13 Best Meringue Powder Substitutes To Try!

What’s better than using meringue powder for Royal icing on cakes and cookies? Many times you won’t have meringue powder handy. But don’t let your cake miss the delicious frosting, as we got some quick fixes. 

You may have some handy options if you are out of meringue powder while preparing your sweet delight. Some of the best meringue powder substitutes are egg whites, agar powder, aquafaba, and even flax & chia seeds. 

Meringue powder is used for decorating baked and sweet treats. It is also used as a quick substitute for egg whites in baking products. One can make edible decorations using meringue powder and enjoy the sweet delight.

As meringue powder has dehydrated egg whites (powdered) with a little bit of cornstarch that helps to attain the required texture, the substitutes will also work like meringue powder if used properly. 

Today we will learn about all the possible substitutes for meringue powder so that next time you need to make some piped meringue cookies, royal icing, or toppings on baked goods but out of the ingredient, you know what to do next. 

13 Best Meringue Powder Substitutes

Here is a list of the best meringue substitutes you can use in your recipes.

1. Egg Whites

Did you know that the primary purpose of using meringue powder was to replace egg whites in the first place? Now, if you are used to meringue powder but have none while making your royal icing, then go back to the original. 

Substituting egg whites in place of meringue powder is quite simple. Beat the egg whites until they reach the required consistency, and maybe add some sugar for better results and use it as it is.

You may need to work a little harder but trust me; the final taste will be so amazing that you may lick your fingers while putting the icing on the cake. You may take time to master the egg white, but it will surely be worthwhile.

Adding egg whites to your baked goods will ensure you add a lot of protein without many calories. 

Let me share a small and quick step to use your egg whites instead of meringue powder. Simply take your egg whites and add some teaspoons of creamy tartar with a few drops of lemon or maybe add some sugar, cornstarch, and vinegar and make a foamy mixture. 

You can use 1 egg white in place of 2 tablespoons of meringue powder.  

2. Egg White Powder

Now, if you don’t have fresh egg whites to replace meringue powder, egg white powder may come in very handy. Egg white powder dehydrates the egg whites and then turns them into fine powder. 

Egg white powder works great as a stabilizer and is also a main ingredient in making the meringue powder.  

On the one hand, meringue powder has other ingredients as well, like sugar, cornstarch, and stabilizer, but on the other hand, egg white powder has just dehydrated egg whites.

You can add sugar and stabiliser to the egg-white powder mixture and get the same taste and texture as meringue powder. This is why egg white powder is one of the best substitutes for meringue powder for baking goods. 

You can use the egg white powder in the same ratio as meringue powder. For example, if you need 1 tablespoon of meringue powder, you can use 1 tablespoon of egg white powder instead. Add some water and sugar, rehydrate the egg white powder, and follow the further steps. 

3. Agar Powder

If you are not a fan of egg white powder, we have plenty of options, like agar powder. Agar powder is a great substitute if you are looking for a vegan substitute for meringue powder.

Agar powder is generally used to thicken liquid items, and that is why it is one of the great options to use. Simply mix agar powder with some water and boil the mixture for around 5 minutes. 

Let the mixture boil until a foamy texture is formed. Whip the mixture really well and use it like you may use meringue powder. 

Agar powder will not need any stabilizer as they are already firm, but you may need to add some sugar for the sweet flavor.

 Use the substitute in the ratio of 1:2. That means you can go for 1 tablespoon of agar powder with 1 tablespoon of water instead of 2 tablespoons of meringue powder.

4. Aquafaba

Another vegan option to use in place of meringue powder is aquafaba. Aquafaba is nothing but drained chickpeas water that is generally thrown out. 

You can use the one at home or take it out from the canned chickpeas. Aquafaba has been suggested to be used in many places where eggs are required, even though they are unrelated.

The taste of aquafaba is likable, and if you add cream of tartar along with sugar, you will get a great flavour after whisking everything together until foamy.

