What is Just Egg and How Is It Made?
Just Egg is a popular plant-based egg substitute that has gained recognition among vegans and individuals with dietary restrictions. It was developed by the company Eat Just, formerly known as Just Inc, which began exploring alternative proteins in the early 2010s. The product is designed to replicate the taste, texture, and functional properties of traditional eggs in a wide variety of recipes (source).
The main ingredients of Just Egg include mung bean protein, which provides a high-quality plant-based protein similar to that of chicken eggs. Alongside mung bean extract, the formulation contains water, expeller-pressed canola oil for richness, natural flavorings, and stabilizers that improve texture (source). These ingredients are carefully selected to mimic the nutritional profile and culinary qualities of real eggs.
The manufacturing process involves extracting proteins from mung beans through a series of cleaning, soaking, milling, and filtration steps. These extracted proteins are then processed and textured using heat and shear to resemble egg whites. This textured protein mixture is cooked and whipped into a liquid that can be poured or scrambled much like real eggs (source). The mixture then undergoes pasteurization and sterilization to ensure safety and shelf stability. Once processed, it is packaged in cartons similar to traditional egg containers, making it convenient for cooking and baking. This innovative process allows plant-based ingredients to convincingly replace eggs in various culinary applications, from baking to frying (source).
How Much Just Egg Is Equivalent to a Chicken Egg?
A large chicken egg typically weighs around 50 grams or approximately 1.75 ounces. Just Egg, as a plant-based alternative, is usually sold in 3 to 4 tablespoon servings per use. This volume approximates one large chicken egg in both volume and weight.
The general conversion ratio for substituting Just Egg in recipes is roughly three to four tablespoons, which is about 45 grams—closely matching the weight of a standard large chicken egg. Specifically, one tablespoon of Just Egg weighs approximately 15 grams. Therefore, using three tablespoons of Just Egg provides nearly the same weight as one large egg. This measurement accuracy makes it straightforward for home cooks to replace eggs reliably within recipes (source).
Nutrition Comparison: Just Egg vs Traditional Eggs
Liquid egg substitutes like Just Egg are gaining popularity because they serve as plant-based alternatives to traditional eggs. Just Egg is primarily made from mung bean protein, which offers a high-protein content free from cholesterol—an advantage for heart health.
In comparison, traditional eggs contain about 6 grams of high-quality protein, 5 grams of fat, and roughly 70 calories per large egg (source). They also provide essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and choline.
Just Egg provides similar levels of protein but is generally lower in cholesterol and saturated fats. This makes it suitable for those following a vegan diet or aiming to reduce cholesterol intake. Other plant-based options like tofu or chickpea flour have varied nutritional values, often offering plant protein but differing in calorie and fat content. These differences can influence dietary choices based on health goals.
While traditional eggs deliver a rich mix of nutrients and high-quality protein, egg substitutes like Just Egg offer a cholesterol-free, lower-fat alternative. Depending on individual dietary needs and health priorities, both options can be incorporated into a balanced diet for different benefits (source; source).
Cooking Tips and Recipes Using Just Egg
Incorporating Just Egg into your cooking repertoire is simple and versatile. It can be used directly as a substitute for eggs in baking, scrambling, and other dishes. When using Just Egg as a scramble, pour it into a preheated pan and cook, stirring gently until it sets, resembling scrambled eggs (source).
It works well in recipes like muffins, pancakes, quiches, and casseroles. Adjust the liquid content slightly to compensate for the water content in the product. For added flavor, consider mixing in nutritional yeast or herbs to enhance the overall taste. Incorporating vegan cheeses or vegetables can also improve mouthfeel and nutritional value.
To add a savory flavor, sprinkle herbs, spices, or soy sauce. For sweeter recipes, vanilla extract or cinnamon can be added to breakfast dishes or desserts. Always taste and adjust seasonings after cooking to achieve a balanced, delicious result. The flexibility of Just Egg makes it a convenient ingredient for a variety of culinary creations (source).
The Effectiveness and Limitations of Just Egg in Recipes
Just Egg performs effectively as a plant-based alternative in many cooking scenarios, especially in recipes where eggs function primarily as binders or moisture sources. It mimics the texture and taste of scrambled eggs very well, and is suitable for many baked goods like muffins, pancakes, or quiches.
Research indicates that Just Egg provides a similar structure and leavening to real eggs but may not replicate certain qualities entirely, such as richness and emulsification. It may produce a slightly softer or less fluffy texture compared to chicken eggs but has improved significantly over time. Its neutral flavor profile allows it to absorb seasonings readily, making it adaptable for savory and sweet recipes alike (source).
However, some limitations include the need for additional leavening agents in baked goods that require rise. Adjustments in cooking times and techniques might be necessary to perfect certain dishes. Most users find Just Egg to be a reliable vegan alternative, but it requires some experimentation to optimize results in specific recipes. Its role as an allergy-friendly, cholesterol-free option makes it appealing.
Overall, Just Egg is a versatile, practical substitute that has revolutionized plant-based cooking, but understanding its properties helps ensure successful culinary outcomes. For more insights on using egg alternatives effectively, visit our guide.
The Evolution and Future of Egg Alternatives
The concept of egg substitutes in cooking has a long history of addressing dietary restrictions and food innovation. Traditional egg replacements started with simple ingredient swaps, but modern developments like Just Egg have advanced into sophisticated plant-based options (source).
Just Egg, made primarily from mung beans, exemplifies the progress toward creating versatile, protein-rich alternatives that emulate real eggs. The rise of plant-based eggs is closely linked to increased consumer awareness regarding sustainability, animal welfare, and health. The demand for such products has driven significant investments in food technology and innovation (source).
Looking ahead, ongoing research aims to improve the flavor, texture, and nutrition of egg substitutes. Biotechnology and new culinary techniques are expected to produce even more realistic and accessible options. As environmental and health concerns continue to grow, plant-based eggs like Just Egg are poised to become staples in kitchens around the world, shaping future diets and culinary trends (source).