingredient that replaces the egg whites normally used in meringue. It’s a simple powder that’s shelf-stable and easy to measure, so it lasts far longer than egg whites.
Contents
- What is meringue powder?
- How healthy (or unhealthy) is it?
- What recipes are meringue powder used in?
- Why do we need meringue powder substitutes?
- The Bottom Line
- FAQs
- What else can you use instead of meringue powder?
- What is a substitute for 2 tablespoons of meringue powder?
- Can you use cream of tartar in place of meringue powder?
- What is the best egg substitute for meringue?
- What is the main purpose of meringue powder?
- How many egg whites instead of meringue powder?
- What ingredient is in meringue powder?
- What is a vegan substitute for meringue powder?
- Is cream of tartar or cornstarch better for meringue?
What is meringue powder?
How healthy (or unhealthy) is it?
Meringue powder does include pasteurized egg whites, which are high in nutrients. While it lacks many vitamins and minerals, it does contain calcium in many situations, which may aid in the development of healthy teeth and bones. It also includes a trace of protein. Meringue powder also has little to no fat, so it isn’t something you should be worried about if you’re trying to lose weight.
Nutritional Breakdown
Meringue powder |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
Calories |
333 kcal |
16% |
Total fat |
0 g |
0% |
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
Carbohydrates |
67 g |
24% |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
Salt |
500 mg |
26% |
Protein |
33 g |
65% |
Calcium |
0 mg |
0% |
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
Potassium |
0 mg |
0% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
What recipes are meringue powder used in?
There aren’t many recipes that call for meringue powder, but it may be used as a replacement for egg whites in some. Its most well-known use is as a key component in the production of royal icing. It contributes to the icing’s solidity, which is used on wedding cakes, cookies, and other baked items. It may also be used in sweets such as mousses and angel food cake, which is largely egg white with a little flour added in.
Why do we need meringue powder substitutes?
One of the main reasons you may want to use a meringue powder alternative is because meringue powder isn’t always accessible. It may also not be the greatest alternative for conventional meringue in some baked items. There is no reason to be concerned if one of these scenarios sounds familiar. There are several meringue powder replacements available. We’ll go through five of the greatest and what they have in common with, or even better than, classic meringue powder.
Note:
= vegan
1. Egg whites
Meringues, cakes, biscuits, macarons, and pavlova are ideal.
Overview
Egg whites are just the egg whites that do not include the yolk. This component has been used for many years to make meringue and will frequently work well for whatever dish you are making. Making meringue from egg whites works best when a stabilizer, such as lemon juice or cream of tartar, is used. Replace two teaspoons of meringue powder with the egg white from a single egg.
Advantages
The most major benefit of using egg whites instead of powder is that you will get the same taste. It takes a little longer to whisk up a batch of egg whites, but the result is a replacement that works well with most baked items. In fact, the finished product is often better than if you used meringue powder, so it is well worth the additional work.
Disadvantages
Of course, there are drawbacks to using egg whites as a replacement for meringue powder. For one thing, turning the egg white into a meringue requires more labor and time. You may also use pasteurized egg whites instead of raw egg whites to shorten the time required for an egg white recipe.
Nutritional breakdown
Egg whites |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
Calories |
52 kcal |
2% |
Total fat |
0.2 g |
0.3% |
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
Carbohydrates |
0.7 g |
0.3% |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
Salt |
166 mg |
9% |
Protein |
11 g |
22% |
Calcium |
7 mg |
0.7% |
Vitamin B-12 |
0.1 ug |
4% |
Potassium |
163 mg |
4% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
2. Egg white powder
Macarons, meringue, muffins, granola, and cookies work well.
Overview
Egg white powder is a meringue powder component that solely contains the egg white part. This is sometimes advertised as dried egg whites, depending on the manufacturer and brand. The most significant distinction between meringue powder and egg white powder is that the latter is designed to substitute egg whites as a particular component. Meringue powder is unique in that it may be used to replace any meringue-based components.
Advantages
Despite the fact that the components are different when using this meringue powder alternative, egg white powder may deliver the majority of the benefits of meringue powder. It may be used in the same meals as before. It also poses no food safety hazards since it is pasteurized, which may be a problem with raw egg whites. It is readily reconstituted and may be used as a meringue powder.
Disadvantages
some factors render egg white powder unsuitable in some contexts. It cannot, for example, be simply incorporated into a recipe to make a meringue. Instead, sweeteners and stabilizers present in meringue powder will be required. You may also need to add more ingredients to create the exact meringue tastes you’re accustomed to.
