Vegan Eggs Versus The Real Deal: What You Need To Know
The healthiness (or unhealthiness) of eggs has been a point of continuous debate in the nutrition community. Are eggs really a smart, protein-packed breakfast option, or are you just sitting down to heart problems on a plate? Should you eat the yolks, or just eat egg whites instead? The answer, as always, is that moderation is key. Eating one egg per day won’t increase your chance of heart disease or stroke. But with the addition of vegan eggs to the market, you might even reconsider eating eggs all together.
With a rising consumer desire for sustainable and plant-based foods, you can now find eggs not made from animals, but from plants. Just Egg is one of the many brands that stands out. They have been made to resemble real eggs, using turmeric and mung bean protein to create an egg-like texture and flavor. Though there is speculation as to whether or not these “eggs” are actually healthy, a New York City based dietitian, Natalie Rizzo, confirms that they are, in fact, the real deal.
Rizzo told Runner’s World that regular eggs and Just Egg are pretty similar. A regular egg and Just Egg both have 70 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving (one large egg versus 3 tablespoons). Also, regular eggs have 6 grams of protein, while Just Egg has 5 grams of protein.
“The only real nutritional downside is that real eggs have added nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin,” Rizzo says. “Though you may focus on the protein, these nutrients play an important role in bone health, cognition, energy, pregnancy, and eye health,” she explains.
Another downside–While the ingredients in Just Egg aren’t necessarily bad for you, it’s a complicated list, especially if you are attempting to eat more whole foods that are less processed. It is also worth noting that free-range organic eggs are cheaper than some of the vegan egg options, especially if you’re buying a dozen eggs (Just Egg costs about $4 for 12 fluid ounces).
Now, let’s look at the bright side, shall we? Hen’s eggs are notoriously high in cholesterol. Since Just Egg is cholesterol-free, it’s touted to be a healthier alternative to eggs. They not only can be eaten scrambled, but can be used as an egg substitute for baking.
Eggs, like other animal products, take a hefty toll on the environment, human health and animal welfare. The makers of Just Egg want to disrupt the egg market with an alternative that’s more sustainable, healthier and kinder to animals. Not only is the product egg-free, but its also gluten and dairy free.
Just Egg is available in all Whole Foods Market and Sprouts locations, as well as Wegmans, Hy-Vee, Fresh Thyme and Safeway. It is also available on Amazon for online ordering and delivery from Whole Foods, too. To find a Just Egg retailer near you, use this store locator. If you try out any recipes using Just Egg, be sure to DM your pictures to @theedgemag on Instagram! Happy eating!