Are Eggs Vegan?

Veganism typically means cutting out the consumption of animal products, so by definition eggs do not come under that umbrella. 

But do some vegans eat eggs? 

A study from the University of Cambridge revealed that cutting out animal products can reduce your carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent. This is mostly due to the mass production and unsustainable farming of animal products to keep up with demand, which has proven costly environmentally, and so a lot of people become vegan for environmental reasons. But what about those who try to get their eggs from ethical and sustainable sources — specifically regarding people who have their own chickens? There are some who incorporate eggs into their diets in this way, due to the knowledge that it is a natural process for chicken to lay eggs and does not harm them by collecting and eating them; and could be considered a way of combating wasting food. People who do this are, however, better described as ovo-vegetarians rather than vegan. 

But some vegans who opt for their lifestyle due to animal welfare may not be comfortable with this idea, and naturally not everyone is in a position to rear their own chickens! Don’t fret, there are plenty of ways to replace eggs with a vegan substitute.

Egg substitutes for cooking and baking

Eggs are often used in cooking and baking as a binder for other ingredients. Fortunately, this consistency is relatively easy to recreate using flaxseed. When ground and combined with water, it thickens and becomes a texture reminiscent of eggs. Follow our vegan birthday cake cookies recipe to see how it can be used to create moreish treats.

Another substitute for egg whites can be found in an ingredient likely at the back of your cupboard: canned chickpeas! Containing proteins that are similar to eggs, chickpea water, known as aquafaba, can be whisked and made into vegan marshmallows and vegan meringues without having to compromise on taste or texture.

Banana can also be used in the place of egg in some recipes, as it adds moisture but can also act as a binder when mashed. It’s especially great in desserts due to the flavouring, and works beautifully in a quick but refreshing vegan ice cream recipe.

There are also ways of having vegan eggs to eat in its cooked form rather than just as a binder. Many people love using silken tofu to make vegan scrambled eggs, as the texture works as a great replacement. You can also buy eggs in cartons that are completely vegan, made from soymilk powder. 

Clearly, there’s no shortage of ways you can have vegan friendly egg substitutes, so there are no excuses for not baking your favourite vegan desserts!