Meringue Making Powder
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What it is
Meringue powder is a common baking ingredient used to stabilize and improve meringues and icings. It is typically made from dried egg whites (albumen), corn syrup solids, sugar, and a stabilizer like cream of tartar or sodium aluminum sulfate. This powder provides a shelf-stable alternative to fresh egg whites for achieving light and airy meringue textures.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add meringue powder to provide structure and volume to baked goods, acting as a leavening and stabilizing agent. It helps create a stable foam that holds its shape, preventing meringues from weeping or becoming sticky. It is commonly found in cookies, icings, frostings, and decorative elements for cakes and pastries.
Health notes
Meringue powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Its primary components, egg whites and sugars, are common food ingredients. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated ingredients used in meringue powder, such as dried egg whites, and established acceptable daily intake levels. At typical consumption levels, it poses no significant health concerns.
Allergen info
Meringue powder is derived from egg whites, which are one of the FDA's major allergens. It does not contain gluten.