Nutritional breakdown
Egg white powder |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
Calories |
376 kcal |
18% |
Total fat |
0 g |
0% |
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
Carbohydrates |
4 g |
1% |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
Salt |
1238 mg |
65% |
Protein |
82 g |
161% |
Calcium |
89 mg |
9% |
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
Potassium |
1116 mg |
27% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
3. Aquafaba
Meringue, pavlova, mousse, nougat, and pie are the best uses for meringue.
Overview
Aquafaba is another excellent substitute for meringue powder for individuals who follow a vegan diet. This oddly called component just refers to the liquid required to cook chickpeas. Before using chickpeas for another recipe, rapidly drain it from a can of beans. The liquid, like egg whites, can be beaten into a thick froth and is perhaps the most popular vegan meringue powder alternative on the market.
Advantages
One advantage of utilizing aquafaba instead of meringue powder is that it is more readily available. It may be obtained by draining a can of chickpeas or by using the water used to boil the beans if you want to prepare them yourself. Another benefit is that aquafaba is a vegan ingredient, which means that it may be used to feed anybody who follows a vegan diet. It’s a flexible alternative that leaves you with drained chickpeas to utilize in other recipes.
Disadvantages
Aquafaba, like some of the other options for meringue powder, does not include all of the elements found in meringue powder. It may be used in the same way as egg whites are, but without the animal-derived elements. This implies that you’ll need to add more ingredients before beating it into a meringue. Vanilla and sweeteners of your choosing are two of the most typical additions.
Nutritional breakdown
Aquafaba |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
Calories |
18 kcal |
0.9% |
Total fat |
0.2 g |
0% |
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
Carbohydrates |
3 g |
10% |
Cholesterol |
0 g |
0% |
Salt |
3 mg |
0% |
Protein |
1 g |
2% |
Calcium |
7 mg |
0.7% |
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
Potassium |
0 mg |
0% |
(CalorieKing nutritional information is used.)
4. Agar
Pudding, jelly, vegan gelatin, food decorations, and cake are the best uses for this product.
Overview
If you want to avoid using meringue powder, another vegan alternative is agar, often known as agar-agar. This product is manufactured from seaweed and may be used to gel. Agar is often offered as a powder. The component is semi-translucent and white, consisting of galactose particles. It functions similarly to gelatin but in a plant-based form.
Advantages
Agar is a source of iron, calcium, and fiber that is often found in health food shops and Asian supermarkets. While powdered agar is the most popular, it is also available as a flake or bar, depending on your requirements. It is used to thicken and stabilize many vegan and dairy-free recipes. Vegetarian marshmallows, puddings, sauces, and custards are among of the most typical applications.
Disadvantages
When using agar as a replacement for meringue powder, you may need to add more sweeteners and other ingredients. It may also be one of the more difficult components to get, since you may need to go to a specialist grocery shop to get it. However, when cold, it may be whisked into peaks and utilized in baked dishes that call for meringue.
Nutritional breakdown
Agar |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
Calories |
26 kcal |
1% |
Total fat |
0 g |
0% |
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
Carbohydrates |
7 g |
3% |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
Salt |
9 mg |
0.5% |
Protein |
0.5 g |
1% |
Calcium |
54 mg |
5% |
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
Potassium |
226 mg |
6% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
5. Gelatin
Ideal for shaped salads, jelly sweets, ice cream, cakes, and cereals.
Overview
Gelatin is a non-vegan product that may be used in recipes to mimic the properties of meringue powder. It is made from collagen and is classified as a protein product. It is created by heating collagen, which contains various amino acids with health advantages. Collagen is the most abundant protein in both animals and humans, and it may be found in bones, ligaments, skin, and tendons. Collagen is extracted by heating it in water.
Advantages
Gelatin is mostly composed of protein, although it is considered an incomplete protein since it lacks all of the necessary amino acids. It does, however, include glutamic acid, glycine, hydroxyproline, valine, and proline. It can easily transformed into an egg replacement. Simply dissolve unflavored gelatin in hot water and put it aside to make a meringue powder alternative for your favorite baked dishes.
Disadvantages
Gelatin is not vegan since it is made from animal products, which is a disadvantage when compared to agar or aquafaba. This is another meringue powder alternative with no taste. To acquire the taste of meringue that you are used to, you will need to experiment with different sweeteners and flavorings to reproduce that classic meringue flavor.
Nutritional breakdown
Gelatin |
Amount (per 100 g) |
% Recommended daily intake |
Calories |
350 kcal |
17% |
Total fat |
0 g |
0% |
Saturated fat |
0 g |
0% |
Carbohydrates |
80 g |
29% |
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
0% |
Salt |
1100 mg |
58% |
Protein |
10 g |
20% |
Calcium |
0 mg |
0% |
Vitamin B-12 |
0 ug |
0% |
Potassium |
0 mg |
0% |
(Based on nutritional information from USDA.)
