Meringue Powder Substitute

If you're looking for a meringue powder substitute you've come to the right place because we've listed all the best substitutes here for you! There are easy substitutes, vegan options, and even a recipe for homemade DIY meringue powder!

Substitutes For Meringue Powder

Lovely lemon meringue pie wouldn’t be the same without its fluffy white peaks to top it. These white peaks are the meringue in lemon meringue pie.

Meringue is made by beating egg whites and sugar. The result is a stiff white mixture that can be used to top pies or other desserts. It can even be enjoyed on its own!

While most home chefs are familiar with meringue, you may be wondering what meringue powder is. Moreover, how to substitute for this lesser-known ingredient.

Jump to:

• Substitutes For Meringue Powder
• What is Meringue Powder?
• The Best Substitutes
• 1. Egg whites
• 2. Egg White powder
• 3. Gelatin
• The Best Vegan Substitutes
• 4. Agar Powder
• 5. Aquafaba
• 6. Tofu Aquafaba
• 7. Chia Seeds
• 8. Ground Flax Seeds
• 9. Xanthan Gum
• 10. Vegan meringue powder
• 11. DIY Meringue Powder
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments & Reviews

What is Meringue Powder?

Meringue powder is itself a substitute. Made mostly of dehydrated egg whites, this powder is used in place of egg whites when making meringue for any recipe.

While meringue powder mostly consists of dried egg whites, it contains some additives. Additives such as cornstarch, sugar, and citric acid or cream of tartar create help preserve and stabilize the egg whites.

Since it already has the sweetener added, as well as a stabilizer, meringue powder is easy to use. In fact, some chefs prefer it over making meringue from raw egg whites – making meringue powder a substitute for egg whites and sugar.

If you find yourself without meringue powder, you can reverse the substitution and use fresh egg whites in place of the meringue powder. That’s not the only substitute though! Keep reading to find several other meringue powder substitutes, including several vegan options.

The Best Substitutes

Even though meringue powder is slightly sweet, most of its substitutes do not include a sweetener. Moreover, many of them do not include a stabilizer.

If your recipe is meant to be sweet, then you can add sugar to the substitutes below. In addition, you may need to add a stabilizer for recipes that require a hard meringue (such as candies).

Lemon juice or cream of tartar are both good stabilizers. Extra sugar will also help in creating a firmer meringue.

1. Egg whites

Replacing meringue powder with fresh egg whites is simple. While you can simply beat egg whites and use them as is, adding sugar will create a flavor closer to the meringue powder.

In addition, if you are making candy you may want to use a stabilizer to create a hard meringue. 

Use 1 egg white in place of 2 tablespoons of meringue powder. Whip egg white first. Once the egg white forms stiff peaks, add sugar a little bit at a time. 

Soft meringue: 2 tablespoons of sugar for every egg white.

Hard meringue: ¼ cup of sugar for every egg white + stabilizer (⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar or ½ teaspoon of lemon juice per egg white).

2. Egg White powder

Egg white powder is exactly what it sounds like – powdered egg whites. It is made similarly to making dried milk.

Since dried pasteurized egg whites are the main component in meringue powder, they are one of the best substitutes. They will provide a similar texture and taste. You can further imitate the exact taste and texture with the addition of sugar and a stabilizer.

Use egg white powder in a 1:1 ratio for meringue powder in any recipe. For every 2 tablespoons of egg white powder, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. For a hard meringue, add up to ¼ cup of sugar plus a small amount of cream of tartar (⅛ teaspoon) or lemon juice (½ teaspoon). 

3. Gelatin

Gelatin isn’t just for Jell-O! Before it becomes a favorite fruit-flavored dessert, unflavored gelatin is a versatile substitute.

Made from the collagen of hooved animals (cows and horses primarily), this powdered ingredient has similar properties to meringue. It is great for binding and creating a fluffy topping.

Use 1 tablespoon of gelatin to replace 2 teaspoons of meringue powder. Don’t just add it to the recipe though! You need to activate the gelatin first. 

Mix 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin with 3 tablespoons of warm water. If you want a sweet substitute, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix until gelatin and sugar are dissolved.

Let sit until the gelatin becomes firm. Once it is set, use your beaters to whip the gelatin into firm peaks. Use the full mixture in place of 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.

Gelatin is firmer than meringue powder. Therefore, you won’t need a stabilizer.

The Best Vegan Substitutes

4. Agar Powder

If you are looking for a vegan substitute for meringue powder, then gelatin will not work. However, agar powder is a wonderful vegan replacement for gelatin. Therefore, agar powder is also an excellent vegan alternative to meringue powder.

Agar powder is derived from seaweed. When combined with water it produces a similar consistency to gelatin. It does take a little more prep than gelatin to use though.

Combine equal parts of agar powder and water. Use 1 tablespoon of agar powder + 1 tablespoon of water to replace 2 teaspoons of meringue powder

Boil the agar powder and water mixture for about 5 minutes. Once it begins to thicken, turn off the heat and let it cool. Whip the cooled gelatin to form stiff peaks.

Like gelatin, agar powder is naturally firmer than egg whites, so you won’t need a stabilizer. However, you may want to add some sugar for sweetness.

