Eggs
Vegan alternative to meringue: the best substitutes
Everything you need to replace meringue with a plant-based substitute — which one to use, the exact ratio, and the mistakes that ruin the result.
Short answer
Key takeaways
- Best all-round swap: Aquafaba (chickpea water) + sugar (pavlova, macarons, mousse).
- Ratio: 3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg white.
- Pro tip: Reduce the aquafaba by a third on the hob first and add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar — it holds peaks far longer.
- 1 tested vegan alternatives to meringue in total.
Why meringue isn't vegan
Whipped egg whites.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Aquafaba (chickpea water) + sugar | Pavlova, macarons, mousse |
How to substitute meringue, step by step
- 1
Pick the right substitute for the job
For most recipes use Aquafaba (chickpea water) + sugar — pavlova, macarons, mousse.
- 2
Measure using the correct ratio
3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg white. Weigh rather than eyeball it — small errors show up much faster when replacing meringue.
- 3
Adjust the method
Reduce the aquafaba by a third on the hob first and add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar — it holds peaks far longer.
- 4
Taste and correct
Plant swaps are usually a little less salty and less rich than meringue. Season at the end and add acid (lemon, vinegar) or umami (miso, nutritional yeast) if the dish tastes flat.
Mistakes to avoid
- Swapping by volume when the recipe measures meringue by weight — check the ratio above first.
- Using a sweetened or flavoured version in a savoury recipe.
- Ignoring the method change: Reduce the aquafaba by a third on the hob first and add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar — it holds peaks far longer.
- Assuming every packaged product labelled "plant-based" is vegan — some still contain milk powder, honey or egg. Scan the barcode to be sure.
Conversion ratio
3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg white.
Pro tip
Reduce the aquafaba by a third on the hob first and add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar — it holds peaks far longer.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to meringue?
- Aquafaba (chickpea water) + sugar is the closest all-round swap — pavlova, macarons, mousse. 3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg white.
- Why isn't meringue vegan?
- Whipped egg whites.
- How much do I use instead of meringue?
- 3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 egg white.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Reduce the aquafaba by a third on the hob first and add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar — it holds peaks far longer.
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