Exploring egg alternatives in Tucson during the global egg shortage

In times of egg shortages, there are a variety of egg substitutes to add to your meal and utilize in recipes. These include tofu, banana, applesauce, flaxseed, chia seeds, aquafaba, and the bottled JUST Egg.

On that note, egg alternatives are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce their consumption of animal products. Some are fortified with plant-based proteins, making them a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

Also, egg substitutes can be used in various ways to help reduce the number of eggs needed in a recipe.

Flax egg recipe

Ingredients:

• One tablespoon of ground flaxseed
• Two and a half tablespoons of water

Steps:

1. Add ground flaxseed and water to a bowl or measuring cup and whisk it up for a few seconds with a whisk (or just a spoon if you can’t be bothered)
2. Let rest for five minutes to thicken into an egg-like consistency
3. Add to recipe in place of one egg

Listed below are a few places you can find Tofu and JUST Egg on the menu.

Goodness

2502 N. Campbell Ave.

Goodness is happy to sub Just Egg for egg in any dish! One of their most popular menu items is the Plant Based Breakfast Burrito filled with tofu chorizo, beans, quinoa, pico de gallo, avocado, and vegan cheese.

For more information, visit goodnessfresh.com. 

Tooley’s Cafe

299 S. Park Ave.

Tooley’s offers a variety of tofu options. From their classic tofu scramble and rustic home fries to their breakfast burrito with tofu scramble, veggies, and beans, there’s something for everyone. Grab breakfast any time of the day.

Read our October 2022 article, “The past, present & future of Tooley’s Cafe.”

For more information, follow Tooley’s Cafe on Facebook. 

Del Cielo Tamales Restaurant

3073 N. Campbell Ave.

Vegan omelettes exist. Del Cielo’s vegan omelets are made with JUST Egg and filled with your choice of plant-based meat alternatives. Their pancake breakfast plate includes crispy cubed potatoes, handmade corn tortillas, and a fluffy JUST Egg scramble. Breakfast is available all day, and the all-you-can-eat vegan breakfast buffet is every Thursday from 9 – 11 a.m.

For more information, visit delcielotamales.com. 

Lovin’ Spoonfuls

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120

Enjoy a variety of Lovin’ Spoonfuls’ tofu scrambles made with organic tofu, served with nine-grain toast and home fries. Or, try one of their breakfast burritos wrapped in a vegan flour tortilla and served with salsa. Available until 3 p.m.

For more information, visit lovinspoonfuls.com.

Midtown Vegan Deli and Market 

5071 E. Fifth St.

Midtown Vegan Deli and Market offers a wide selection of breakfast items, including sandwiches, scrambles, and burritos. Choose between JUST Egg or tofu scramble. Breakfast items are available to order at any time of the day.

For more information, visit midtownvegandeli.com.

Charro Vida

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

Find burritos, breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and hemp tamale hash, all featuring JUST Egg at Charro Vida’s weekend brunch. Stop by Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, visit charrovida.com. 

Café Maggie 

745 N. Fourth Ave.

Café Maggie’s Southwest Tofu Scramble is a flavorful mix of tofu, peppers, onions, and spices. The Mushroom Tofu Scramble is a savory blend of mushrooms, onions, and garlic. For a heartier breakfast, try The Tofu Burrito with soyrizo, tofu, seasoned potatoes, caramelized onions, green chiles, and salsa on the side. The breakfast menu is available all day.

For more information, visit cafemaggieon4th.com.

Cup Cafe

311 E. Congress St.

Cup Cafe’s Vegan Breakfast Tamale plate features an El Charro hemp tamale with vegan poblano cashew crema, calabacitas, tofu scramble, and fresh pico de gallo. This vegan breakfast is available until 2 p.m. so get there early to enjoy it.

For more information, visit hotelcongress.com.