The reason why aquafaba is a great replacement for meringue powder because it’s starchy, and on whisking, it gets stiff, just like meringue powder. 

Aquafaba is best for making soft, light, and fluffy meringue. The final taste will not be so noticeable, which means your baked goods will not have any unwanted flavor. 

A handy tip if your aquafaba is not thick enough – simmer it on the gas until reduced, and consistency will change. 

You can use 1.5 tablespoons of aquafaba whenever the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of meringue powder. 

5. Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a very popular thickener and can be used as a substitute for meringue powder. Xanthan gum is also used in many baked goods as a thickener and also for binding reasons. 

It is another vegan option to use in place of meringue powder, as it is made from corn. Xanthan gum may not always be available in your kitchen, but it can be easily found in stores.

It is suggested to use Xanthan gum in the recipes that call for small amounts of meringue powder, as it may not be as fluffy as meringue powder. 

Simply stir a quarter tablespoon of xanthan gum with water and whip it really nice to use in place of meringue powder. Generally, xanthan gum is derived from sugar or cane sugar, which means it will have some sweet flavour. 

But many times, xanthan gum, considered a food additive, is derived from soy, dairy, or wheat corn, so you have to be double sure which one you are using and if there is any allergic ingredient. 

Mix ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum with ¼ teaspoon of water while substituting 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.

6. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been seen as a great substitute for eggs. As we know, meringue powder has eggs; and one of the great substitutes for meringue powder is eggs. Hence, chia seeds will come in handy.

There is no doubt that chia seeds are healthy and nutritious, and adding them to your baked goods is a great way to add great nutrient content to your recipe. 

When you soak chia seeds in water, it has a gel-like texture, and after whipping them for a good time, you can get something similar to whipped egg white or meringue powder. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that chia seeds, after soaking and whipping, may have a dark color, so instead, you can go for white chia seeds. 

Another handy tip is to grind the seeds and soak them so that it’s easy to whip and get the required consistency. The texture of chia seeds after whipping will be firm and fluffy. 

Use ½ tablespoon of chia seeds with water to replace it with 1 tablespoon of meringue powder.

7. Flax Seeds

Like chia seeds, flax seeds are also a great substitute for eggs in baked goods. They are too nutritious and healthy. Flax seeds are also binding agents in baked goods like pancakes and cookies. 

When soaked in water, flax seeds also make a gel-like consistency and can be used to make frosting or royal icing. 

Another thing to remember is that upon using flax seeds, there will be a nutty flavor in the final product, and many people like that nutty note. Consider adding some sugar to get the enhanced flavor, like meringue powder. 

People also boil flax seeds with water to get the flaxseed gel and then use it in place of meringue powder. This process may take time as you may have to boil it for 30 minutes and then let the water cool in the refrigerator. 

You can add 3 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of flax seeds and whip it until you get the desired consistency.

It may take around 20-25 minutes, but you will not be disappointed. You can use this to replace 2 teaspoons of meringue powder. 

8. Gelatin

Gelatin is known for thickening and is widely used in many baked and sweet dishes. Because of its gel-like consistency, it can be a great substitute for meringue powder.

However, gelatin is made from collagen of bones and other parts of the animals, so it is not a good substitute if looking for vegan substitutes.

The best thing about using gelatin is that it is already firm, and you may not need to use a stabilizer. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of gelatin with 3 tablespoons of warm water. You may also add some sugar and whip it until it reaches the required consistency. 

One great thing about using gelatin is that the taste is neutral, so you won’t have to worry about any unwanted flavor. Simply use 1 tablespoon of gelatin in place of 2 tablespoons of meringue powder.

 Use gelatin like meringue powder, or make some tasty edible sculptures after adding sugar or other sweeteners. 

9. Mashed Bananas

Bananas are so great and versatile that they can be used to make cakes and muffins. One can also use it as a healthy and fruity substitute for meringue powder. 

