What is a Flax Egg? And How to Use It

What is a flax egg?

A flax egg is a gelatinous binding agent. It can be used as an egg replacement any time a recipe calls for a chicken egg. Flax eggs are commonly used if someone is avoiding eggs due to an egg allergy and also for vegan recipes.

Ingredients in a flax egg

• Ground flaxseed meal: make sure it is ground flaxseeds (not whole ones). My grocery store carries several different brands.
• Warm water: you can use room temperature water, it will just take longer to absorb the water and thicken.

How to make a flax egg

1. In a small container combine 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds + 3 tbsp. of warm water.
2. Stir together and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
3. The flaxseed will absorb the water and become thick and gelatinous.
4. Add it to any recipe that calls for an egg. It will serve as a 1:1 egg substitute!

Tips for success

• The flax egg needs about 5 minutes to thicken. When baking, mix up your flax egg at the beginning so it will be ready to add into the recipe when the time comes.
• I recommend to only use 2 flax eggs per recipe. If a recipe calls for more than 2 eggs I would consider other substitutes such as Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or oil.
• Store the bag of ground flax seeds in the fridge after opening.

How do I use a flax egg?

You will substitute on a 1:1 basis. Substitute 1 egg for 1 flax egg! If the recipe calls for 2 eggs, then make 2 flax eggs. Some recipes that are great for a flax egg includes:

• Cookies
• Bread
• Muffins
• Meatloaf, meatballs
• Cakes
• Pancakes
• Waffles

Do I use whole or ground flax seeds?

You will need the flaxseeds to be ground. Ground flaxseeds (also called ground flaxseed meal) are available in most grocery stores! If you buy full flaxseeds you can ground them in a food processor yourself.

How do you store ground flaxseeds?

After you open the bag, be sure to store it in the fridge. Flaxseeds will go bad and develop a rancid and foul smelling odor as they expire.

Are flaxseeds healthy?

Yes! A serving of flaxseeds contains protein, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, and several other vitamins and minerals. In order for your body to absorb all these benefits, you will want to make sure you are eating it in ground form.

What should I not use flax eggs in?

I personally do not like the texture of flax eggs in brownies. I recommend to only use 2 flax eggs per recipe. If a recipe calls for more than 2 eggs I would consider other egg substitutes. Flax eggs provide a great binding agent, but using too many flax eggs in a recipe will alter the texture and it isn’t a great leavening agent.

Other uses

Most ground flaxseeds come in a 1 lb. bag. That’s a lot of baking to use it all up! There are several others uses for ground flaxseeds. You will benefit from the protein, fiber, and omega 3 fatty acids, and several other vitamins they contain. I like to include ground flaxseeds in:

• Homemade smoothies such as this one: Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Sprinkle some on top of oatmeal, cottage cheese, or cereal
• No Bake Protein Balls
• Add some into muffins or baked bread.
• Sprinkle on a salad