How to Save Money on Eggs
Are egg prices driving you crazy? You’re not alone! At $5 a dozen where I live – and even higher in some places – it’s getting harder to keep baking without blowing your grocery budget. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
I’m sharing five egg substitutes, and we’re testing all of them using the same pumpkin muffin recipe. I’ll show you what works, what doesn’t, and which substitutes will save you the most money – without sacrificing taste. Spoiler alert: my kids helped me taste-test every single one, and they had opinions!
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The 5 Egg Substitutes We Tested
For this experiment, I made six batches of our favorite pumpkin muffins – one with real eggs as the control, and five with different egg replacements:
- Flaxseed
- Store-bought Egg Replacer
- Aquafaba (chickpea liquid)
- Vinegar + Baking Soda
- Applesauce
1. Flaxseed
This one is a staple in our house. To replace one egg, mix:
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 3 tablespoons water
Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. It works great in darker recipes like these pumpkin muffins, but the specks might show in something like pancakes.
Taste test verdict: A little denser, but still tasty. We’ve used it for years.
Cost per egg equivalent: Approximately 6 cents when bought here on Amazon. It’s a bargain!
Storage tip: Store flaxseed in the freezer to keep it fresh.
2. Store-Bought Egg Replacer
We used a plant-based egg replacer made with chia seeds and garbanzo beans. Follow the package directions—ours was:
- 1 tablespoon egg replacer powder
- 3 teaspoons water
Taste test verdict: Smooth texture, no noticeable flavor difference. My kids liked this one, as did I!
Cost per egg equivalent:
- Around 15 cents if on sale
- As low as 12 cents per egg when bought in bulk on Amazon here.
3. Aquafaba (Chickpea Liquid)
This was the surprise hit. Just use the liquid from a can of chickpeas:
- 3 tablespoons aquafaba = 1 egg
Taste test verdict: Fluffy, great texture, and kid-approved. This was the overall winner.
Cost: Free if you’re already buying chickpeas. You can also buy them on Amazon here.
Tip: Save your chickpea liquid in a jar in the fridge. You can also freeze aquafaba to use later! I would recommend freezing in 3 tablespoon increments, so you can easily thaw as many aquafaba eggs as needed. You can also make your aquafaba if you are cooking dried garbanzo beans. This is next on my list of projects.
4. Vinegar + Baking Soda
This combo is more of a science experiment than a go-to substitute:
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Taste test verdict: Big nope. Tasted off, and the bottoms burned. We ended up tossing these. Definitely don’t recommend this one.
Cost: Technically very cheap—but still not worth it.
5. Applesauce
I’ve used applesauce to replace oil for years, but you can use it for eggs too:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 egg
Taste test verdict: A bit denser and didn’t rise as much, but still sweet and soft.
Cost per egg equivalent: Around 14 cents when bought on Amazon here. Possibly cheaper if you find a sale!
Tip: Use unsweetened applesauce to keep your sugar ratios right.
Taste Test: The Kids Decide
With six muffin batches lined up and labeled, I called in my four eager taste testers—my kids! (If you want to see the video of them tasting the muffins, you can watch it on YouTube here.) Here’s the summary of what they thought:
- Favorite: Aquafaba (they couldn’t believe it came from beans)
- Runner-up: Applesauce
- Least favorite: Vinegar + Baking Soda
I have to agree—the aquafaba muffins were the best. Light, fluffy, and nearly indistinguishable from the real egg version. I will definitely be using this substitute more in the future.
Final Thoughts: What’s Best for Your Budget?
Here’s a quick comparison based on price per egg replacement.
| Substitute | Approximate Cost per Egg | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Flaxseed | $0.06 | Muffins, quick breads |
| Aquafaba | Free (from chickpeas) | Anything baked |
| Applesauce | $0.14 | Cakes, muffins |
| Egg Replacer (Bob’s) | $0.12 – $0.19 | Versatile, shelf-stable |
| Vinegar + Baking Soda | Not recommended | Skip this one |
If you’re baking on a budget, Aquafaba is my top recommendation—delicious and free if you’re already cooking with chickpeas. For something shelf-stable, go with Flaxseed or a good-quality egg replacer like Bob’s Red Mill.
Have you ever used an egg substitute? Let me know your favorite – if it is one of these, or another!
Want More Budget Baking Tips?
If you love saving money at the grocery store and still want to bake delicious treats for your family, be sure to check out my Thursday grocery hauls on YouTube, where I share deals, swaps, and family-friendly recipes every week.