5. Aquafaba

If you follow a vegan diet, then you probably already know how amazing aquafaba is! Aquafaba is the residual water that is leftover in a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans).

This starchy water shares similar properties with egg whites. Therefore, it can be used as a substitute for egg whites in most recipes – including meringue powder!

Aquafaba creates a softer meringue that is great to use in large quantities, such as to top pies.

Use aquafaba in a 1.5 to 1 ratio for meringue powder: 1 ½ cups of aquafaba for 1 cup of meringue powder (each can of chickpeas yields about ¾ cup of aquafaba). Begin whipping the aquafaba. 

Once soft peaks begin to form add a stabilizer and sugar (even for a soft meringue, you will need a stabilizer to get the desired consistency from aquafaba). Add ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar (or 1 teaspoon of lemon juice) for every 1 ½ cups of aquafaba, and up to a ½ cup of sugar (for desired sweetness).  

6. Tofu Aquafaba

In addition to aquafaba found in chickpeas, the same water can be found surrounding tofu.

Tofu aquafaba can be used in the same way as chickpea aquafaba to replace meringue powder. However, there is typically less aquafaba in a package of tofu. Therefore, it is better suited to substitute a small amount of meringue powder.

Use 4 teaspoons of tofu aquafaba in place of 1 teaspoon of meringue powder. Add ⅛ of cream of tartar and a tablespoon of sugar (if desired).

7. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are another great vegan alternative. When mixed with water these little seeds form gelatin that can be whipped up and used in place of meringue powder.

While you can use chia seeds whole, you will get a smoother substitute from grinding them up. Simply toss them in a blender and pulse for a few seconds. Then follow the directions below.

Mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2 tablespoons of water in a cup. Let sit for 10-15 minutes until a thick gel forms. Whip the gel until peaks begin to form.

Use the whipped chia seeds to replace 2 teaspoons of meringue powder in any recipe.

Like gelatin, chia seeds will be firmer. Therefore, you will not need a stabilizer. However, you can add sugar as desired.

8. Ground Flax Seeds

Another popular vegan substitute for eggs is flax seeds. Ground flax seeds produce a gel-like consistency just like chia seeds when mixed with water.

Unlike chia seeds, flax seeds must be ground up to get the right consistency. If you only have whole flax seeds, make sure you blend them in a food processor before using them.

Compared to the other substitutes, flax seeds have a prominent flavor. Their distinctive and nutty taste will impact the overall flavor of your recipe. Before using them as a substitute, consider if this flavor will pair well with the other flavors in your recipe.

Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to form a gel. Once a gel is formed, whip to create firm peaks. Use in place of 2 teaspoons of meringue powder.

You will not need a stabilizer but may want to add sugar to support the overall flavor of your recipe.

9. Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is less common to have in your home kitchen. However, it is quite easy to find. Most mainstream grocery stores carry this ingredient in the baking aisle (next to the flour).

Xanthan gum is used as a binder for baking. While it is vegan friendly, it is made from corn. Therefore, some people prefer not to use it.

If you want an easy substitute that you can use for many other recipes as well though, grab a bag of xanthan gum to try out.

You will only need a small amount of xanthan gum to replace meringue powder. Combine ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum with ¼ teaspoon of cool water to replace 2 teaspoons worth of meringue powder.

Xanthan gum is best used to replace meringue powder in small amounts. It will not provide the fluffy whipped meringue of other substitutes.

10. Vegan meringue powder

For those who follow a vegan diet and want an easy substitute to use all the time, look for a vegan meringue powder. While you may have to go to a specialty food store (or order online) this is an easy way to always have a vegan option available.

Use vegan meringue powder in a 1:1 substitution for meringue powder (or follow directions on the container).

11. DIY Meringue Powder

If you want to get the best substitution for your recipes that call for meringue powder, you may want to whip up a batch of homemade powder! Meringue powder takes a few ingredients but is quite easy to make.

• 8 egg whites
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Beat egg whites until they begin to form soft peaks. Add the cream of tartar and maple syrup. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Place parchment paper or a silicone sheet on a baking sheet. Spread the egg white mixture evenly onto the cookie sheet. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for two hours. If the meringue is not completely dried out, turn the oven off and leave the meringue inside the oven.

Once it is completely dried out, let it cool. Break up the meringue into large chunks and add to a blender. Blend into a powder. Store in an airtight container.

Use in any recipe that calls for meringue powder!

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Apple Cider Vinegar	Bay Leaf	Tapioca Starch
Sesame Oil	Rosemary (Fresh & Dried)	Cornmeal
Marsala Wine	Turmeric	Potato Starch
Dijon Mustard	Celery Salt	Coconut Sugar
Horseradish	Tarragon	Buttermilk
Red Wine Vinegar	Cardamom	Brown Sugar
Masa Harina	Paprika	Arrowroot Powder
Cream Cheese	Chili Powder	Cornflour
Creme Fraiche	Cilantro	Shortening
Worcestershire Sauce		Vanilla Extract
Shallots		Lemon Extract

Any one of these meringue powder substitutes can do the trick, it's just about finding which one works best for you! If you found this article helpful and would like to see more like this, let us know in the comments!

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