Let’s find out how to make a flax egg substitute for baking and more.  

A small bowl with 1 flax egg and text that reads, "how to make a flax egg."

Whether you’re a strict vegan, allergic to eggs, or simply ran out of eggs, it’s good to know the easy method for making a flaxseed egg substitute for baking and more. 

While there are several egg substitutes from aquafaba to silken tofu to chia seeds, flax egg is one of the most common. Flaxseeds are are a nutritious addition to any recipe. I love them in smoothies like this Green & Glowing Smoothie and this Blueberry Smoothie. High in Omega-3 ALA and fiber, flaxseeds are a wonderful addition to salads, yogurt, cereal, and baked goods. Let’s check out how to make a flax egg. 

What is a Flax Egg? 

While this mixture of flax meal and water is not actually an egg at all, it does have a similar gelatinous texture that works well as a binder in baking and other recipes. I’ve used this vegan egg substitute with great results in cookies, brownies, and even to adhere breadcrumbs to crispy tofu nuggets. 

One small bowl filled with whole golden flaxseeds and another filled with flax meal.

How to Make Flax Meal

You can buy ground flax meal in bags at many grocery stores. I have a bag from Sprouts and have also used Bob’s Red Mill. If you keep whole flax seeds on hand, you can easily grind your own flax meal. To make your own flax meal, simply add whole flax seeds to a blender, coffee grinder, or spice grinder, and blend into a fine meal. This should take just a few seconds.

I like to buy whole flax seeds, then grind my own flax meal and store it in a mason jar in the fridge. Flax meal is also more easily digestible than the whole seeds, so grinding is a good idea. 

 

A small bowl of flax meal before making a flax egg vegan egg substitute.

How to Make a Flax Egg Substitute 

All you’ll need to make a flaxseed egg is flax meal and water. 

Flax Egg Ratio

Much like making chia pudding, making flax eggs is easy if you remember one simple ratio: 1 part flax meal to 3 parts water. 

A tablespoon of water is poured into a bowl of flax meal to make a vegan flax egg.

Combine the flax meal and water in a small bowl and whisk together. 

1 flax egg that has gelled in a small bowl is ready to use in vegan baking.

Let sit for about 5 minutes, until thickened, then use in your favorite recipes. 

Recipes that Use Flax Eggs

Vegan cookies with oats, walnuts, and chocolate chunks on a wire cooling rack.

Flax Egg Tips

  • Use warm water to speed up the gelling process. 
  • If you don’t have flax seeds, you can use ground chia seeds. 
  • You can double this recipe for 2 eggs, but I don’t recommend substituting more than two flax eggs for chicken eggs. 
Yield: 1 flax egg

Flax Egg

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

How to make a flax egg substitute for baking and other recipes. A flax egg is a great vegan egg substitute for baking cookies, brownies, pancakes, and more.

Flax Egg

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon flax meal
  • 3 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

  1. Place the flax meal in a small bowl.
  2. Pour the water over the flax meal and whisk to combine.
  3. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until gelatinous.
  4. Use to replace 1 egg.

Notes

To grind fresh flax meal, simply blend whole flaxseeds in a blender, coffee grinder, or spice grinder.

Your flax egg will gel faster when using warm water.

Flax eggs work well for cookies, brownies, pancakes, and muffins. They do not work well for all recipes, especially those that are egg-based such as omelets, or require more than 2 eggs.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your favorite calculator.