Understand the difference between evaporated and sweetened condensed milk (2024)

FAQs

Understand the difference between evaporated and sweetened condensed milk? ›

The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened. Evaporated milk is simply fresh milk that's been heated until about 60 percent of its water content has evaporated.

Although it may be tempting, because of the added sugar, you should generally avoid substituting sweetened condensed milk in any recipe that calls for evaporated. If you don't have evaporated milk available, it's possible to substitute a cup of light cream, or you can make your own.

It's thicker and sweeter than evaporated milk, which means the two cannot be used interchangeably. It's typically used to make rich desserts, such as magic cookie bars, tres leches cakes or an easy caramel sauce. Just two tablespoons of condensed milk contain 18 grams of added sugar.

Evaporated milk gives body to smoothies, thickens up and sweetens coffee, and adds nuance and richness to creamy soups and chowders, not to mention savory sauces and even oatmeal. If you don't have much of a sweet tooth, you can also use it in place of sweetened condensed milk in plenty of desserts.

As concentrated milk products, whole, reduced fat, and fat-free varieties of evaporated milk have a higher nutrient content than fresh cow's milk. Sweetened condensed milk has an even higher calorie concentration.

Here's the difference between evaporated milk vs. condensed milk. Evaporated milk and condensed milk are both shelf-stable canned milks that are easily found at most grocery stores. The main difference is that condensed milk is very sweet, and evaporated milk is unsweetened.

Evaporated milk, with its lower fat content and thinner consistency, provides a lighter alternative for dishes where richness is desired without overwhelming heaviness. Heavy cream, with its higher fat content and creamy consistency, lends itself perfectly to indulgent desserts, creamy sauces, and decadent soups.

Condensed milk is evaporated milk that typically has sweetener added, so much so that the terms 'condensed milk' and 'sweetened condensed milk' are used interchangeably. Sugar is added before canning; condensed milk is very sweet and contains about 40 to 45 percent sugar.

Like traditional milk, evaporated milk contains protein, a nutrient that helps supply you with energy and keeps your cells, tissues and muscles working normally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And while milk might only last a week in the refrigerator, unopened evaporated milk that is properly stored can last up to two years. But how can you tell when it's gone bad? In short, by looking at it. If your milk has turned dark yellow or brown, don't use it.

Why does evaporated milk not need to be refrigerated? ›

Evaporated milk also has a higher concentration of nutrients and energy. This means that one cup of evaporated milk will have more nutrients and provide more energy than one cup of fresh milk. Evaporated milk is sold in cans and does not need to be refrigerated because of the sterilization and canning process.

It makes your coffee less bitter and adds natural sweetness to it. Evaporated milk gives your coffee a smooth and rich texture.

As for whether you can drink evaporated milk right out of the can, it's safe to do so. Because the only real difference is the water content, evaporated milk is pretty similar when it comes to nutritional value. However, the taste and texture of evaporated milk can be somewhat off-putting to many people.

Risks of Condensed Milk

Condensed milk also includes lactose, which might be harmful to people who are lactose intolerant. There could be gas, cramps, and stomach discomfort. Because condensed milk is more concentrated than the same volume of regular milk, it contains more lactose.

Switch to low-fat dairy.

You can lower the fat content without compromising taste. Instead of whole milk or half-and-half, use 1% or skim milk or evaporated skim milk.

Evaporated milk doesn't have sugar added. The sweetened condended milk is needed as no extra sugar is added to the fudge. If evaporated milk were used then the fudge would not be sweet enough and also would still be too soft unless the fudge is frozen.

Sweetened condensed milk is also a little higher in fat, so pies made with it will be silky and dense, while pies made with evaporated milk will be a little fluffier. Luckily, you can find multiple pumpkin pie recipes geared toward either type of milk.

Although sweetened condensed milk was initially designed to be diluted with water and used as a milk replacement, it has become a popular ingredient in its own right.

Sweetened-condensed milk is the perfect addition to all kinds of treats and recipes, from pies to fudge to tres leches cake. But in Vietnamese coffee culture, it has a much more important purpose – it's mixed into strong coffee to make delicious, traditional Vietnamese brew.