Egg allergies are widespread, which means it’s becoming more and more common to avoid eggs on Easter and Passover. In 2022, the NIH reported that egg allergies are the second most common after cow’s milk (1). However, not everyone with an egg allergy knows they have it. While some people feel sick immediately after eating something containing eggs, others may not get noticeable symptoms. That means you could have an egg allergy and never know it… until you do a food allergy test. If you’ve gotten your test results back and have found that eggs are a no-go, here’s how to do Easter without eggs.
IGE VS. IGG ALLERGIES
Now, how could you have an egg allergy and not know it? Well, what most people call allergies are IgE allergic reactions. IgE reactions are an immediate response, such as hives or anaphylaxis, making them easy to spot (especially if the person has to head to the ER). However, eggs—and dairy, for that matter—can also cause IgG reactions, which, while commonplace, are delayed responses. That delay makes IgG reactions harder to tie back to the culprit food.
Eating foods that trigger an IgG response over time leads to hidden inflammation and a variety of health conditions. These are far less acknowledged, as they’re much harder to detect. With our busy lives, very few of us have time or mental space to connect the dots that anytime we eat x food, we become tired, nauseous, or even experience diarrhea.
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, an egg allergy doesn’t have to stop your Easter fun. We have a few ideas for an eggless Easter to help you make new holiday traditions without eggs.
5 IDEAS FOR AN EGG-LESS EASTER & PASSOVER FOR THOSE WITH EGG ALLERGIES
FIND ALLERGY-FRIENDLY SPINS ON RECIPES
Many recipes exist that don’t call for eggs, and you can usually find some that are even more delicious than the originals. Try making Easter cut-outs with this Cookie Recipe. It’s delicious, and the ingredients are far better for you than traditional white flour and sugar. Here’s a fantastic frosting recipe to go with it. If cookies aren’t your favorite dessert, try these chocolate sunbutter eggs.
Are you looking for something to start Easter morning off on the right foot? Try a no-egg omelet, egg-free French toast, or egg-free buckwheat pancakes!
EXPERIMENT WITH EGG REPLACERS
Some recipes do call for eggs, and unlike those mentioned above, you can’t just make them without eggs. Instead, try some egg substitutes, such as:
- Apple sauce—Use ¼ cup applesauce for each egg.
- Chia or flax seeds—Use one tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
- Vinegar and baking soda—Use one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one tablespoon of vinegar to replace one egg. This combination works best in light, airy baked goods.
- Yogurt—Using ¼ cup of yogurt also works to replace one egg. Make sure it’s plain with no added sugar. This method works best in muffins and cakes.
- Arrowroot powder—Two tablespoons of arrowroot powder mixed with three tablespoons of water replaces one egg.
- Nut butter—Peanut, cashew, and almond butter can also substitute for eggs. Use three tablespoons of any of these to replace one egg. Just be aware these substitutes may result in a nuttier flavor.
These work well for many baked goods, like muffins, scones, coffee cake, and cookies.
TRY DUCK INSTEAD OF CHICKEN EGGS
Duck eggs might also be an option for you. (They’re possibly the best option for the Passover Seder meal). Duck eggs aren’t the same as chicken eggs; they have different proteins. So, most people with chicken egg allergies still tolerate duck eggs. Duck eggs taste like chicken eggs and can easily step in for many egg-based recipes like in this Bacon and Sweet Potato Egg Bake. They are also in this GF Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake. Because duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs, you don’t need as many. A good rule of thumb is to use two duck eggs for every three chicken eggs in the recipe.
Don’t worry about the high amount of cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol isn’t the reason for increased cholesterol levels.
SKIP THE REAL EGGS WHEN DECORATING
You can still have fun decorating eggs without buying chicken eggs you can’t eat. Many craft stores have Styrofoam or wooden eggs that work well for decorating. A little bonus with these is that they won’t go rancid or accidentally crack, and they’re reusable year after year!
You can use decorating materials on wooden and Styrofoam eggs that you can’t use on hard-boiled eggs. Try paint, crayons, stickers, stamps, pompoms, embroidery floss, ribbon, or yarn. Crack open the craft cabinet and set the little ones loose! They may even prefer egg crafting to traditional egg-dyeing eggs, and it’s a sure way to beat cabin fever.
GET CREATIVE FOR EGG HUNTS AND EASTER BASKETS
Use plastic eggs for your egg hunts. Stuff them with healthy candy options, toys, stickers, or money. Easter doesn’t have to focus on hardboiled chicken eggs and sugary candy. There are lots of healthier alternatives. Check out our article Peep at These Healthy Kids’ Easter Ideas for more healthy ideas.
You can use materials on wooden and Styrofoam eggs that you can’t use on hard-boiled eggs. Try paint, crayons, stickers, stamps, pompoms, embroidery floss, ribbon, or yarn. Crack open the craft cabinet and set the little ones loose! They may even prefer that to dyeing eggs traditionally, and it’ll be a sure way to beat cabin fever.
AN EGG-LESS EASTER OR PASSOVER CAN MEAN NEW TRADITIONS
Finding out you have an egg allergy can be a bummer, and accommodating a loved one with an egg allergy can be tricky. The good news is that once you know what to look for, you’ll find it far more manageable and potentially even freeing! The feeling of health and energy is worth the time invested in learning egg-free cooking and entertaining. These ideas are only the beginning of the great ideas out there. Consider it a worthy challenge and exciting adventure to find new culinary traditions for the spring holidays.
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