Egg Substitutes for Leavening

Exact conversion ratios for any recipe

Looking for egg substitutes that specifically provide leavening? This guide ranks alternatives by how effectively they deliver that texture goal. The top performers for leavening are Flax Egg and Chia Egg—both have been tested across multiple recipe types to confirm consistent results. Out of 8 total alternatives in our database, 2 are rated highly for leavening. The calculator below lets you select your quantity and compare exact ratios for each option. Every substitute includes a texture impact score showing how closely it matches the original ingredient's performance. Keep in mind that some alternatives excel at leavening but may introduce subtle changes to flavor or appearance—check our notes before making your final choice. We also indicate which recipes each substitute works best in, making it easier to match options to your specific dish. Use the dietary filters to combine leavening requirements with restrictions like vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free.

Updated Feb 2026

Substitution Calculator

Automatically adjusts substitutes based on your recipe type.

Tip: Changing what you're making may change the recommended substitutes.

⚠️ When NOT to Use These Substitutes

Not every substitute works in every situation. Here are important warnings to keep in mind:

  • Recipes requiring significant riseAffects: Flax Egg
  • Light and airy cakesAffects: Flax Egg
  • When nut-free is requiredAffects: Flax Egg
  • Smooth batters where seeds would be visibleAffects: Chia Egg
  • Light cakesAffects: Chia Egg
  • Recipes needing significant riseAffects: Chia Egg
  • Crispy cookiesAffects: Unsweetened Applesauce
  • When fruit flavor is unwantedAffects: Unsweetened Applesauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about these substitutes

What are the best substitutes for egg?
The top egg substitutes are Flax Egg (1 tbsp per egg), Chia Egg (1 tbsp per egg), and Unsweetened Applesauce. Flax Egg works best in cookies and brownies. Chia Egg is ideal for cookies and brownies. Each option has different texture impacts—use our calculator to compare exact ratios for your recipe.
Which egg substitute is best for leavening?
For leavening, the best egg substitutes are Aquafaba (Chickpea Water) and Commercial Egg Replacer. Out of 8 total options, 2 are rated for leavening. Aquafaba (Chickpea Water) achieves leavening by creating air pockets that expand during baking. Use the calculator to compare all leavening-rated substitutes with exact ratios for your quantity.
What is the ratio for substituting egg?
Standard egg substitution ratios: Flax Egg uses 1 tbsp per egg, while Chia Egg uses 1 tbsp per egg. These ratios may vary by recipe type—our calculator adjusts amounts based on context (baking, cooking, sauces) and your specific quantity needs. Always check the texture impact rating when choosing between options.
Will my recipe taste different with a egg substitute?
Taste and texture changes depend on your substitute choice. Flax Egg produces low taste impact with Slightly denser, nuttier texture texture changes. Chia Egg has none taste impact. Substitutes rated "similar" or "neutral" taste closest to original. For best results, match the substitute to your recipe type—baked goods vs. cooking vs. sauces all have different recommendations.
When should I NOT use a egg substitute?
Avoid using Flax Egg in cake and cupcakes because it may affect texture negatively. Recipes requiring significant rise Check each substitute's "avoid in" list before choosing—our calculator shows warnings for recipe types that don't work well with specific alternatives.
Can I use multiple egg substitutes in one recipe?
Yes, combining substitutes can work, but requires careful ratio adjustments. For example, you might use half Flax Egg (1 tbsp per egg ÷ 2) and half Chia Egg (1 tbsp per egg ÷ 2) to balance texture and flavor. This works best when one substitute provides binding and another adds binding. Start with small batches to test results.

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