How to make a "Flax Egg" (Easy Vegan Egg Substitute)- Veggie Chick

Name: How to Make a Flax Egg (Easy Vegan Egg Substitute)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon whole flax seeds* (see notes); 3 tablespoons water

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Learn how to make a “flax egg” easily in only 5 minutes with just 2 ingredients! Use this common vegan egg substitute for baking/cooking and a variety of dishes.

A white bowl filled with a "flax egg" on a small cutting board with whole flax seeds spread around the bowl.

A “flax egg” is commonly used in vegan baking/cooking and consists of ground flax seeds mixed with water. This gelatinous concoction can take the place of regular eggs in some recipes that call for binding of ingredients, most commonly used in vegan baked goods.

And the best part? Flax seed (in any form) is VERY healthy! It’s loaded with Omega 3’s, rich in dietary fiber, helps to reduce cholesterol and risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes and so much more.

This super food is backed by science, so there’s no denying it should be a part of everyone’s diet. And one easy way to get this nutrition in your body is by using flax seed through the use of “flax eggs” in baking/cooking!

What You’ll Need:

Ground Flax Seed– It’s recommended to grind whole flax seeds (using a coffee grinder) to get the best flavor/health benefits. But if you only have pre-ground (or flaxseed meal), that will work too. Just make sure it’s fresh and not expired.
Water– Cold to room-temperature filtered water is best.

A small wooden bowl filled with whole flax seeds, and a container full of flax seeds and another white bowl filled with a flax egg in the background. — Whole flax seeds.

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS:

If possible, start with whole flax seeds (note: you can also use pre-ground flax seeds and skip Step #1).

Grind 1 tablespoon of whole flax seeds using a coffee grinder into a fine powder. Note: you may need to stop grinding and shake the coffee grinder, then blend again, to make sure all seeds are ground.
Next add the ground flax to a small bowl and add the 3 tablespoons of water; stir until combined. Let sit for 5 minutes. It will thicken up into a gelatin-like substance.

At this point, it is ready to use as an egg replacement in recipes. This recipe makes 1 flax egg. You can easily double or triple the amount for different recipes.

3 photos showing the process of making a flax egg in a coffee grinder.

Important Notes About Flax Seed (& Storage):

Use freshly ground flax seed (ground from whole seeds) for your recipes, if possible. Whole seeds last for a long time, up to a year, in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
The health benefits begin to degrade after grinding, so it’s recommended to only grind what you need.
Flax seeds have a mild, nutty taste/smell. If they smell or taste bitter, they are expired and should be thrown out.

An overhead shot of a small cutting board with a bowl of flax egg on top, and a canister containing whole flax seeds on the side.

EXPERT TIPS & FAQ’S:

Do I have to use WHOLE flax seeds?

No, it’s not necessary. You can use pre-ground flaxseed (or flaxmeal), but be aware that ground flax doesn’t store as long and thus, can become rancid. So if you can, it’s best to stick with whole seeds and grind them yourself. But if you have fresh pre-ground flax (that smells nutty and is not expired), that will work too.

Where do I buy flax seeds?

You can find whole or pre-ground seeds at a variety of markets, such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, or your local specialty store.

What should I use to grind the seeds?

The recommended way to grind flax seeds is by using a coffee grinder. If your grinder has multiple settings, choose the finest grain setting.

Another option is a food processor (or even a blender), but for these methods, you need to grind larger amounts in order for them to grind properly. If you do go this route, keep any leftover ground flaxseed in an airtight container in the fridge/freezer (it will last for about a week).

Bottom line- since you will be most likely grinding small amounts at a time, it’s recommended to invest in a small coffee grinder (or you can also use a mortar and pestle).

How do I use flax eggs in my cooking/baking?

Use in the place of eggs in your vegan cooking/baking or as a way to bind ingredients. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions, if possible. Just note that not all recipes will allow you to swap out eggs for flax eggs, as not all recipes will taste good with a nutty, flaxseed flavor.

A closeup image of a white bowl filled with a flax egg, on a cutting board with whole flax seeds scattered around the bowl.

Vegan Recipes that use Flax Eggs: