Just Egg Review - Food Research Lab

Eggs

Vegan Liquid Product Review: Just Egg, an Alternative to Chicken Egg

Review by FRL Experts

Dr. Megan FRL R&D Head

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The global market for vegan eggs is projected to grow from USD 1.97 billion in 2024 to USD 3.49 billion by 2031, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% over the forecast period.

Fear not the yellow goo: These impressively simple imitation eggs are easy plant-based swaps for breakfast favorites, dinner recipes and plenty of baked goods.

Taste

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Price

Texture

Just Egg

Vegan eggs, which are plant-based alternatives to traditional chicken eggs, are increasingly popular worldwide. These products are typically made from various plant ingredients, with mung bean isolates being the most common due to its texture and flavor similarities to real eggs when cooked. Other plant sources include chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, and potatoes.

These ingredients are first processed into a powdered form, then transformed into liquids, solids, or emulsions to achieve the desired consistency. For instance, mung bean powder, when mixed with water, creates a liquid suitable for scrambling, similar to traditional eggs. Chickpea flour can produce solid cakes for use in dishes like salads as a replacement for hard-boiled eggs, while emulsions from soy or potatoes closely mimic softly cooked eggs. Each variant offers different benefits; some boast higher protein levels, while others are more suited for baking. Despite these advantages, it’s worth noting that vegan eggs may not completely align with the nutritional profile of real eggs. Nevertheless, they offer a cruelty-free alternative for egg enthusiasts globally.

Just Egg represents a significant milestone in plant-based alternatives, especially noted for transitioning from the typical tofu-based scrambles to a more egg-like experience using mung bean protein. This shift is noted as BJE (Before Just Egg) and AJE (After Just Egg), indicating its groundbreaking impact.

Product Range: The Just Egg product line includes:

Original Pourable Liquid: Versatile for scrambles, omelets, and as a baking substitute.
JUST Egg Folded: Convenient for quick meals, suitable for toasting or microwaving.
JUST Egg Sous Vide: Available in gourmet flavors like Roasted Potato Red Pepper Dill and Roasted Poblano Black Beans Chili Powder, offering a unique take on vegan frittatas.

Let’s check the ingredients comparison between Just Egg and Regular Egg

Ingredient Comparison

Ingredient	Just Egg	Regular Egg
Main Source	Water, Mung Bean Protein Isolate	Whole Egg
Oils / Fats	Expeller-pressed Canola Oil	Naturally occuring animal fats
Emulsifiers	Soy Lechithin	None(naturally emulsifies)
Stabilizers	Gellan Gum, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate	None
Acdifiers	Potassium Citrate	None
Color and Falvour	Carrotene, Nisin, Turmeric, Natural Flavours	None
Preservatives	Nisin, Transglutaminase	None
Sweeteners	Tapioca Syrup Solids, Sugar	None
Additives	Maltodextrin	None
Allergens	contains: Soy	Egg Allergens

Ingredients Breakdown

Mung Bean Protein Isolate: This is the core ingredient that provides the protein content similar to that of eggs. It’s responsible for the texture and the binding properties of Just Egg.
Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil: Adds fat, which is crucial for the mouthfeel and cooking properties, helping to mimic the richness of real eggs.
Dehydrated Onion, Natural Flavors, and Turmeric: These contribute to the flavor and color, attempting to simulate the subtle nuances of real eggs. Turmeric and carrot extracts add a natural yellow hue.
Gellan Gum and Soy Lecithin: These act as emulsifiers and stabilizers, ensuring the mixture holds together and doesn’t separate, similar to how eggs behave in cooking.
Tapioca Syrup and Sugar: Provide a slight sweetness, balancing the flavor profile.
Nisin and Transglutaminase: Nisin serves as a preservative, while transglutaminase is an enzyme that helps proteins bond, enhancing texture.