The Bottom Line
Meringue powder is an excellent addition to royal icing, angel food cake, and other desserts. The problem is that it may be difficult to find in certain regions, leaving you wondering what you might use in its stead after you run out. The five alternatives listed above each have advantages and disadvantages, but each may properly mimic the effects of meringue powder.
Top vegan picks
Because meringue powder contains egg whites, there aren’t many vegan alternatives. When creating vegan sweets or frosting, there are two options. Both agar and aquafaba are manufactured entirely of vegan ingredients and may be used in place of meringue powder. It’s difficult to tell which is the superior vegan option since it’s really a question of taste. Aquafaba, on the other hand, may be simpler to obtain if you have a can of chickpeas on hand.
Top healthy picks
Agar is one of the healthiest alternatives to meringue powder, although many of the chemicals used as replacements are low in nutrition. Gelatin is another choice that contains various amino acids that aid in the maintenance of a healthy body. Those looking to reduce their calorie consumption while gaining a little nutritional boost may wish to use aquafaba as a substitute to meringue powder. Although egg white powder includes several minerals, including potassium, it also has a significant level of salt.
Top convenient picks
When it comes to convenience, egg white powder is perhaps the best option. It may be used in the same manner as meringue powder, however you may need to add other ingredients to create the appropriate taste. Traditional egg whites provide the same benefit, but they need a bit more work to separate the eggs and make the meringue. Aquafaba is especially useful if you have chickpeas on hand.
Top convincing picks
Egg whites are arguably the best meringue powder alternative since they are so identical that they might be the same thing. This is not the same as meringue powder, but it is the most genuine substitute. If you want a second alternative that has the same texture and flavor, egg white powder is a good choice.
Sources:
Can you make royal icing without using egg whites or meringue powder?
using-meringue-powderarticlewww.mybluprint.comhttps:
what-is-agar-agar-p2-1000960www.thespruceeats.comhttps:
gelatin-benefitsnutritionwww.healthline.comhttps:
FAQs
What else can you use instead of meringue powder?
Gelatin. Home bakers have had success using powdered gelatin for meringue powder—three tablespoons of warm water coupled with one tablespoon of gelatin powder replaces two teaspoons of meringue powder.
What is a substitute for 2 tablespoons of meringue powder?
To replace two teaspoons of meringue powder, use three tablespoons of warm water and one tablespoon of gelatin component. If you don’t have meringue powder, gelatin is an easy substitution that you may get in your local shop or supermarket.
Can you use cream of tartar in place of meringue powder?
Cream of tartar is a stabilizer that is occasionally used to protect eggs from collapsing while producing meringue. Some meringue powder already contains cream of tartar, which aids in the stabilization of meringue. So, although cream of tartar cannot be used to replace meringue powder, it may be used to stabilize meringue recipes.
What is the best egg substitute for meringue?
5 Excellent Egg White Substitutes
Aquafaba. Aquafaba is the greatest egg white alternative.
Flax seed. Flax seeds are also an excellent egg white alternative.
Powdered agar. Agar powder is another excellent egg white alternative.
Xanthan Gum is a kind of gum. Xanthan gum is an egg white alternative that works well in certain instances.
Chia seed.
What is the main purpose of meringue powder?
Meringue powder is an item that bakers and pastry chefs may use to produce light and fluffy meringues, icings, and other sweets without using fresh egg whites. It is often used to make royal icing, buttercream, macarons, pavlova, and other varieties of frosting or icing.
How many egg whites instead of meringue powder?
For one egg white, 2 teaspoons meringue powder combined with 2 tablespoons water may be substituted. Even yet, certain prepared dishes may taste superior with actual egg whites. Because meringue powder includes a trace of sugar, it always adds a hint of sweetness and is best utilized in desserts.
What ingredient is in meringue powder?
Ingredients. Corn Starch, Sugar, Gum Arabic, Calcium Sulphate, Citric Acid, Cream of Tartar (Potassium Acid Tartrate), Artificial Flavor, Silicon Dioxide.
What is a vegan substitute for meringue powder?
According to Taste.com.au, agar-agar powder is created from red algae and is another wonderful vegan option for meringue powder.
Is cream of tartar or cornstarch better for meringue?
To keep egg whites from getting dry and hard, there are two options: add an acid or a sweet component to the mix. It should be noted that adding salt does not assist to keep egg whites beaten into peaks. Cream of tartar, a white powder byproduct of winemaking, is the most potent acid component.