How To Make a Flax Egg

Whether you avoid eggs for due to an allergy or dietary preference or you are simply out of eggs for a baking recipe, flax eggs are a great egg substitute! This is my tried-and-true (and simple) method for how to make a flax egg.

We all know how expensive eggs are these days. And, while I love the protein boost and convenience of using eggs in many of my baking recipes (and meatballs recipes!), I love using a flax “egg” when I am out of chicken eggs or just want to save those pricy eggs for my morning scramble!

Of course, this egg substitute doesn’t work in all recipes. Ground flaxseeds, also known as flaxmeal, definitely won’t work in place of regular eggs in a quiche or in an omelet. Just want to mention that in case you were thinking about it.

However, in place of an egg as a binding agent in most baked goods, having a bag of whole flaxseeds or pre-ground flaxmeal on hand can come in quite handy for easily making most muffins, pancakes, sweet breads, meatballs, and meatloaf egg-free.

Want to know where to start flexing your flax egg muscle? While I have not tested all of my recipes using an egg replacement, a good rule of thumb for where to start using flax eggs are muffins, pancakes, baked oatmeal, meatballs, meatloaves. But, take note, paleo-style or nut-based recipes typically won’t yield the same result as using an egg. Why? When already adapting a recipe from its more traditional form (think flourless muffins), recipe developers have already made significant changes. To stray even further usually causes some less than stellar results.

Have you tried one of my recipes using your own substitution with success? Or did it flop? Your comments, subsitutions, and variations are always welcome and are a LARGE part of what makes the TNN community my favorite group of people! I LOVE when TNNers let me know what has worked well for them and what hasn’t. It’s community contribution at its best. And, while I haven’t had the chance to try all subsitutions (egg-free, gluten-free, and more!), I try to test and include adaptations when I can—because, whether its food allergies, preference, or limited ingredients in the house, I know just how helpful those options can be!

What is a flax egg?

A flax egg is a budget-friendly, allergy-friendly egg replacement made with ground flaxseeds and water! That’s it! It’s a great alternative for those who need to or want to avoid eggs.

Although, flax eggs do have their limitations. As they are replacing the binding properties of an egg, they can’t be used in dishes where eggs are the star of the show (think scrambled eggs or a quiche or where the egg is adding body to a dish (such as a Hollandaise or other creamy sauce). Because of this, flax eggs work best in baked goods (pancakes, muffins, cookies, brownies). It is best to limit their use to recipes calling for one to two eggs max for the best result.

Do I have to use ground flax or flaxmeal when making a flax egg?

Yes! Grinding flax seeds provide the best result. While grinding whole flaxseeds extends the shelf life of the flax seeds, I also know not everyone has a spice grinder or food processor lying around! Fortunately, pre-ground flaxseeds (also known as flaxmeal) can now be found quite easily in most grocery stores. It is often shelf-stable until opened. Because of their high oil content, ground flaxseeds (flaxmeal) can go rancid fairly quickly once ground and should be refrigerated or stored in the freezer.

How to make a flax egg

Step 1: Combine 1 Tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 Tablespoons water in a small bowl.

Step 2: Let sit for 5 minutes to “gel”. Flax egg should almost have consistency of egg whites when it is ready to add to a recipe.

Step 3: Add to a recipe in place of 1 chicken egg.

Did you know flax eggs are not only a budget-friendly and allergy-friendly way to bind together ingredients in a recipe but also add a boost of nutrition? That’s right! Flaxseeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

How do I use a flax egg?

Flax eggs can be used as a 1:1 replacement for an egg in many baked goods (as well as dishes such as meatballs or meatloaf where the eggs act as a binder to hold the other ingredients together). However, flax eggs are best limited to recipes using one or two eggs at most. Some recipes I have linked below call for three eggs. But, in general, sticking to a recipe with one to two eggs is a safer bet.

Where do I find ground flax or flaxmeal?

Flaxmeal is available at most major grocery chains as well as many health food stores (including many Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods locations as well as independent stores). While pre-ground flax is sometimes kept refrigerated in the grocery store, it is most often found in the shelf-stable section.

As for the aisle? That is a bit trickier! Stores tend to not necessarily all agree on which category flaxmeal falls into. I like to start with the baking/spices section or the aisle containing nuts. If there is a “health food” or “allergen-friendly” section, those are also good places to check! Of course, if I can’t find ground flax at a particular store, I head over to customer service and someone will always point me in the right direction!

Can I use chia seeds instead of ground flax when making an egg replacement?

Yes! I also suggest grinding them down for the best consistency, but chia seeds can also be used in place of ground flax in this recipe.

Recipes I can use a flax egg in

• Healthy Chocolate Muffins (with Veggies!)
• Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
• Cauliflower and Turkey Mini Meatloaves
• Moist Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes
• Veggie-Loaded Chocolate Protein Muffins
• Oven Baked Turkey Zucchini Meatballs
• Wholesome Oatmeal Banana Carrot Bread
• Blender Banana Spinach Pancakes
• Chocolate Beetroot Cake (with raspberry whipped cream)
• Egg Roll Meatballs {gluten free}
• Healthy Morning Glory Breakfast Muffins
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Quick & Classic Turkey Meatballs
• Hearty Whole Wheat Banana Zucchini Muffins
• Healthy Carrot Cake Bread
• Veggie-Loaded Mini Meatloaves
• Chicken Carrot Meatballs
• Sweet Whole Wheat Butternut Squash Bread

Recipes that already include a flax egg

• Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Muffins
• Carrot Banana Protein Pancakes (vegan)
• One-Bowl Peanut Butter Carrot Blondies (vegan + gf)
• Carrot Apple Vegan Muffins
• Vegan Spinach Muffins

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