The primary ingredient in meringue is egg whites. Meringue is a light and airy dessert or topping made by whipping egg whites to form stiff peaks and incorporating sugar until fully dissolved. This combination creates a stable foam that can be baked into various forms, such as individual meringues, pavlovas, or as a topping for pies. Sometimes an acid, like cream of tartar or lemon juice, is added to help stabilize the egg whites. Meringue can also be flavored with vanilla or cocoa powder for additional taste.