Foods You're Allergic To - Alternative Options Part 5: Egg

If you're allergic to eggs, you'll find this post helpful. Read below to learn more about egg allergies, egg substitutes, and egg replacers.

The importance of label reading cannot be stressed enough, especially in severe cases of egg allergy, as eggs may be a hidden or less obvious ingredient in foods, such as taffies or noodles, and even in beverages.

Replacing Egg

Eggs, as you know, are a protein-rich, nutritional staple consumed mostly for breakfast or brunch, but also regularly used to bind ingredients when cooking. To most, eggs are a delicious and essential food source. However, as one of the top 8 food allergens, some experience serious complications from consuming eggs. In fact, approximately 1.8-2.0% of children under five years old in developed countries, such as the U.S., have an egg allergy, and although most children may outgrow the allergy, some experience lifelong allergic sensitivity to eggs. 

Egg allergy is primarily caused by an immune response to proteins of the egg white, such as ovomucoid and ovalbumin, and allergic reactions to these proteins may result in mild (i.e., hives or skin rashes) to severe (i.e., trouble breathing or anaphylaxis) symptoms. Luckily, sensitivity to these proteins can be readily detected by common allergy tests, such as the skin prick test or the specific IgE blood test, and medical treatment exists for lesser to more extreme reactions. For example, antihistamines may be used to treat mild symptoms and are available over the counter and can be found almost anywhere, while epinephrine (commonly known as an EpiPen or less frequently referred to as an adrenaline shot) is available by prescription and is ideal for reactions that are severe or life-threatening. It is essential that individuals suspecting that they, or their loved one(s), have an egg allergy seek medical attention, as changes to allergic sensitivity to egg may lessen or increase over time.

Since egg is a staple food source and is used in a variety of foods, it may be difficult to avoid. Therefore, individuals with egg allergy must be diligent about protecting their health. Eggs are frequently used for baking or frying, so baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and breads or fried foods, such as fried chicken or tempura, must be avoided, and it is safe to assume that if a food is baked or fried, then it likely contains egg. However, another essential step to remaining safe and avoiding accidental egg consumption is to read labels. By reading labels, individuals can avoid foods that contain egg, egg derivatives, or contain traces of egg due to being produced on shared equipment that also processes eggs. The importance of label reading cannot be stressed enough, especially in severe cases of egg allergy, as eggs may be a hidden or less obvious ingredient in foods, such as taffies or noodles, and even in beverages. For individuals with high or severe allergic sensitivity to eggs, however, processed foods or foods made from unidentifiable or undocumented ingredients may not be worth the risk, and it may be best to completely avoid these foods. For individuals at risk of severe and/or life-threatening allergic reactions to eggs, it may be best to follow a whole foods diet so that every ingredient is accounted for and there is better control over what is consumed.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with an egg allergy, have been struggling with an egg allergy, suspect that you may have an egg allergy, know someone with an egg allergy, or just want to try something different, some great egg substitutions are provided below. Some of the items below may be used as an egg substitute in baking or frying, while others can be used to scramble for breakfast. Of course, there are many more options than the ones I’ve provided below, so feel free to explore your local grocer for products that are most available to you. Once you’ve found your favorite egg substitute, enjoy eating the foods you love again without the risk of an allergic reaction!

The Food Allergy Way’s Top Egg Substitutes and Egg Replacers

JUST Egg - This brand is a staple in my home. As a parent of a child with severe egg allergy we use this product regularly to make scambled eggs (one of his favorites), pancakes and waffles, to bake muffins, cakes, and breads, and as an egg wash for frying chicken and shrimp. In my opinion this is one of the more versatile options out there. If you pick up a carton of this and enjoy it, share your thoughts!

Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacer - I have not personally tried this brand's version of egg replacer, but I regularly purchase other products from Bob's Red Mill. They make great gluten free flour, and provide a variety of baking and cooking options that are easy find find in nearly every store. I don't doubt that their egg replacer is also fantastic and of great quality as the rest of the items in their product line.

Namaste Vegan Egg Replacer - Again, this is one of my favorite gluten-free brands. I regularly purchase Namaste's cake, brownie, waffle, and pancake mixes, and they're all excellent. I've served their products to friends and family who claim not to like allergy friendly foods, but they're always blown away by the quality of the products (usually they can't tell a difference). I'm sure their egg replacer is just as good coming from such a quality brand.