Egg allergies: everything you need to know
Egg allergies are among the most common food allergies, especially in children. Although they can disappear with age, some individuals carry them into adulthood. In recent years, due to better diagnostics and awareness, we have seen an increase in the number of diagnosed cases, which also increases the need to understand how to deal with the allergy and how to adjust the diet.
What is egg allergy?
An egg allergy means that a person's immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in eggs as dangerous and starts to fight them. This response triggers an allergic reaction that can occur within minutes or hours after consuming eggs or products containing them.
Most often, allergic reactions are caused by proteins in egg white (ovalbumin, ovotransferrin, ovomucoid), and less often by egg yolk .
Who is most susceptible to egg allergy?
Egg allergy most often develops in childhood, within the first year of life. It is estimated that between 1.5 and 3% of children have an egg allergy. The good news is that in as many as 70% of children the allergy disappears by the age of 16.
In adults, egg allergy is rarer but still present, especially if it has not gone away in childhood or if it develops as part of bird-egg syndrome , where there is a cross-reaction between egg proteins and feathers.
Symptoms of egg allergy
Symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the level of sensitivity:
-Skin symptoms : itching, rashes, hives, swelling
-Digestive symptoms : abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
-Respiratory symptoms : sneezing, stuffy nose, difficulty breathing, cough
-Anaphylaxis (rare): a life-threatening reaction involving swelling of the airways, a drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Requires immediate medical attention.
How is egg allergy diagnosed?
A visit to an allergist is essential for making a diagnosis, and they will usually perform:
-Skin prick tests
-Blood tests for specific IgE antibodies
-Elimination diet with subsequent challenge under medical supervision
Never eliminate eggs from your diet without proper diagnosis, as they are an important source of nutrients, especially for children.
How to avoid eggs in your diet?
Avoiding eggs isn't always easy, as they're found in many processed foods. In addition to obvious items like poached eggs, omelets, and pastries, they're also often found in:
-Mayonnaise, dressings and sauces
-Pasta (e.g. fresh egg pasta)
-Desserts such as cakes, cookies, creams, puddings
-Bread and bakery products
-Pre-prepared mixes (e.g. pancakes, biscuits)
-Meat products (meat cheese, sausages, breaded products)
-Raw materials for glazes, ice cream, candies
Labels are key – if you have an allergy, always check the ingredients. You may also find warnings on the packaging such as: may contain traces of egg .
What to replace eggs with?
In baking and cooking, there are many plant-based alternatives that replace the functional role of eggs (binding, leavening, moisture). Here are some options:
| Egg function | Possible substitutions | Quantity for 1 egg |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Mashed banana | ½ mashed banana |
| Binder | Apple pie | 60 g (4 tablespoons) |
| Binder | Flax seeds + water | 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds + 3 tablespoons water |
| Rising | Baking soda + vinegar | 1 teaspoon baking soda + 1 tablespoon vinegar |
| Humidity | Yogurt (plant-based) | 60g |
| Binder | Chia seeds + water | 1 tablespoon chia + 3 tablespoons water (wait 10 min) |
What is Vegan Eggie?
Vegan Eggie is a plant-based egg alternative designed specifically for people with egg allergies, vegans, and those avoiding animal products. It is a powder that is mixed with water to create a texture and functionality similar to scrambled eggs or egg batter for baking.
Vegan Eggie product composition
The composition may vary between manufacturers, but usually includes:
-Vegetable proteins (e.g. peas, chickpeas)
-Stabilizers (e.g. guar gum)
-Thickeners (starch, tapioca)
-Natural colors and flavors to imitate egg color and taste (turmeric, black salt - kala namak)
Allergen-free : Most Vegan Eggie versions are free of soy, gluten, dairy, and nuts – a great choice for sensitive individuals.
How is it used?
Vegan Eggie powder is usually mixed with water in the ratio specified by the manufacturer (e.g. 2 tablespoons of powder + 60 ml of water for 1 "egg"). It is used for:
-Scrambled "eggs"
-Vegan omelettes
-Baking cookies, cakes, pancakes, donuts
-Thickening of masses and fillings
Benefits of using Vegan Eggie
-Safe alternative for allergy sufferers
-Environmentally friendly choice
-Cholesterol-free
-Long lasting (in powder form)
-Easy to use
Egg allergies are relatively common, especially in children, and can affect everyday food choices. The key is to read labels carefully, be aware of substitutes, and find safe alternatives like Vegan Eggie. With the right approach, it is possible to maintain a completely balanced egg-free diet – safe, delicious, and without sacrifice.
If you or your child suspect an egg allergy, contact your doctor or allergist for appropriate testing and nutritional counseling.