Egg Substitutes in Baking and Cooking

As egg prices continue to rise, you might find it’s time to search for alternatives. Eggs are a common ingredient in many recipes, but whether you’re looking to save on groceries, have an allergy, or follow a plant-based diet, there are plenty of more affordable substitutes available.

Many fruits and vegetables make excellent egg substitutes—adding fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness to your favorite dishes. When you shop with your EBT/Michigan Bridge Card, Double Up Food Bucks, you can stock up on these healthy alternatives and get the most out of your grocery budget!

Why Use Fruits & Vegetables as Egg Substitutes?

Fruits and vegetables can offer similar binding, moisture-retaining, and leavening properties as eggs. The key is knowing which substitute works best for different types of dishes. Here’s a list of our favorite egg substitutes, many of which you can bring home with Double Up:

Mashed Bananas

Best for: Cakes, muffins, pancakes, and quick breads
Get a dollar-for-dollar match when you shop for this egg substitute using EBT/Bridge Card and Double Up.

Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods. Use ½ a mashed banana (about ¼ cup) per egg in your recipe. You can also use half the amount of mashed overripe banana to substitute sugar in a recipe.

Unsweetened Applesauce

Best for: Muffins, cakes, and cookies

Applesauce provides moisture and a light sweetness. Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. To balance texture, consider adding ½ teaspoon of baking powder for fluffier results.

Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Puree

Get a dollar-for-dollar match when you shop for this egg substitute using EBT/Bridge Card and Double Up.
Best for: Breads, muffins, and brownies

These purees add moisture and a touch of natural sweetness. Use ¼ cup of pumpkin or sweet potato puree per egg. This works especially well in fall-inspired recipes and adds a boost of fiber and vitamins.

Cooked & Mashed Butternut Squash

Get a dollar-for-dollar match when you shop for this egg substitute using EBT/Bridge Card and Double Up.
Best for: Breads, pancakes, and savory dishes

Similar to pumpkin, butternut squash adds moisture with only a hint of sweetness. Use ¼ cup per egg for a nourishing replacement in both sweet and savory recipes.

Mashed Avocado

Get a dollar-for-dollar match when you shop for this egg substitute using EBT/Bridge Card and Double Up.
Best for: Brownies, cakes, and creamy dishes

Avocado provides creaminess and works well in chocolate-based or rich desserts. Use ¼ cup of mashed avocado per egg. You can also replace half the oil in a baked goods recipe with avocado.

Flaxseed or Chia Seed “Egg”

Best for: Cookies, pancakes, and dense baked goods

Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it forms a gel. This mimics the binding ability of eggs while adding omega-3s and fiber.

Tomato Paste

Best for: Savory recipes like meatloaf or veggie burgers

For recipes that need binding rather than fluffiness, use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste per egg. It adds richness and depth of flavor.

Shop for Egg Substitutes with Double Up Food Bucks!

Many of these egg substitutes—like bananas, apples, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes—are eligible for Double Up Food Bucks, which helps stretch your grocery budget by matching SNAP/EBT benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables.

Next time you’re baking or cooking, try one of these fruit- and veggie-based egg substitutes for an affordable and delicious meal!