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What is a Flax Egg? And How to Use It

Are you looking to avoid eggs or do you have an empty carton? You are in the right place to learn what a flax egg is and how to use it! A flax egg is used as an egg replacement. It is made by mixing ground flaxseeds and water. Is it really that simple? Yes! 1 tbsp. of ground flaxseeds + 3 tbsp of warm water = 1 flax egg. Read on to learn a bit more!

a picture of 3 small bowls. One containing ground flaxseeds, the next warm water, and the third bowl has a flax egg.

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!
small bowl with a flax egg in it and a spoon scooping some out

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.

FAQ

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.

small bowl with a flax egg inside and a tbsp. next to it

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:

a picture of 3 small bowls. One containing ground flaxseeds, the next warm water, and the third bowl has a flax egg.

Flax Egg Recipe

A flax egg is very simple to make by mixing ground flaxseeds and warm water. It can be used as an egg substitute when cooking or baking!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 1 flax egg

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds
  • 3 tbsp. warm water

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl mix together 1 tbsp. of ground flaxseeds with 3 tbsp. of warm water.
  • Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to thicken and become gelatinous.
  • Use as a 1:1 substitute for an egg when cooking or baking!

Notes

Store the bag of ground flax seeds in the fridge after opening.
Flax eggs are great to use in items such as: bread, cookies, cakes, meatballs, pancakes and muffins. 
Personally I do not like the texture in brownies and do not recommend it if a recipe calls for more than 2 eggs.
Looking for more ways to use that big bag of flaxseeds?? Add some to a smoothie, protein shake, oatmeal, soups, protein bites, or baked goods. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and other nutrients!
Keyword egg free, Flax Egg, Flaxseeds, Vegan

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