The creation of a convincing plant-based egg substitute is a marvel of modern food science, and at the heart of JUST Egg's formula lies a simple, yet versatile, legume. The ingredient list is a carefully engineered blend of a few key bulk ingredients and a host of others present in trace amounts to ensure the product has the right flavor, texture, and color. Below is a detailed breakdown of what makes up this innovative product.
The Key Ingredient: Mung Bean Protein Isolate
The star of the show in JUST Egg is mung bean protein isolate, a high-protein extract derived from the mung bean, a legume with a long history of cultivation. Unlike whole mung beans, the protein isolate undergoes processing to concentrate its protein content, making it highly functional for food applications.
This is why mung bean protein is so effective for this product:
- Emulsifying Properties: It can help combine ingredients that don't mix naturally, such as oil and water, which is crucial for achieving a smooth, consistent liquid egg-like texture.
- Gelling and Foaming: When heated, the mung bean protein gels and coagulates, mimicking how conventional egg proteins react when cooked. It also has superior foaming capabilities compared to soy protein, which helps create a fluffy, airy texture in scrambled dishes.
- Neutral Flavor Profile: The isolation process removes much of the "beany" flavor associated with legumes, leaving a neutral base that can be flavored to taste like eggs.
A Closer Look at the "Less Than 2%" Ingredients
While mung bean protein forms the base, a collection of other ingredients work together to perfect the final product's performance and sensory experience. Here are some of the ingredients found in less than 2% concentration and their functions:
- Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil: Added for richness and mouthfeel, canola oil is a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The expeller-pressed method of extraction avoids the use of chemical solvents.
- Gellan Gum: This is a plant-based texturizer and stabilizer that helps create the characteristic firmness and structure of a cooked egg scramble.
- Carrot Extractives (Color): Along with turmeric, this provides the yellowish color that consumers expect from a liquid egg product.
- Natural Flavors: These are complex, proprietary ingredients designed to impart the savory, sulfurous flavor notes associated with conventional eggs.
- Potassium Citrate: This additive helps regulate the product's acidity, ensuring a stable and consistent texture during cooking.
- Salt, Sugar, and Dehydrated Onion: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the egg substitute.
- Tapioca Syrup Solids: This ingredient can serve as a stabilizer, adding structure and helping with texture.
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate: As a food-grade alkali, it can help the proteins interact correctly and contributes to the final texture.
- Transglutaminase: This enzyme helps improve the binding and texture of proteins in food products.
- Nisin (Preservative): A natural antimicrobial used to help maintain the product's freshness and shelf life.
A Note on Processed Foods
It's important to acknowledge that JUST Egg, like most processed foods, has a more extensive ingredient list than its single-ingredient counterpart, a conventional chicken egg. The additives are present to replicate the functions that are naturally performed by a whole egg's components. While some consumers prefer minimally processed foods, the ingredients used in JUST Egg are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Nutritional Comparison: JUST Egg vs. A Real Egg
For many, the nutritional differences between JUST Egg and a chicken egg are a key consideration. The nutritional facts can vary slightly depending on the specific product line (liquid, folded, etc.) and serving size, but here is a general comparison based on a standard serving equivalent:
| Feature | JUST Egg (approx. 3 tbsp) | Real Chicken Egg (Large) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 70 | 72 |
| Total Fat | 5 g | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 207 mg |
| Sodium | 170 mg | 65 mg |
| Protein | 5 g | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Micronutrients | Trace amounts of iron, potassium | High in vitamins A, D, E, B12, choline, selenium |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the list of ingredients in JUST Egg reveals a sophisticated plant-based formula centered on mung bean protein isolate to mimic the texture, color, and function of traditional eggs. The primary base is augmented by a range of minor additives, including canola oil for fat, gellan gum for texture, natural flavors for taste, and extractives like turmeric and carrot for color. While it offers comparable protein and calories to a real egg, its key nutritional difference is the complete absence of cholesterol. For individuals following a vegan diet, managing cholesterol, or seeking a more sustainable food source, understanding the specific ingredients in JUST Egg provides confidence in choosing this popular alternative. For more information on the company's mission and product line, visit the official Eat Just website.