Extra Cooking Tips

Analysis and Support for Just Egg for Vegans

Ingredient Sources:
- Just Egg: Primarily made from mung bean protein isolate, which is a plant-based source, making it suitable for vegans who avoid all animal-derived ingredients.
- Regular Eggs: Derived from chickens, therefore not vegan.
Allergens and Dietary Restrictions:
- Just Egg contains soy, which is a common allergen but is plant-based.
- Regular Eggs contain egg proteins, which are a major allergen and not suitable for vegans.
Additives and Health Considerations:
- Just Egg includes various additives like emulsifiers, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers to mimic the texture and taste of eggs, which can be a concern for those looking for whole, minimally processed foods.
- Regular Eggs are a whole food with minimal processing but are not an option for vegans due to their animal origin.
Nutritional Content:
- Both provide protein, though the source differs. Just Egg provides a competitive amount of protein, making it a good alternative for those needing to maintain protein intake on a vegan diet.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations:
- Just Egg is promoted as more sustainable and ethical compared to chicken egg production, which often involves significant animal welfare concerns and a higher environmental footprint due to feed production, land use, and emissions.
Culinary Flexibility:
- Just Egg is designed to cook and taste like traditional eggs, making it a versatile ingredient in vegan cooking for recipes that traditionally require eggs.

Here’s a comparative table displaying the nutritional profiles of Just Egg and a standard chicken egg, providing an easy reference to evaluate the differences:

Nutrient	Just Egg (57g)	% Daily Value*	Ordinary Chicken Egg (50g)	Ordinary Chicken Egg (50g)
Calories	100	-	72	-
Total Fat	7g	9%	4.8g	7%
Saturated Fat	0.5g	3%	1.6g	8%
Trans Fat	0g	-	0g	-
Polyunsaturated Fat	2g	-	1g	-
Monounsaturated Fat	4.5g	-	2g	-
Cholestrol	0mg	0%	186mg	62%
Sodium	320mg	14%	70mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%	0.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%	0g	0%
Total Sugars	0g	-	0.2g	-
Added Sugar	0g	0%	0g	0%
Protein	6g	-	6.3g	-
Vitamin D	0mcg	0%	1mcg	5%
Calcium	6mg	0%	28mg	2%
Iron	1mg	6%	0.9mg	5%
Potassium	46mg	0%	69mg	1%

*% Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

When analyzing the nutritional profiles of Just Egg and ordinary chicken eggs, several key factors must be considered, including dietary preferences, health concerns, and the broader implications of food production practices.

Nutritional Comparison

Cholesterol and Fat Content: Just Egg contains no cholesterol and has a higher total fat content, mainly from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are healthier for the heart. Chicken eggs, while higher in cholesterol, offer a balanced amount of monounsaturated and saturated fats.
Protein Quality: Both provide a similar amount of protein, though the quality of protein in chicken eggs is generally considered superior because it contains all essential amino acids in the right ratios.
Micronutrients: Chicken eggs are a richer source of Vitamin D and calcium, which are crucial for bone health. They also contain more iron and potassium compared to Just Egg.

Considerations Regarding Pesticides and Growth Accelerants

Chicken eggs’ potential contamination with pesticides and other chemicals due to intensified farming practices is a growing concern. In the United States, the growth period for broiler chickens has been significantly reduced over decades due to selective breeding and growth-promoting practices, including the use of feed additives. As of recent reports, broilers reach market weight in about 47 days, compared to 70 days in the 1960s. This rapid growth rate in poultry may parallel concerns in egg production, where the use of additives and chemicals could affect the quality and safety of eggs.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

Sustainability: Plant-based options like Just Egg are promoted for their lower environmental footprint. Production requires less water, fewer resources, and results in lower emissions compared to conventional egg production.
Animal Welfare: Choosing plant-based alternatives supports animal welfare by reducing dependency on animal farming practices, which often involve crowded, inhumane conditions.

Recommendations

For Vegans and Individuals with Dietary Restrictions: Just Egg offers a viable, cholesterol-free alternative to chicken eggs, aligning with vegan diets and those avoiding animal products.
For Health-Conscious Non-Vegans Concerned About Pesticides: The potential for lower pesticide exposure makes Just Egg an appealing option. However, consumers can also consider organic or pasture-raised chicken eggs, which are less likely to contain harmful chemicals and provide better nutritional benefits.
General Population: While chicken eggs offer superior nutritional benefits in some areas (like vitamin D and calcium), the choice might pivot more on ethical, environmental, and health concerns related to pesticide use and animal welfare.

Thus, while chicken eggs hold nutritional advantages, the decision between Just Egg and chicken eggs may lean towards personal dietary choices, ethical considerations, and concerns about agricultural practices. For those wary of pesticide use and its health implications, switching to plant-based alternatives like Just Egg or opting for organic chicken eggs could provide a balance between health benefits and ethical consumption.

