Looking for an alternative or replacement for psyllium husk powder in cooking and baking recipes? Look no further than this list of psyllium husk powder substitutes (+ learn how to make psyllium husk powder!).

Ground psyllium husk powder on a grey table. — Psyllium husk powder.

What is Psyllium Husk Powder?

Psyllium husk powder is the ground seeds of the flowering plants of the Plantago family of plants. Psyllium husk is commonly used as a dietary fiber and bulking agent to relieve various digestive conditions. It also works as thickening and binding agent when incorporated into foods and does not have a taste unto itself.

Cooking with Psyllium Husk Powder

Psyllium husk powder can be used to thicken sauces, soups, ice cream, pudding and more when used in cooking applications.

Baking With Psyllium Husk Powder

Psyllium husk powder works well as a vegan egg substitute in baked goods, especially baking recipes using gluten-free flours. Psyllium husk powder in combination with an added liquid in a baked good can mimic an egg’s binding power, act as a thickening agent, retain moisture and provide some nutritious fiber without adding additional flavor.

7 Psyllium Husk Powder Substitutes

If you are looking for a suitable psyllium husk powder substitute, the options below so a wonderful job of mimicking the texture that psyllium husk powder usually provides in baked goods.

1. Ground Flaxseed

A silver spoon filled with ground flax seeds. — Ground flaxseed.

Ground flax seeds work a lot like psyllium husk powder in baked goods. Ground flaxseed can be mixed with a liquid to form an egg substitute. Flax seeds would be my first pick when it comes to a replacement for psyllium husk powder for baking and can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. It is also a great source of healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids!

2. Chia Seeds

White and black chia seeds resting on ceramic spoons. — Black and white chia seeds.

Chia seeds are a close second when it comes to finding an alternative to psyllium husk powder for baking. Both whole and ground chia seeds work as an egg replacement and mimic the texture and purpose the psyllium husks usually lends to recipes. Use in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes.

3. Food Starches

A pile of white powder on a white table. — Potato starch.

Starches such as tapioca starch (aka tapioca powder or flour), cornstarch, arrowroot powder, potato starch and other food starches do a great job of replacing psyllium husk powder in many baking and cooking recipes. Starches act as a great binding agent and lend a chewiness to baked goods that can be reminiscent of the gluten found in wheat flour or conventional eggs. When used in soups, stews and other liquids, starch makes an excellent thickener. You might need to adjust the liquids used in recipes, but in the right proportion, starch makes an excellent substitute for psyllium husk powder!

4. Xanthan Gum

A close macro shot of xanthan gum powder. — Xanthan gum.

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced in powdered form and commonly used as a thickening and emulsifying agent in many packaged goods, and more recently has taken the world by storm as an excellent addition to gluten-free recipes for the home cook. It can be a great alternative to psyllium husk powder, though you will need to use a lot less for similar results (think 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to 1/4 cup psyllium husk powder). It is effective stuff!

5. Guar Gum

A small wooden bowl filled with a white powder. — Guar gum powder.

Similar to xanthan gum, guar gum is a polysaccharide extracted from guar beans. Guar gum is slightly more powerful than xanthan gum (think 1/2 teaspoon guar gum to 1/4 cup psyllium husk powder), but it is slightly less stable and can lose its effectiveness when exposed to highly acidic ingredients (think baked goods with citrus juices or vinegar).

6. White Rice Flour

A wood bowl of flour resting on a pile of white rice. — White rice flour.

White rice flour is a flour that acts very much like starches in baked goods and also can thicken liquids in cooking recipes, making it another great substitute for psyllium husk powder. However, do not confuse white rice flour with brown rice flour, as they act very differently when baked or cooked with.

7. Applesauce

An open glass jar filled with applesauce. — Applesauce.

You might be wondering about this one, but trust me! Not only does psyllium husk powder act as a binding agent, but it is also remarkable at retaining moisture in baked goods, which is where applesauce comes in. Applesauce helps with binding as well as moisture retention, making it another wonderful psyllium husk powder alternative to use in baking recipes that is also suitable for vegan diets. Cut down on the liquid slightly in recipes when using applesauce instead psyllium husk powder for best results.

In Conclusion

Regardless of what dish you are looking to replace psyllium husk powder in, I hope this list of psyllium husk alternatives helps you decide on the perfect substitute for your needs!

Psyllium Husk Powder Substitute + How to Make Psyllium Husk Powder

Looking for an alternative or replacement for psyllium husk powder in cooking and baking recipes? Look no further than this list of psyllium husk powder substitutes!

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Course: Baked Goods, Savory Baked, Vegan

Cuisine: Vegan

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings:

Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

1 cup whole psyllium husks

Instructions

Simply place whole psyllium husks in a coffee grinder or good quality food processor and blend until a smooth powder forms.
Use right away or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.