We all know eggs are highly nutritious, but what about vegan eggs? Do they really exist? Are they as healthy as real eggs? Are they really the way to go?
Well, many people have started opting for plant-based diet over animal-based diet, increasing the desire for plant-based foods and products. So, vegan egg products are now following the trend.
A spokesperson for Just Egg has confirmed that Tim Hortons is participating in a market test for the products using Just Egg, which is a plant-based, vegan egg product.
What are vegan eggs?
Just Egg resembles real eggs. It is made from turmeric and green gram (mung bean) protein to develop an egg-like texture and flavor. Many people, on Amazon, reviews the product stating that they were pleasantly surprised by its similarity to chicken eggs in terms of its texture, smell, as well as taste.
Are vegan eggs as healthy as real eggs?
Yes, said Natalie Rizzo, NYC-based Registered Dietitian.
Rizzo said, “Regular eggs and Just Egg are pretty similar. For example, a regular egg and Just Egg both have 70 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving (one large egg versus 3 tablespoons). Regular eggs have 6 grams of protein, while Just Egg has 5 grams of protein, so that’s also similar.”
The dietician explained that the only downside is vegan eggs lack vitamin B12, vitamin D, choline, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Rizzo said, “Though you may focus on the protein, these nutrients play an important role in bone health, cognition, energy, pregnancy, and eye health.”
“Another concern is that vegan eggs are made with a whole list of ingredients like mung bean protein isolate, canola oil, natural flavors, potassium citrate, and soy lecithin,” added Rizzo.
According to The Spoon, “It’s also worth noting that free-range, organic eggs are cheaper than Just Egg, which retails at $7.99 per carton.”
Just Egg is available in grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Safeway Albertsons, and Publix. If you are vegan and want to try plant-based eggs, there is no harm in adding them to your diet. Some registered dieticians believe that vegan diet can be paired up with a vegan multivitamin for a balanced diet.
