When whipping up sweet treats, meringue is a key player. But what if you’re mid-recipe and realize you’re out of meringue powder? Having a list of substitutes on hand is always a smart move!

1.Xanthan Gum

Need a substitute for meringue powder? Xanthan gum is a fantastic alternative that works wonders as both a thickener and a binder. It’s flavorless, super easy to use, and keeps ingredients from separating.

The best part? You only need a tiny amount–about 1/8 of a teaspoon replaces a full teaspoon of meringue powder. Plus, it takes just a couple of minutes to make the switch.

Simple, quick, and effective!

2.Chia Seeds

Like the flaxseed below, chia seeds are a nutritious, vegan replacement for meringue powder. All you have to do is soak them in water. They will expand and take on an egg white-like texture.

Substitute 1 “chia egg” to replace every 2 required teaspoons of meringue powder. Here’s how to make a chia egg: Chia seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

They are even a decent source of protein! That is why they’re one of my favorite meringue powder substitutes. Theywill, however, sometimes change the color of your desserts.

Consider purchasing white chia seeds to avoid this issue.

3.Aquafaba

Looking for a vegan substitute for meringue powder? Try aquafaba! It’s the leftover liquid from cooking chickpeas and works like a charm. Simply mix it with some sugar and a pinch of cream of tartar.

Whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. For every 1 teaspoon of meringue powder called for, use 1.5 teaspoons of aquafaba instead. Easy, effective, and perfect for vegan baking!

4.Gelatin

Gelatin is a fantastic substitute for meringue powder when making icing, and it also works wonders as a thickening agent. Just keep in mind that it’s not vegan, so plan accordingly.

To use it, mix 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of gelatin with water and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, whip it until it looks like meringue. This mixture can replace 1 teaspoon of meringue powder in your icing.

Plus, gelatin is super versatile–you can use it in candies, puddings, and other sweet treats too. For every 2 tablespoons of meringue powder, try substituting with 1 tablespoon of gelatin mixed with 3 tablespoons of warm water.

Easy, right?

5.Egg Whites

Egg whites and egg white powder are fantastic stand-ins for meringue powder. Essentially, that’s what meringue powder is made from! Fresh egg whites taste just like meringue powder and share a similar nutritional profile.

You can swap them into any recipe that calls for meringue powder. Use half an egg white for every teaspoon of meringue powder needed. If you’re using egg white powder, it’s a simple 1:1 substitution–just swap it in teaspoon for teaspoon.

Easy peasy!

6.Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a fantastic vegan substitute for meringues and eggs. It’s packed with fiber, super versatile, and offers plenty of health benefits. Use it in place of meringue powder in recipes like waffles, pancakes, cookies, and more.

The substitution ratio is simple: 1/2 teaspoon of flaxseed for every 1 teaspoon of meringue powder. Cream of tartar is another great stabilizer and leavening agent, but it can’t stand alone as a replacement.

It works best when mixed with other ingredients to create a better meringue substitute. Keep some on hand to enhance your other replacements. Flaxseed is a healthy, reliable choice that makes vegan baking a breeze.

7.Agar Powder

Did you know you can swap 1/2 teaspoon of agar powder for 1 teaspoon of meringue powder? It’s a great vegan-friendly option since it comes from algae. Agar powder works wonderfully as a thickener and can easily replace meringue in any recipe.

While it does require a few extra steps, don’t worry–it’s not hard! The little bit of extra effort is totally worth it for the perfect result.