Do You Really Need Meringue Powder in Your Pantry? Here's What It Does (2024)

If you have ever made meringue, you know it can be fussy. It collapses, it weeps, it gets chewy, or it simply refuses to stiffen. Enter meringue powder, a stabilizer often used by bakers to ensure a voluminous, fluffy texture in meringues, frostings, and baked goods. But what is it, what is it used for, and—if you can't get your hands on it—what can you use as a substitute? We'll break down what you should know about this pantry addition and tell you how you can put it to work in your favorite desserts.

What is Meringue Powder?

Meringue powder is often used as a substitute for fresh egg whites in recipes that aren't cooked and don't reach temperatures high enough to kill any potential bacteria in eggs. It bears similarities to egg white powder, another protein powder that can be used for baking and cooking as both contain dried egg whites. Unlike egg white powder, however, meringue powder typically includes a small amount of cornstarch, sugar, and stabilizers to prevent whipped meringue from collapsing. You can make meringue powder ($21, Walmart) at home or find it easily anywhere cake decorating supplies are sold.

What to Make with Meringue Powder

Meringue powder is most commonly used in recipes that call for egg whites that aren't baked or cooked. Fresh, raw egg whites can be contaminated with salmonella. But since the egg used in meringue powder has been dried and pasteurized, it's okay to eat without cooking. That makes it a better, safer choice to use in uncooked recipes like royal icing and other frosting recipes. It can also be used as a substitute for any dish that calls for egg whites beaten to stiff peaks, like meringue cookies, pavlovas, cream pies, or macarons.

How to Use Meringue Powder

If you're using purchased meringue powder, follow the instructions on the package for adding to recipes. Usually, you'll mix the powder with water before stirring it in with other ingredients. About 2 teaspoons of meringue powder mixed with 2 tablespoons of water can be substituted for one egg white.

It's also worth noting that as useful as meringue powder can be, it's not always a perfect alternative to eggs. There are some cooked recipes that simply taste better using real egg whites. Since meringue powder contains a small amount of sugar, it adds a touch of sweetness. That may be fine for desserts, but off-putting in a cheese souffle. And if the meringue powder isn't completely dissolved in water, it can add a slightly grainy texture to your dish, which isn't ideal when you're craving a fluffy, pillowy pie topper. That said, if you mix it and whip it well enough, you won't notice much difference between meringue powder and egg whites.

Meringue Powder Substitutes

If you find yourself without any meringue powder on hand, fresh egg whites are the easiest substitute, as long as you plan on cooking or baking the recipe so the eggs become safe to eat. You can also use standard powdered egg whites; just keep in mind that it won't have extra sugar or stabilizers like real meringue powder. Your recipe may not turn out quite as sweet or fluffy.

Another unexpected substitute you can use is aquafaba (a.k.a., the liquid leftover from canned chickpeas). Surprisingly, if you beat aquafaba, it'll form fluffy peaks just like egg whites or meringue powder. And as a bonus, it's vegan. You'll just have to add a little sugar and vanilla to make it sweet enough for dessert.

Does Meringue Powder Expire?

Another major advantage of using meringue powder is that it can have a shelf life of up to two years (much longer than fresh eggs). Just keep it in a cool, dry environment—like the back of your pantry or a cabinet. Since it lasts so long, it's a good idea to pick up a container of meringue powder to keep on hand, especially if you're an avid baker. You might be surprised at how often you find yourself reaching for it.