There are several options that can serve as a meatloaf egg substitute, including oils, applesauce, and even oats.
Egg yolks contain protein, fat, flavor, richness, and moisture. These elements help to ensure that meatloaf has moisture and holds its shape with the bonding element that eggs provide.
When you are considering a substitute, it is important to consider ingredients that will bind your meatloaf to help it hold its form and retain its moisture.
7 Recommended Egg Substitutes for Meatloaf
- Olive Oil
- Mayonnaise
- Vegan Egg Substitute
- Applesauce
- Flour and Oatmeal
- Flax seeds
- Gelatin
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used as a substitute for many cooking ingredients such as butter. The taste is neutral so it doesn’t over flavor your dish.
Because it is a liquid that’s thinner in consistency than eggs, it’s a good idea to add a tablespoon at a time into the meatloaf mixture until you have the texture that you are looking for.
One tablespoon of olive oil is equal to two large eggs. To avoid creating a mushy meatloaf, make sure that you add the olive oil sparingly until you have the consistency that you are looking for.
Another reason why olive oil is a great substitute for eggs is the health benefits that it provides.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Using olive oil as an egg substitute for meatloaf is also a great way to take advantage of the health benefits that olive oil provides. High in antioxidants, rich in vitamins and nutrients, olive oil is gentle on your digestive tract.
Research shows it also helps prevent gallstones, soothes ulcers, and eliminates the onset of diabetes. Olive oil is also great for weight loss and helps to keep your heart healthy.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories which makes it a great binding agent. It’s also made of oil and eggs. If you are conscious about your health, then mayonnaise may not be the meatloaf egg substitute you are looking for.
However, if the calories and fat in mayonnaise are not a deal-breaker, then this substitute is a great resource to use on your meatloaf. Simply add one tablespoon at a time until you have the consistency you are looking for.
Three tablespoons of mayonnaise are equal to one egg. As you incorporate mayonnaise into your meatloaf, check the consistency to ensure it doesn’t become too wet or greasy.
Mayonnaise is a great way to keep your meatloaf from being dry, due to the moisture that it provides. However, you do not want to oversaturate your meatloaf with too much moisture.
Health Benefits of Mayonnaise
Although mayonnaise can be high in calories, there are still tremendous benefits that make mayonnaise a great egg substitute for meatloaf. Mayonnaise is rich in Vitamin E and helps to keep the heart healthy.
Mayonnaise helps to keep your blood sugar level. The omega 3 fats in mayonnaise can reduce your risk of a heart attack.
Pre-Made Egg Substitute
Premade egg substitutes can often be found at the local grocery store in the refrigerator section. Some are vegan-friendly. It may be helpful to try a few egg substitutes first to determine which brand has a flavor that you like and will be complementary to your meatloaf.
When it comes to measuring pre-made egg substitutes, charts are available to help you measure portions correctly for the dishes you are making. Here is a guide to help you discern how much of your egg substitute is giving you egg coverage:
- 1 large egg = 1/4 cup egg substitute
- 2 large eggs = 1/2 cup egg substitute
- 4 large eggs = 1 cup egg substitute
- 8 large eggs = 1 pint carton egg substitute
Health Benefits of Egg Substitute
Pre-made egg substitutes are popular because you can go to the store and purchase them if you do not desire to incorporate eggs into your diet. However, sources confirm that all egg substitutes are not created equally.
Some premade egg substitutes are mostly egg whites. This means that some of these products contain eggs. It’s important to read product labels to ensure you are getting an egg substitute that has healthy non-egg ingredients. Many egg substitutes do offer a good source of protein.
Protein boosts your immune system, increases mental clarity, and strengthens your bones. Using egg substitute for meatloaf can help provide your body with an increase of protein that will benefit your body in many wonderful ways.
