Understanding the Ingredients: How Just Egg Is Made
Just Egg, created by the food-tech company Eat Just, Inc., is a plant-based liquid egg substitute that has gained significant popularity since its grocery store debut in 2019. Unlike traditional chicken eggs, it is entirely animal-free. The core ingredient responsible for its egg-like texture and protein content is mung bean protein isolate, derived from the highly sustainable mung bean.
The full ingredient list for the liquid version generally includes:
- Water
- Mung Bean Protein
- Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil
- Dehydrated Onion
- Gellan Gum (a gelling agent)
- Carrot Extractives (for color)
- Natural Flavors
- Turmeric Extractives (for color)
- Potassium Citrate
- Salt
- Sugar
- Tapioca Syrup Solids
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
- Transglutaminase (an enzyme used for texture)
- Nisin (a preservative)
It is important for consumers with allergies to note that while the liquid Just Egg is plant-based and gluten-free, it does contain soy lecithin. The ingredients for the frozen Just Egg Folded patties differ and do not contain soy.
Is Just Egg Vegan?
Yes, Just Egg is a vegan product, containing no eggs, dairy, or any other animal-derived ingredients. However, its vegan status has been a point of discussion within the vegan community due to a past regulatory requirement. To gain 'Generally Regarded As Safe' (GRAS) status from the FDA for its mung bean protein isolate, the company had to conduct animal testing, a requirement for any new product ingredient at the time. No animals were harmed during the test, but the action itself sparked debate. Despite this historical testing, the product formula itself is completely plant-based.
Why Vegans Choose Just Egg:
- Cruelty-free alternative to traditional eggs.
- Offers an egg-like cooking and eating experience.
- Aligns with an ethical, plant-based lifestyle.
Is Just Egg Gluten-Free?
Yes, Just Egg is certified gluten-free, making it a safe alternative for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The ingredients themselves do not contain gluten. However, transparency is key, and the manufacturer has made it known that while the product is made on equipment free of egg, milk, tree nuts, shellfish, and sesame, it is manufactured in a facility where wheat is also present. This is an important detail for individuals with severe gluten allergies who need to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.
Just Egg vs. Chicken Eggs: A Nutritional Comparison
When evaluating Just Egg versus traditional chicken eggs, the nutritional profile presents some key differences. Here's a comparative overview based on a single-serving portion:
| Nutrient | Just Egg (approx. 3 tbsp) | Large Chicken Egg (approx. 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~70 kcal | ~72 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5 g | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | ~1.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | ~207 mg |
| Sodium | ~170 mg | ~65 mg |
| Protein | 5 g | 6 g |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 1.1 mcg |
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing Just Egg
Making the switch to plant-based options like Just Egg involves weighing various factors, from nutritional differences to environmental impact. For those considering integrating Just Egg into their nutrition diet, here is a look at the pros and cons.
Benefits of Just Egg:
- Cholesterol-Free: It's an excellent choice for those looking to reduce dietary cholesterol, as it contains none.
- Lower Environmental Impact: The production of Just Egg uses significantly less water and land compared to conventional egg production.
- High in Protein: The mung bean protein provides a comparable amount of protein to a chicken egg.
- Ethical Choice: Provides an option for those on a vegan diet who want to avoid animal cruelty.
- Allergy-Friendly (for many): It's a safe option for those with egg allergies.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Higher Sodium Content: Compared to a chicken egg, Just Egg has a higher sodium level due to added ingredients for flavor and stability.
- Processed Food: Just Egg is a highly processed product, which may not align with a whole-foods-based diet.
- Missing Micronutrients: Unlike a real egg, it lacks the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12 and choline.
- Cross-Contamination Risk: As mentioned, those with severe gluten or other allergies should be aware of potential cross-contamination risks due to shared manufacturing facilities.
Conclusion
Is Just Egg vegan and gluten-free? In short, yes, but the details matter. It is a completely plant-based product derived from mung beans, contains no gluten ingredients, and is certified as such. However, for those with severe allergies to soy, gluten, or other allergens, checking labels and the manufacturer's allergen information is crucial due to potential cross-contamination in production facilities. Nutritionally, it serves as a cholesterol-free, comparable protein source to eggs, while being a more environmentally friendly choice. For consumers seeking a true-to-egg substitute that aligns with a vegan lifestyle, Just Egg is a viable and ethical option, provided they are aware of the processing involved and the potential for allergens in specific product versions. For more information, you can visit the official Eat Just website to review their latest product details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Just Egg contain soy?
The liquid version of Just Egg contains soy lecithin, but the frozen Just Egg Folded patties and sous vide versions are soy-free.
Is Just Egg safe for people with celiac disease?
Yes, Just Egg is certified gluten-free, but it is manufactured in facilities that process wheat, so those with very high sensitivity should be cautious of cross-contamination.
Is Just Egg healthier than regular eggs?
This depends on your health priorities. Just Egg is cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. However, it is a processed food and lacks some of the micronutrients found naturally in chicken eggs.
What is Just Egg made from?
Just Egg's main ingredient is mung bean protein isolate. Other ingredients include water, canola oil, and various natural flavors and thickeners.
Can you bake with Just Egg?
Yes, Just Egg can be used as a substitute for eggs in many baking recipes, with three tablespoons of Just Egg being equivalent to one large chicken egg.
Does Just Egg taste like real eggs?
Many reviewers find Just Egg to have a similar taste and texture to real eggs, particularly when scrambled. Its neutral flavor base allows for versatility in both sweet and savory dishes.
What are other vegan egg alternatives?
Beyond Just Egg, other vegan egg substitutes include tofu scrambles, flaxseed meal, chickpea flour, and products from other brands like Simply Eggless.
