Higher egg prices yield demand for alternatives

With the drastic rise in the price of eggs, many consumers are beginning to look towards alternative sources of breakfast and baking staples. Throughout the past year, the cost of eggs has skyrocketed due to an avian flu highlighting the need for research and development of alternative sources of affordable proteins. If the price of eggs remains high, the demand for alternative proteins is expected to increase.

One form of alternative protein is quinoa, a type of seed packed with protein and nutrition that is often compared to couscous. Quinoa has been gaining in popularity over the last couple of years. Its nutty flavor and high nutritional value have made it a popular substitute for rice, and its high protein content makes it an ideal ingredient to replace eggs in baking recipes. A quick search of the internet yields numerous recipes using quinoa instead of eggs to make such things as breakfast muffins and veggie burgers.

Nut butters are another economical alternative to eggs. While not quite as nutritious as quinoa, they lend a richness and creaminess to baking that can be comfortably substituted for egg. It’s best to combine nut butters with a liquid to create a consistency similar to eggs. For instance, to replace one egg in a cake recipe, mix together 2 tablespoons of nut butter and 1 tablespoon of water to equal a comparable texture.

Tofu is yet another egg alternative. Unlike quinoa and nut butters, tofu is also a great source of protein, making it a perfect egg substitute for recipes with a higher demand for protein, such as frittatas, quiches and scrambles. Although tofu has a more distinctive flavor than eggs, its versatility allows for it to be used in both savory and sweet recipes.

Finally, if you’re looking an egg alternative to use in baking, consider using chia seeds. This tiny seed is packed with essential micronutrients, essential fatty acids, and dietary fiber as well as trace amounts of protein. Often overlooked, chia seeds are becoming increasingly popular due to their high nutrition content and easy preparation. To use them in baking, simply combine one tablespoon of chia with 3 tablespoons of water, mix thoroughly, and allow it to sit for 10 minutes and voila!-you will have the perfect egg replacement.

It’s easy to see why people are looking for egg alternatives. The high price of eggs has made it difficult for people to stretch their food budgets and still get the nutrition they need. Luckily, there are a variety of egg alternatives that are both nutritious and affordable, allowing budget conscious shoppers to save money on their grocery bills.