The 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf (That Really Work!)

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Looking for the best egg substitute for meatloaf? These easy-to-find ingredients are perfect to swap in to make an egg free meatloaf recipe that’s just as delicious.
Meatloaf with Glaze.

What is The Best Egg Substitute In Meatloaf

The egg serves several important purposes in a recipe:
  • The yolk’s role is to add moisture and fat and to emulsify the ingredients (hold the fats together with the liquids)
  • Meanwhile, the white’s proteins work to bind the ingredients together for a solid, sliceable loaf.
  • in cookies, quick breads, muffins, brownies and cakes, the egg may act as a leavening agent as well. However, as long as the baking recipe has a chemical leavener (like baking soda), you have a bit more variety to choose from. Hello, mashed banana.
Adding egg to meatloaf.
For savory dishes, you are limited to the egg substitute options that have strong binding power without a sweet flavor. In meatloaf specifically, you need something that will hold the bread crumbs and meat together in the pan, but won’t add an unusual taste or too much extra liquid. I’m sorry, but a cup of unsweetened applesauce has no place here.
Meatloaf mixture for egg substitute.
The egg substitutes below are perfect for meatloaf and apply whether you are making a loaf with beef, chicken, or ground turkey. Most of them are easy to find. Whether you are searching for egg substations due to egg allergy or maybe you just don’t have eggs at home – here’s a list to choose from. Here are my top choices for meatloaf egg substitutes, from seed “eggs” (made from flax or chia) to aquafaba and starchy options.
Forming meatloaf.

Flaxseed Meal Substitute For Egg in Meatloaf

Flaxseed meal (ground flax seeds), when mixed with water, forms a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding properties of eggs in the oven. This is affectionately known as a flax egg. It’s a perfect meatloaf egg substitute. For each whole egg called for, whisk 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until it thickens. Use as an effective substitute for eggs in meatloaf recipes. Add a little flour if you need to thicken it further. You can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Ingredients

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are another excellent source of binding power, similar to flaxseed. When combined with water, they create a gel-like substance that helps hold meatloaf together. Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and allow it to sit until it thickens before adding it to your meatloaf mixture.
Aquafaba egg substitute.

Aquafaba Egg Replacement in Meatloaf

Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can be whipped into a foam and used as an egg substitute in meatloaf. Lightly whisk 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg until frothy and incorporate it into your meatloaf mixture to enhance moisture and binding. Check out my post here about Aquafaba vs egg whites (pros and cons) with details on how to use it to replace the egg yolk as well. If you’ve got leftovers, portion extra aquafaba into egg-sized quantities and freeze. Once hard, transfer to an airtight container for longer storage the freezer. I thaw in the microwave on medium power until liquid again. Ps. Aquafaba is so amazing – did you can even whip it to stiff meringue?
Aquafaba vs Egg white

Commercial Egg Replacer

Many brands offer vegan egg replacer products made from plant-based ingredients that work well as a binding agent in meatloaf recipes. Follow the package instructions to determine the appropriate amount of egg substitute to use based on the number of eggs in your meatloaf recipe.
Raw meatloaf.

Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot powder serves as a gluten-free thickening agent and binder in meatloaf recipes. Mix 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder with 3 tablespoons of water to replace each egg and achieve a well-bound and tender texture in your meatloaf.
Whisking cornstarch as an egg substitute for meatloaf.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps bind the ingredients together while adding minimal flavor to meatloaf. Combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water per egg to substitute egg in meatloaf with a smooth and cohesive texture. Its important to get the correct ratio here.

Potato Starch

Potato starch contributes to the binding properties of meatloaf while imparting a light and fluffy texture. Use 2 tablespoons of potato starch mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as an egg substitute to achieve optimal moisture retention and tenderness in your meatloaf.
Getting ready to add glaze to meatloaf.

FAQs About Egg Substitutes For Meatloaf Recipes

Why would I need egg substitutes for meatloaf? Egg substitutes are used in meatloaf recipes for various reasons, including dietary restrictions (such as vegan or egg-free diets), allergies. What purpose do eggs serve in meatloaf? Eggs act as binders in meatloaf, helping to hold the ingredients together. They prevent the mixture from falling apart during cooking. They also contribute moisture and help create a cohesive texture. What are some common egg substitutes for meatloaf? Common egg substitutes for meatloaf include flaxseed meal, chia seeds, mashed banana, applesauce, silken tofu, yogurt, and various commercial egg replacers. How do I determine the right egg substitute for my meatloaf recipe? The choice of egg substitute depends on factors such as dietary preferences, desired texture, and flavor profile. Experimenting with different substitutes can help you find the one that best suits your taste and dietary needs. Can I use egg substitutes interchangeably with eggs in meatloaf recipes? While many egg substitutes can effectively replace eggs in meatloaf recipes, consider each one’s unique properties and adjust the recipe accordingly. Some substitutes may require other ingredients to achieve the desired texture and flavor. Are there any egg substitutes that work better in specific meatloaf recipes? Certain egg substitutes may work better in specific meatloaf recipes based on their flavor profiles and binding capabilities. For example, applesauce and mashed banana can add sweetness and moisture to turkey or chicken meatloaf, while flaxseed meal or chia seeds complement beef or pork meatloaf. How do I know if the egg substitute is successful in my meatloaf? A successful egg substitute in meatloaf should help bind the ingredients together, maintain moisture, and result in a even texture. After baking, observe the consistency and texture of the meatloaf to determine if the substitute has effectively fulfilled its role. Can I combine multiple egg substitutes in one meatloaf recipe? Yes, you can combine multiple egg substitutes in a meatloaf recipe to achieve a good texture or flavor. Experimenting with different combinations allows for customization and creativity in your cooking. Are there any egg substitutes to avoid in meatloaf recipes? While most egg substitutes can work well in meatloaf recipes, it’s important to think about potential flavor and texture changes. For example, using certain fruit purees like pineapple may add too much sweetness. Where can I find egg substitutes for meatloaf recipes? Egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and commercial egg replacers are typically available in grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. Next reading: Looking for an egg substitute for your pancakes? I’ve got you. Here are my best egg substitutes for baking.
Meatloaf with Brown Gravy being poured over it.
With these egg alternatives, you can keep all the other ingredients (ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, etc, the same). Check out my delicious and most popular meatloaf recipe here. You can turn it into an easy eggless meatloaf recipe by switching out the eggs with an alternative.

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The 7 Best Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf (That Really Work!)

Here are the absolute best egg substitutes for meatloaf. These easy-to-find ingredients are perfect to swap in to any recipe to make it egg free but just as delicious.  
Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 minute

Ingredients  

  • 1 flax egg
  • 1 chia egg
  • aquafaba
  • potato starch
  • cornstarch
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Instructions 

  • Choose your favorite egg substitute and use it directly in your meatloaf recipe.
  • Mix and bake your meatloaf as directed.
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