They may not help you to make icing or frosting, but they can be used in other places where meringue powder is required. 

Mashed bananas have great moisture and can also replace eggs in baked goods. Bananas will also add their own flavor, so keep the same in mind.

Simply mash the bananas and add them wherever you require meringue powder. Bananas will also help bind other ingredients and add depth to your final product. 

You can use a quarter cup of bananas instead of 1 teaspoon of meringue powder in the recipe. 

10. Tofu Aquafaba

Tofu aquafaba is another great option to use in place of meringue powder. Like we already have talked about, aquafaba, is generally drained water from beans or chickpeas, and tofu aquafaba is also drained water from soaked tofu. 

The texture of the drained water from tofu is the same as egg whites, and that is why we can use baked goods for icing or other uses where meringue powder is required. 

The best thing about using tofu aquafaba is that it is gluten-free and vegan. So all the vegan eaters who also want gluten-free ingredients, tofu aquafaba is your hero!

You may need to add sugar or cream tartar to add authentic flavours like meringue powder. Use tofu aquafaba as a thickener, binding agent, or foaming agent- it got everything. 

Simply use 3 tablespoons of tofu aquafaba instead of 1 tablespoon of meringue powder, and you are ready to bake something great. 

Tofu aquafaba is great to use when the recipe calls for a small quantity of meringue powder. 

11. Vegan Meringue Powder

Now, what’s better than store-bought vegan meringue powder? Obviously, you can easily spot them at your local grocery store and simply use them as a substitute for regular meringue powder. If not found at your grocery store, order online, as many brands are selling these babies.

Using vegan meringue powder is quite easy. Simply substitute the same quantities as meringue powder in the recipe, and you are good to go!

Most of the products will have aquafaba powder, cornstarch, sugar, and cream of tartar. Use the vegan meringue powder in a 1:1 ratio to regular meringue powder.

12. Yogurt/Buttermilk 

Who would think of yogurt when talking about substitute meringue powder? But let me clarify: yogurt or buttermilk may not give a very fluffy texture but can be used as a substitute for meringue powder. 

Yogurt and buttermilk have different consistency; therefore, you must use full-fat yogurt. When it comes to buttermilk, you can directly use it as it is. 

13. Arrowroot powder

Another substitute for meringue powder is arrowroot powder, used as flour in many recipes. Use it as a binding or thickening agent as it is rich in starch. Arrowroot powder has no flavour, so you don’t have to worry about the final taste. 

You can easily use arrowroot powder for frosting and icing. You may need to add sugar to add flavours. Simply substitute the arrowroot powder in the ratio of 1:1 for meringue powder. 

Short Recap Of The Best Substitutes For Meringue Powder

Below is a short recap of the best substitute options for meringue powder.

Best Meringue Powder Substitutes In Terms Of Flavor – 

• Egg Whites
• Chia Seeds
• Flax Seeds
• Gelatin

Best Meringue Powder Substitutes That Are Easily Available –

• Aquafaba
• Bananas

Meringue Powder Substitutes Should Be Least Considered –

• Yogurt
• Buttermilk

Best vegan Meringue Powder Substitutes –

• Tofu Aquafaba

How To Use Meringue Powder Substitutes In Baked Goods

Conclusion

Finally, we are at the end of such a sweet conversation, and for sure now, you won’t be stuck in between your recipe just because you are out of Meringue Powder. 

I know that nothing can fully replace the essence of Meringue Powder, but the substitutes I have mentioned are enough to get your work done. You can use egg whites or egg whites powder to attain the required shapes for your treats. 

If you want a vegan substitute, go for the flax, chia, aquafaba, and other ingredients. I am sure you will be satisfied and have a great sweet dessert.

 I will be back with more such conversations where I fix your daily food problems, and in return, you let me know your experience. I will be back very soon. Until then, complete the royal icing on the cake.

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