Evaporated milk and condensed milk are two commonly used milk products that have some similarities, but also some significant differences. They are both made by removing water from milk, but the processes and resulting products are quite different.
Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is made by heating fresh milk until about 60% of the water content is removed. It is then packaged and sterilized to extend its shelf life.
It’s thicker than regular milk, but not as thick as condensed milk. It has a slightly caramelized flavor and a creamy texture.
Evaporated milk is a popular ingredient in baking and cooking, as it adds richness and creaminess without adding too much moisture.
Condensed Milk
Condensed milk is made by heating fresh milk and sugar until most of the water content is removed, and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy.
The sugar in condensed milk acts as a natural preservative, which allows the product to have a long shelf life.
Condensed milk is much sweeter than evaporated milk and has a caramelized flavor due to the heating process. It is commonly used in baking, making candy, and as a topping for desserts.
Difference Between Evaporated and Condensed Milk
Ingredients: The primary difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is the sugar content. Evaporated milk is unsweetened, while condensed milk is heavily sweetened.
Texture: Evaporated milk has a creamy texture and a slightly caramelized flavor, while condensed milk is thick and syrupy with a caramelized flavor due to the added sugar.
Culinary Uses: Another difference between the two products is their use in cooking and baking.
Evaporated milk is commonly used in soups, casseroles, and sauces to add creaminess without adding too much moisture.
Condensed milk is used in sweet dishes such as candies, desserts, and pies, where the added sweetness is desired.
Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk
Here is a table comparing evaporated milk and condensed milk:
| Criteria | Evaporated Milk | Condensed Milk |
| — | — | — |
| Definition | A type of canned milk with about 60% of the water removed | A type of canned milk with about 60% of the water removed and sugar added |
| Flavor | Slightly caramelized and nutty | Sweet and rich |
| Usage | Used in recipes and desserts | Used as a sweetener in recipes and desserts
| Nutritional Content | Same as regular milk, but with less water | Higher in calories and sugar due to added sugars |
It’s important to note that while the two are somewhat similar, they are not interchangeable in recipes due to the difference in sugar content.
Which is Healthier: Evaporated Milk or Condensed Milk?
Evaporated milk is generally considered to be a healthier option than condensed milk, as it is not sweetened with added sugar.
Condensed milk is high in calories and sugar, so consuming large amounts of it on a regular basis can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. However, when consumed in moderation, condensed milk can provide a source of calcium and other nutrients.
Both evaporated and condensed milk are not recommended for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, as they’re both milk and contain milk proteins.
Do they taste the same?
No, evaporated milk does not taste the same as condensed milk. Condensed milk is a lot sweeter than.
The closest thing to sweetened condensed milk is homemade condensed milk made by simmering milk and sugar together until it thickens and becomes a caramel-colored syrup.
Can You Substitute Evaporated Milk for Condensed Milk?
Evaporated milk and condensed milk are similar, but they are not interchangeable in recipes.
Condensed milk has a high sugar content, while evaporated milk doesn’t. If a recipe calls for condensed milk, substituting it with evaporated milk will result in a less sweet end product.
You’d need to add an equivalent amount of sugar (about 1⅓ cups) plus a little extra liquid to compensate for the missing sugar’s moisture content.
And no, you cannot substitute condensed milk for evaporated milk in fudge recipes, as they are not interchangeable. Fudge recipes that call for evaporated milk typically rely on the milk’s unique texture and consistency to achieve the desired end result.
You also cannot substitute evaporated milk for condensed milk in ice cream recipes, as they are not interchangeable.
Condensed milk has a much thicker consistency and higher sugar content than evaporated milk, which is necessary for achieving the right texture and sweetness in ice cream.
Can I use condensed milk in coffee?
Yes, you can use condensed milk in coffee as a sweetener and creamer. It will give the coffee a creamy and sweet flavor. You can also make a popular coffee drink called Vietnamese iced coffee by combining strong coffee with condensed milk and serving it over ice.
Keep in mind that condensed milk is high in sugar, so it’s important to use it in moderation if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Why Sweetened Condensed Milk is Unhealthy
Sweetened condensed milk is high in sugar and calories, and consuming large amounts of it on a regular basis can contribute to weight gain and other health issues such as diabetes and tooth decay.
It is also not recommended for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, as it contains milk proteins. However, when consumed in moderation, condensed milk can provide a source of calcium and other nutrients.
In addition, it is not recommended to drink condensed milk straight from the packaging as it is very sweet and can be quite thick. It is better to use it as an ingredient in recipes or to mix it with other liquids to dilute its sweetness.
Wrapping Up
Evaporated milk and condensed milk are both milk products that have had some of the water removed.
Condensed milk is heavily sweetened, thick, and syrupy, and is used primarily in sweet dishes. Evaporated milk is unsweetened, has a creamy texture, and is commonly used in cooking and baking.
Understanding the differences between the two products is important when cooking and baking to achieve the desired result.