Vegan Eggs (Pre-made Egg Substitute)
Vegan eggs are another pre-made egg substitute that is primarily plant-based. Ingredients such as turmeric, flaxseed, and beans are used to create vegan eggs. These products are high in fiber and vitamin B. One vegan egg is equal to one regular egg.
You can buy vegan eggs in the store or make them from scratch at home. Vegan eggs are popular because they maintain the same consistency as a real egg. Vegan eggs will also help bind the ingredients in your meatloaf and add several health benefits as well.
Health Benefits of Vegan Eggs
Many ingredients in vegan eggs offer significant nutritional value. Turmeric has a compound in it called curcumin. Curcumin has been known to help with depression.
It also helps with inflammation in the body and helps to keep blood sugar levels which benefits many people with type 2 diabetes.
Flax Seed is rich in fiber. It’s great for weight management. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The beans often used in vegan eggs are mung beans. Mung beans are a fat-free food. One cup of mung beans is equal to 14.2 grams of protein.
The combination of these core ingredients in vegan eggs provides a surplus of benefits to your health. This pre-made egg substitute is an alternative to consider if you are interested in plant-based options.
Applesauce
Applesauce is another ingredient that can be used as a substitute for egg in meatloaf. However, this resource is going to add variety to your traditional meatloaf flavor. ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or pureed fruit is equal to 1 egg.
Health Benefits of Applesauce
Applesauce is a very popular cooking ingredient because it can be used as a gluten-free alternative. Meatloaf can be gluten-free if you incorporate gluten-free products in your recipe.
Gluten-free meatloaf still packs lots of flavors and can be fixed in the same amount of time as a non-gluten-free meatloaf.
Applesauce helps to move your bowels and improves digestion. Applesauce also has antioxidants that reduce the risk of certain cancers. Applesauce is also popular among children and is a great way to stimulate their appetite.
Flour and Oatmeal
Combining flour and oatmeal works to create a paste that does a super job as a meatloaf egg substitute. Simply mix the two with a little bit of water and watch the magic happen. This binding agent will also help to keep your meatloaf from falling apart.
Health Benefits of Flour and Oats
Oat flour has many unique benefits to the body. Oats are a rich supply of nutrients and vitamins. Oats also help to increase energy levels. Oats also help to reduce cholesterol and strengthen the heart.
It also helps with regulating sugar levels which is important for people who have diabetes.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a common swap out for egg in many vegan recipes, but it’s a great dupe for egg in meatloaf as well. It’s rich in healthy fats, just like an egg yolk, and has a similar texture, giving moisture to the meatloaf while binding it together.
However, you don’t want to add plain flax seeds to your dish. Instead, you use these seeds to make a “vegan egg” first. Thankfully, the recipe to do so is simple!
You either take your flax seeds and grind them down into a meal, or you can use pre-made flaxseed meal. For every egg you need to substitute, use 1 T of flax meal. So, if your meatloaf recipe uses three eggs, use 3 T.
Next, add 3 T of water for every 1 T of flax. So, again, if you want three eggs, you would use 9 T of water. Mix the water and the flax, and allow the two to sit together for at least five minutes.
This will allow the seed meal to form a gel, which will bind and add moisture to your meatloaf.
Health Benefits of Flax Seeds
There are lots of ways that flaxseed are beneficial. Like eggs, flax seeds contain heart-healthy Omega-3s fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also contain lignans, which may help fight cancer.
Gelatin
Another great egg substitute for meatloaf is gelatin. It retains moisture and will keep your meatloaf together nicely. Simply get one packet and mix it with the recommended amount of warm water, usually 2 T.
Once the gelatin has set, you can add your mixture to the meatloaf, and bake away! Best of all, it won’t add any unusual flavors to your recipe as gelatin is relatively taste-free.
Health Benefits of Gelatin
Gelatin is pretty much pure protein, so you’re giving your meatloaf and extra boost when you swap it out for eggs. This protein is packed full of healthy amino acids and has some minerals and vitamins to boot.
