2

I want to make a bunch of meringue cookies, but I don't want to waste a bunch of eggs. If I buy something like Egg Beaters Whites, would that work?

Improve this question
1
  • You could always make some custard or custard tarts with the egg yolks. Yum :)
    – Divi
    Jul 2, 2014 at 5:03

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
4

Egg-whites in a carton are usually pasteurized. Pasteurized eggs are not great for meringue because the heat from the pasteurization process negatively affects the proteins in the whites that make for good meringue. With a lot of whipping (and more cream of tartar or other stabilizers) pasteurized egg whites (whether from pasteurized eggs or from cartons) can make meringue though it most likely won't be as stiff as those from non-pasteurized eggs.

I would suggest getting regular eggs and trying to use the left-over yolks for something like creme brulee.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Aha! That product IS pasteurized, though I had to dig deep into their FAQ to find out (they purchase pasteurized whites to flavor and resell)
    – Yamikuronue
    Jul 1, 2014 at 19:55
2

I looked it up in a couple of pages and the difference between egg whites and egg beaters is the texture with the later being a bit watery and may require more whipping time for it to achieve a solid form. So probably you might want to give it a go try and make a meringue cookie but it may come out as good as the one using natural egg whites. The difference between the two is given here

Improve this answer
1

Year ago, you used to be able to buy instant meringue mix. The packet had egg white powder and sugar, and some food acid. Just add water and put in the mixer machine. They worked great, and often gave better results than fresh eggs

Haven't seen them in the shops for years, it's all sugar free, and fat free rubbish

Improve this answer
4
  • You can still buy meringue powder. King Arthur Flour's is pretty highly rated. I don't think it's sweetened though.
    – Jolenealaska ♦
    Jul 1, 2014 at 22:21
  • @Jolenealaska "King Arthur Flour" is not a global brand :-)
    – TFD
    Jul 1, 2014 at 23:13
  • @TFD Unless you're talking about Coca Cola or Microsoft, I don't know what a "global brand" is. You can buy King Arthur Flour products online from their website. If you are outside of the USA or Canada you simply contact them to arrange shipping. :-)
    – Preston
    Jul 3, 2014 at 8:51
  • Lots of places sell meringue powder. If all else fails, look in the cake decorating section of the craft store. As Jolene said, though, they're not usually sweetened.
    – Marti
    Jan 13, 2016 at 21:48
0

Even though it's more of a hassle, DEFINITELY use fresh eggs. I've been making meringues for years with no problem (unless it's humid and in that case I wait for another day). I bought a couple of containers of the pasteurized egg whites (they are more runny). Made 4 batches, whipped the heck out of them, oven 365 for 30 min and left them in the turned off oven an extra hour or more. They were just ok, not as fluffy and certainly didn't make as many because the volume was low.
Going back to the fresh eggs. Incidentally, I freeze egg whites (don't overfill container though) They thaw well and they can be used to make great meringues.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.