Holland & Barrett launches an egg alternative made from algae

[UK] Veganism is on the rise, with more and more people everyday turning their backs on meat, fish, and dairy.

But anyone switching to an animal-free diet won’t have to miss out on eggs as health shop Holland & Barrett has launched a new vegan substitute – made out of algae.

And despite the fact that the new Vegan Egg is entirely plant-based, you can still use it to make scrambled eggs or even use them in a cake.

You can use the yellow powder to create plant-based scrambled eggs, as this Instagram user did, or even use them in a cake.

The Vegan Egg comes in a very similar box to a normal egg container – but instead of eggs inside is a 114g pouch of yellow powder, the equivalent of a dozen eggs.

The main ingredient in the plant-based egg is a flour made of algal, an ingredient derived from water-dwelling algae.

The eggs come as a yellow powder inside an egg container that looks like it will contain normal hen’s eggs.

It’s also reported to be rich in nutrients and at 33 calories per serving, the Vegan Egg is half the calories of hen’s eggs.

Holland & Barrett boasts that the egg alternative contains 4.4g of fibre per serving, as well as naturally high amounts of healthy fats, amino acids and micro-nutrients.

But this new health food comes at a hefty price – £7.99 for one box. By comparison, you can buy a pack of 12 free-range medium eggs from Tesco for £1.75.

The price hasn’t put off vegans from whipping up tantalising plant-based egg dishes on Instagram.

In many of the pictures, it would be hard to guess that the egg is not actually from a hen, but made from algae.

Vegan cooks have whipped up omelettes, scrambled eggs and stir fries using the ingredient.

The product has already been on sale in the US but it’s only just been brought to the UK.

Category manager for special diets at Holland & Barrett, Carl Copson, said: ‘Eggs are a valuable source of essential Omegas and amino acids, but, because they are derived from chickens they are not suitable for those following a vegan diet.

It would be hard to guess that the egg in this omelette is not actually from a hen, but made from algae.

‘Vegan Egg has been specially developed to ensure that vegans can enjoy the versatility that eggs can add to meal planning and, because they contain algae, they can help to ensure that you can meet your fibre and essential amino acid needs without compromising a vegan diet.’

CAN VEGAN EGGS COMPARE TO THE REAL THING?

Gary Lee, executive chef at The Ivy restaurant in London, has shared with FEMAIL his thoughts on how the Vegan Egg might compare to hen’s eggs.

He said: ‘I think it’s never going to taste like hens eggs.

‘I would say it’s a great thing if it can mimic an egg in baking, and allow vegans to enjoy baked goods and desserts that would otherwise be off the menu for them.

‘But it’s never going to be something to put on toast or dip your soldiers in.’

Vegan Eggs are available in Holland & Barrett’s stores nationwide and online at hollandandbarrett.com.

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