Is there a difference between meringue powder and meringue topping?

Question

I just moved to a new town and can't seem to find meringue powder anywhere. I've even asked three different bakeries if they would sell me some which is where I used to buy mine back home. I know egg whites are a great substitute however I've tried that method and, though my icing comes out tasty, it's just not as hard and it takes much longer to dry.

I finally found meringue "topping"

(http://www.ccfbrands.com/graphics/products/pie-shoppe/meringue-topping.jpg)

at wal mart and the powder isn't nearly as fine as my original stuff. Will it work just the same? I'm not a professional baker by any means so this is why I'm asking yall. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

meringue powder is dry egg whites, finely ground

meringue topping is a calssic merignue, egg whites whipped w/ sugar, salt, and cream of tartar added, then baked (usually on a pie)

Answer 2

I've used plain powdered egg whites before and they work, but don't taste good.  They have a coarser texture than meringue powder too but that didn't seem to affect how they mixed up.

I'm not sure about the meringue topping...I wonder if that would have more sugar in it.  I think the only way to really know if it will work is to try it and see what it does.

Have you looked yet at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or Joann?  That's the easiest place to find meringue powder around here.  Also, all the walmarts here have a cake decorating section near the party stuff and they carry meringue powder...you might check and see if yours does.