Evaporated Milk vs. Condensed Milk: What's the Difference? (2024)

Find out if condensed milk and evaporated milk are really interchangeable.

Updated on June 10, 2022

It's a question many aspiring bakers want to know: What's the difference between condensed milk vs. evaporated milk? You may have both milk products in your pantry without realizing that each one is used in different contexts. Regardless of your milk mastery, we're here to clear up the confusion.

Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is unsweetened milk that has been preserved in cans. It was invented when refrigerators were a luxury and families had to find a way to preserve the calcium-loaded beverage for their children. Today it is a pantry staple for several sweet and savory recipes.

To make evaporated milk, fresh milk is slowly simmered over low heat until approximately 60% of the (naturally occurring) water is removed. The milk becomes creamier and thicker once the water has, well, evaporated. It is then hom*ogenized, sterilized, and packaged for commercial sale.

How to Use

The unsweetened nature of evaporated milk makes it versatile for savory dishes like decadent mac and cheese and some sweeter recipes like sweet potato pie, which is a more savory dessert. Keep in mind that evaporated milk has some inherent sweetness from the milk, but it is not nearly as sweet as condensed milk.

Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk starts with the same process as evaporated milk—regular milk is boiled down to about half the amount to create a decadent, creamy product. However, a generous amount of sugar is added to the evaporated milk to sweeten it, which turns it into condensed milk.

How to Use

Condensed milk is most commonly used in indulgent desserts like turtle bars, mocha latte fudge, and toasted coconut key lime pie. It's also the single ingredient used to make Dulce de Leche, which is simply caramelized condensed milk. Condensed milk is so beloved by bakers that dairy-free alternatives, like condensed coconut milk, now exist too.

Substitutions

While we don't recommend substituting condensed milk for evaporated milk or vice versa, you can make your own condensed milk when you're in a pinch. Simply heat together 1½ cups of sugar and one can of evaporated milk until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Shelf Life

Both evaporated milk and condensed milk typically have a shelf life of at least one year. After opening cans of evaporated and condensed milk, keep them refrigerated and use them within five days.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

Evaporated Milk vs. Condensed Milk: What's the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Evaporated Milk vs. Condensed Milk: What's the Difference? ›

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.

What is the main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk? ›

Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.

Is it OK to substitute evaporated milk with condensed milk? ›

Substitutions. While we don't recommend substituting condensed milk for evaporated milk or vice versa, you can make your own condensed milk when you're in a pinch. Simply heat together 1½ cups of sugar and one can of evaporated milk until the sugar has fully dissolved.

Which has more sugar condensed milk or evaporated milk? ›

However, sweetened condensed milk provides much more sugar than evaporated milk, as some is added during processing. For example, a single ounce (30 ml) of sweetened condensed milk has just over 15 grams of sugar, while the same amount of nonfat evaporated milk contains just over 3 grams (3, 4).

What is the purpose of evaporated milk? ›

Evaporated milk is often used in much the same way that half-and-half is, in custards, cakes, shakes and candies like fudge. When you have a recipe that calls for milk and you don't have fresh milk, you'll be glad you've got that can of evaporated milk in the pantry. Grab it, shake it, open it and make a choice.

Can I drink evaporated milk? ›

Evaporated milk may also be added to coffee or tea, or used as a substitute for heavy cream or half-and-half. You may even decide to drink it on its own, use it to prepare smoothies, or enjoy it with your favorite cereal, especially if you're trying to gain weight.

Is milkmaid and condensed milk the same thing? ›

MILKMAID is a rich & smooth sweetened condensed milk - the dessert partner that helps you make a range of mouth-watering sweets at home - be it Kheer, ice creams or cakes. It's versatility lends itself well to both traditional & western desserts.

Is evaporated milk good in coffee? ›

On its own, evaporated milk is thick and creamy, making it an excellent replacement for half and half or creamer in your coffee or tea. You can also experiment with adding it to smoothies, milkshakes, soup, or pasta sauces, although you'll want to use less than you would with regular milk.

How long is condensed milk good for after opening? ›

Both should always be refrigerated after opening. Due to its high sugar content, condensed milk will last longer after opening than evaporated milk but use both optimally within five to seven days after opening. Freezing of evaporated milk is not recommended.

Does evaporated milk go bad? ›

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.

Can diabetics have evaporated milk? ›

Instead of whole milk or half-and-half, use 1% or skim milk or evaporated skim milk. Instead of sour cream, try low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even low-fat cottage cheese (you may need to blend it first to make it smooth.)

What are the disadvantages of condensed milk? ›

Sweetened condensed milk includes a lot of calories, but it also has a lot of saturated fat, which is dangerous for people with diabetes and heart issues. According to studies, eating a diet high in saturated fats can raise insulin and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Is evaporated milk unhealthy? ›

Just like fresh milk or powdered milk, evaporated milk is a healthy choice. It provides nutrients needed for healthy bones: protein, calcium, vitamins A and D. Evaporated milk is sold in cans. It comes in skim, 1%, 2% or hom*ogenized (3.25%) versions.

What do people do with evaporated milk? ›

But when left in its thickened, low-moisture canned state, it can also stand in for milk or heavy cream as an enriching agent. 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.

Can I eat cereal with evaporated milk? ›

It adds more creaminess than fresh milk with less fat than cream. It is also called for in some dessert recipes and can frequently be used in place of half-and-half. Diluted evaporated milk can be used just like milk for cooking, baking, and even pouring over cereal or into drinks.

Can you eat evaporated milk by itself? ›

Is it safe to consume the evaporated version straight out of its container? While a dairy product that can last for over a year without refrigeration may sound a little suspect, it is completely safe to drink it plain -- as long as it hasn't gone bad, of course.

Is evaporated milk or condensed milk better for fudge? ›

Use Evaporated Milk- Make sure to use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk. If you accidentally use sweetened condensed milk your fudge will be incredibly over the top sweet. Cut up the Butter– Before adding the butter in make sure to cut it into smaller pieces for faster melting.

What is carnation condensed milk used for? ›

Sweet and deliciously creamy, CARNATION Sweetened Condensed Milk is made from all natural ingredients. Made with just two ingredients, fresh whole milk and natural sugar, CARNATION Condensed Milk makes it quick and easy to create delicious sweet treats from creamy cheesecakes to millionaires' shortbread.

Why use condensed milk instead of milk? ›

The thick syrup contributes both the sweetness of sugar and the benefits of milk without adding too much liquid since condensing milk removes moisture and concentrates the natural sugars. These sugars then take on toasty notes as they warm up and bake in the dessert.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 5957

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.