A standard 15-ounce can of chickpeas holds about 1/2 cup of aquafaba, or roughly 120ml. That's enough to replace 2 to 3 whole eggs. Some cans give you closer to 2/3 cup, so the exact amount changes from brand to brand.
This guide covers how much aquafaba you get per can, how many cans a recipe needs, and how many cans it takes to match a 1-liter carton.
That liquid in the can is aquafaba. About 1/2 cup per 15-ounce can.
In This Guide
about 1/2 cup of aquafaba
at 3 tablespoons per egg
about 3/4 cup, so 2 cans
the same as 6 to 8 cans
The Quick Answer
Drain a 15-ounce can of chickpeas and you'll collect about 1/2 cup of aquafaba. At 3 tablespoons per whole egg, that covers 2 to 3 eggs.
If your recipe needs more than that, you're opening a second can. And a third, if you're making a pavlova.
How Much You Get Per Can
Here's the math for the can sizes you'll find on a grocery shelf:
| Can Size | Aquafaba You Get | Whole Eggs | Egg Whites |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 to 15.5 oz (standard) | About 1/2 cup (120ml) | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 |
| 19 to 20 oz (large) | About 2/3 cup (160ml) | 3 to 4 | 5 |
| 29 oz (family size) | About 1 cup (240ml) | 5 | 8 |
The conversions come from the standard ratios: 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for a whole egg, 2 tablespoons for an egg white. For every ratio, see our aquafaba to egg conversion guide.
How Many Cans Your Recipe Needs
One can, about 1/2 cup. Most whipped recipes need more than that.
| Recipe | Aquafaba Needed | Cans to Open |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies or brownies (1 egg) | 3 tablespoons | 1 |
| Cake (2 to 3 eggs) | 6 to 9 tablespoons | 1 to 2 |
| Meringue cookies | About 3/4 cup | 2 |
| Pavlova | 3/4 to 1 cup | 2 to 3 |
| Macarons | About 1/2 cup | 1 to 2 |
| Vegan mayonnaise | 3 tablespoons | 1 |
| One cocktail | 1 to 2 tablespoons | 1 (with plenty left) |
Baking recipes that use aquafaba unwhipped need the least. Anything whipped, like a meringue or pavlova, is where the cans start stacking up.
Why the Amount Varies
Two cans of the same size can give you different amounts, and different results.
The liquid in a can is a byproduct of canning. How much you get, and how thick it is, depends on the brand, how the chickpeas were cooked, and how long the can sat on the shelf. Low-sodium and organic versions often pour thinner.
That matters most when you're whipping. Thin, watery aquafaba won't hold stiff peaks no matter how long you run the mixer.
How Many Cans Equal a 1-Liter Carton
One carton holds what six to eight cans would give you.
A 1-liter carton is about 4.2 cups. At 1/2 to 2/3 cup per can, that's six to eight cans of chickpeas to collect the same amount of aquafaba.
It also means six to eight cans of chickpeas you now have to use, store, or throw out. If you wanted hummus, that's a bonus. If you wanted meringue, it's a problem.
Plant Whip is that liquid, ready to pour from a carton. One liter replaces about 20 eggs, with no cans to drain and no leftover chickpeas. It's made to perform the same way every time, so you don't have to judge the liquid before you start, and it reaches stiff peaks in 3 to 5 minutes.
Skip the stack of cans.
Plant Whip is ready-to-pour liquid aquafaba. One carton, about 20 eggs, no draining.
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Shop Plant Whip →What to Do With the Chickpeas
If you drained cans just for the liquid, you now have chickpeas to use. The easy options:
- Hummus: One can makes about a cup.
- Roasted chickpeas: Toss with oil and spices, roast at 400°F until crisp.
- Salads and grain bowls: Rinse and add straight in.
- Freeze them: Drained chickpeas freeze well for later soups and stews.
Store cooked chickpeas in the fridge in a sealed container and use them within a few days.
Storing the aquafaba itself
Aquafaba from a can should be refrigerated and used within a few days. Plant Whip keeps 3 to 5 days once opened, and 15 months unopened. You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much aquafaba is in a 15-ounce can of chickpeas?
About 1/2 cup, or roughly 120ml. Some cans give you a little more, closer to 2/3 cup. That's enough to replace 2 to 3 whole eggs.
How many eggs does one can of chickpeas replace?
Two to three whole eggs. At 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg, 1/2 cup covers about 2 1/2 eggs, so plan on 2 if you want a margin.
How many cans do I need for a meringue or pavlova?
A typical meringue or pavlova uses about 3/4 cup of aquafaba, so you'll need the liquid from 2 cans. Bigger pavlovas can take 3.
How many cans of chickpeas equal a 1-liter carton?
Six to eight, depending on the brand and how much liquid each can holds. A 1-liter carton is about 4.2 cups, and a can gives you 1/2 to 2/3 cup.
Why does the amount change from can to can?
Canned chickpea liquid is a byproduct of canning, so the amount and thickness depend on the brand, how the chickpeas were cooked, and how long they sat in the can. That's also why some cans whip well and others don't.
Can I use the liquid from other canned beans?
Yes. White beans and other legumes work. Chickpeas are the most common because the flavor is mild. Darker beans can add color and a stronger taste.
How do I store leftover aquafaba?
Refrigerate it and use it within a few days. Plant Whip keeps 3 to 5 days once opened, and you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
One carton of Plant Whip replaces about 20 eggs.
Two ingredients: chickpea extract and water. Ready to pour, no draining. Free shipping to the 48 continental states.
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