What is a vegan binding agent and how is it used in cooking?

A vegan binding agent is a substance used to hold ingredients together in cooking without using animal products. Common vegan binding agents include flaxseed meal, chia seeds, agar agar, and arrowroot powder. These agents are mixed with water to form a gel-like consistency, which helps bind ingredients in recipes such as baking, making veggie burgers, or thickening sauces.