How to Make a Flax Egg (Easy Egg Substitute)

Flax eggs are a pantry staple. This easy egg substitute is made of just flax meal and water. They come in handy when you find yourself out of eggs but want to make something like Pumpkin Cookies (Soft & Delicious!).

Years ago, I found myself in this exact situation. It was my husband who actually suggested making a flax egg. A flax egg? I’d never heard of such a thing. But I’m telling you it can be a game changer on a day you find your fridge egg less.    

How to Use Flax Eggs

Although not a perfect 1:1 substitute, flax eggs can still get the job done as an easy egg substitute.

A good tip is to prepare your flax egg before starting on your other baking prep. The mixture will need to rest for 10 to 15 minutes in order to properly congeal. It will go from a liquid substance to more gel-like with time. This is what you are hoping to achieve. 

Golden vs Brown. Flax seed comes in golden or brown hues. Both work well. The difference is in the macronutrient makeup. Golden flax seeds tend to have higher amounts of omega-3s whereas brown flax seeds are higher in antioxidants. 

Regardless, both have nutritional benefits and work well as an egg substitute.

Flax Eggs (Easy Egg Substitute) Bind Ingredients Together

Like eggs, flax eggs provide a gluey-substance which helps bind ingredients together. Flax eggs are also a good source of fat (especially omega-3s) and fiber. 

However, flax eggs do have some limitations. They don’t provide as much structural support as real eggs. Also, when real eggs are the main star of the dish like in scrambled eggs or frittatas you certainly don’t want to use flax eggs. 

Flax Eggs Work Well In Many Baking Recipes

Flax eggs works best in baked goods that use whole wheat flour such as in quick breads, pancakes, waffles, muffins, and cookies. 

Gluten-Free Baked Goods. They can also be used with gluten-free all purpose flour and oat flour. However, nut flours such as almond flour and flax eggs don’t mesh well.

Where Whipped Eggs are Required Flax Eggs Won’t Work

It’s impossible to whip air into flax eggs like you do egg whites.  Therefore, when a recipe calls for whipped egg whites, pass on flax eggs as an easy egg substitute. 

How to Make Flax Eggs (Easy Egg Substitute)

In order to accomplish this incredibly easy (and remarkable) egg substitute, you’ll need two ingredients. Flaxseed meal and water. I highly recommend Bob’s Red Mill organic flaxseed meal. 

Flaxseed vs Flaxseed Meal

In a nutshell (pun intended), flaxseed meal comes from flaxseed. Essentially, when you grind up flaxseed you create flaxseed meal. I typically make my own flaxseed meal. All you need is flaxseed and a coffee grinder or food processor and voila!

Purchasing flaxseed meal is a little more convenient but has a shorter shelf life than flaxseed. The outer coating of flaxseed provides an extra layer of protection. Therefore, when it is ground down to become flaxmeal, this outer coating is no longer present. 

Storage Tips. If you choose to buy flaxseed meal, be sure to store it in the fridge or freezer in order to keep it for 1-2 months. Flaxseed, however, can be stored in the pantry in an airtight container for 6-12 months or in the fridge/freezer for 1 year. 

How to Tell if Your Flaxseed or Flaxseed Meal has Gone Bad

Fresh flaxseed has a nice mild nutty flavor. However, if your flaxseed or flaxseed meal ever has a bitter taste you’ll know it has started to go bad. Time to purchase some more.