Let’s Look at the price comparison between Just Egg versus chicken Egg

Price Comparison of Just Egg vs. Chicken Eggs conducted by FRL Experts

Country	Price of Just Egg (per 12oz)	Price of Chicken Eggs (per dozen)	Source / year
USA	$5.00	$4.58	Retail Data, 2023
Canada	$6.50 CAD	$5.40 CAD	Retail Data, 2023
United Kingdom	£4.00	£3.20	Retail Data, 2023
Australia	$7.00 AUD	$5.50 AUD	Retail Data, 2023
European Union	€5.00	€4.50	Retail Data, 2023

Note: Prices are approximated based on available online retail data and can vary slightly depending on the store and location.

Analysis

Price Range:
Just Egg tends to be slightly more expensive than chicken eggs in most markets, reflecting the additional processing and ingredients used in its production.
Market Accessibility:
The availability of Just Egg in diverse international markets suggests it’s being embraced as a viable alternative to chicken eggs, even with the slight price difference.
Cost Justification:
For those adopting vegan diets or avoiding animal products for ethical or health reasons, the slightly higher cost of Just Egg might be justified by its benefits, such as being cholesterol-free and potentially having a lower environmental impact.
Pricing Strategy:
The pricing of Just Egg is competitive, aiming to be affordable for a wide range of consumers who are looking for plant-based alternatives.
Price and Value:
The cost of Just Egg is frequently mentioned as a drawback. While many find it a worthwhile purchase for ethical reasons, the price point is noted as being higher than traditional eggs, which may affect its accessibility and regular use.
Economic and Accessibility Concerns:
While the product is generally loved, its availability and cost are still barriers for some users. Accessibility via common grocery channels and pricing adjustments remain areas for potential improvement.

Texture and Taste Evaluation of Just Egg at FRL

Positive Texture Attributes:
- FRL’s culinary experts have noted that Just Egg closely mimics the texture of real eggs, particularly highlighting its bounce and springiness once cooked. The ability of Just Egg to hold its shape and brown nicely during cooking has been especially praised, indicating its suitability for a range of dishes that require firm textural elements.
Taste and Texture Similarity:
- Just Egg is consistently described by FRL’s team as delicious and remarkably similar to real eggs in both taste and texture. However, achieving this requires precise cooking techniques, and there’s a recognized learning curve. FRL has documented that with the correct preparation methods, Just Egg can reach the desired consistency that closely mimics traditional eggs, enhancing its acceptance among consumers, especially those new to vegan egg alternatives.
Concerns Over Consistency:
- Despite many positive remarks, some feedback from FRL’s testing has pointed out that the consistency of Just Egg can sometimes diverge from that of traditional eggs, described occasionally as “rubbery.” This aspect might be off-putting for some users or in certain culinary applications where a specific texture is crucial. FRL suggests that this characteristic might be mitigated by adjusting the cooking time and temperature, potentially making Just Egg more versatile across a broader range of recipes.

FRL recommendations

FRL recommends ongoing experimentation with various cooking settings to optimize the texture and taste of Just Egg, ensuring it meets the expectations of a wide audience. Additionally, FRL acknowledges the importance of setting appropriate culinary expectations for those exploring plant-based alternatives to ensure satisfaction with the end results.

Taste and Flavor Analysis of Just Egg at FRL

Neutral Base Taste: FRL’s culinary team appreciates Just Egg’s neutral flavor profile, which allows for versatile culinary applications. This neutrality makes it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes, providing a foundation that can be customized according to the recipe requirements.
Authentic Egg-like Experience: Through various testing phases, FRL has observed that Just Egg closely mimics the taste and texture of real eggs, especially when properly seasoned. This quality makes it a viable substitute for traditional eggs, catering to a broad audience including those with dietary restrictions such as egg intolerance.
Comfort Food Adaptations: In transition to vegan diets, FRL recognizes Just Egg as a comforting alternative that doesn’t compromise on the familiar taste of traditional egg-based dishes like scrambled eggs or breakfast plates with grits.
Flavor Enhancement Strategies: To address any flavor gaps, FRL suggests enriching Just Egg with seasonings such as nutritional yeast or Kala Namak (black salt). These additions help achieve a more authentic egg flavor, enhancing the overall culinary experience and making it more appealing to those accustomed to the subtle sulfur notes of cooked eggs.
Absence of Overwhelming Bean Flavor: One significant advantage noted by FRL is that Just Egg does not possess a strong bean flavor, which is often a point of contention in other legume-based products. This attribute makes Just Egg more palatable and easier to integrate into traditional recipes without altering the expected taste profile.

Cooking Experience and Versatility with Just Egg at FRL

Versatility in Culinary Applications: Just Egg has demonstrated exceptional versatility in FRL’s culinary trials. It performs well in a broad range of recipes, from traditional breakfast options like scrambles and omelets to more complex applications such as desserts and thickening agents for stews.
Adjustments in Cooking Techniques: FRL’s culinary team has noted that optimal results with Just Egg require modifications to conventional egg-cooking techniques. Lower temperatures and longer cooking times are essential to achieving the desired consistency and flavor, closely mimicking the qualities of traditional eggs.
Unexpected Similarity in Taste and Texture: During FRL’s evaluations, the culinary experts were impressed by Just Egg’s close resemblance to real eggs, both in taste and texture. This quality makes it a valuable ingredient for plant-based recipe development.
Innovative Cooking Methods: To address common challenges such as sticking, FRL experimented with various cooking methods. Microwaving Just Egg proved to be a practical solution for quick and clean preparation, while incorporating coconut milk enhanced fluffiness in dishes like omelets.
Recommended Cooking Equipment: FRL recommends using non-stick cookware and silicone utensils when cooking with Just Egg to prevent sticking and ensure gentle handling during preparation.
Learning and Adaptation: FRL’s ongoing culinary research with Just Egg highlights a learning curve, but the adaptability and final results validate its use across a wide array of culinary tasks, from simple scrambles to elaborate baked goods.

Evaluation of Just Egg’s Advantages at FRL

Plant-Based and Health Benefits:
- Just Egg is recognized at FRL for its healthful properties and suitability for diverse dietary needs. It is entirely plant-based, making it an excellent option for vegans and those with egg allergies. Its cholesterol-free nature contributes to its appeal as a healthier alternative to traditional eggs, aligning with the dietary restrictions and preferences of a growing consumer base.
Nutritional Profile:
- The product is appreciated for being a good source of protein and fiber while remaining low in fat. These attributes make Just Egg particularly attractive for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing the satisfaction traditionally associated with egg dishes.
Culinary Versatility:
- FRL’s culinary trials have demonstrated Just Egg’s remarkable versatility across a range of recipes. It performs exceptionally well in dishes that typically rely heavily on eggs, such as quiches and omelets, making it a valuable ingredient in vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations:
- The choice of Just Egg is often driven by ethical considerations, with many consumers opting for plant-based alternatives to reduce their environmental impact and avoid animal products. This ethical preference is increasingly important to consumers who are conscious of the broader implications of their dietary choices.
Ease of Use:
- Just Egg is noted for its ease of use in various culinary applications. Whether in simple scrambles or more complex baking scenarios, it adapts well to different cooking techniques, making it a favored choice among culinary enthusiasts who value both flexibility and convenience in their cooking ingredients.

FRL’s Recommendations

FRL recommends Just Egg as a top choice for those looking to explore plant-based alternatives that do not compromise on taste, nutritional value, or versatility. Given its favorable profile, Just Egg is suitable not only for everyday cooking but also for professional culinary settings where high standards for taste and texture are paramount.

Just Egg is highly recommended by many for its quality and versatility as a vegan egg substitute. Despite its higher price and some challenges in availability and cooking adaptation, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a plant-based alternative to eggs. The product’s ability to integrate seamlessly into both simple and complex recipes makes it a staple in many vegan kitchens, supported by strong user endorsements for its ethical and culinary benefits

Just Egg is widely recognized for its significant contributions to vegan and plant-based diets, offering a versatile and health-conscious alternative to traditional eggs. While it garners enthusiasm for its role in familiar breakfast dishes and beyond, ongoing feedback suggests room for improvement in flavor refinement, texture enhancement, and eco-friendlier packaging solutions. The broad spectrum of reviews underscores Just Egg’s potential to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements, making it a notable option in the burgeoning market of plant-based foods.