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

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Are you trying to decide between evaporated milk and condensed milk? Whether you’re using it in a recipe, a latte, or for baking, understanding the distinction between these two kinds of milk is essential. Evaporated and condensed milk have very different consistencies, flavors and uses—and choosing the right type can make all the difference in how your final dish turns out.

In this guide, we’ll help lay down the facts so that you know exactly what to look for when picking out either evaporated or condensed milks next time you’re at the store.

What is Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk is made through a process of heating cow’s milk to remove about 60% of its water content. The result is a thick, creamy liquid that has a slightly cooked-down flavor and aroma. It comes in both whole and skim varieties.

What is Condensed Milk?

Condensed milk goes through a similar evaporation process, but with added sugar—which gives it an even thicker consistency than evaporated milk and an intensely sweet taste. This type of milk usually comes in cans and can also be bought in fat-free versions.

History of the Two Products

Evaporated milk has been around since the early 1800s, when it was used as a substitute for fresh milk on ships. Condensed milk, on the other hand, wasn’t invented until 1856 and was first popularized by Borden in the late 19th century.

Nutritional Comparison

Calories and Fat Content

Both types of milk are high in calories and fat, but condensed milk is considerably higher in both as it usually has added sugar.

Vitamins and minerals

Evaporated milk is a good source of Vitamin A, while condensed milk contains more calcium and iron.

Health Benefits

Both condensed and evaporated milk are a great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Evaporated milk is often enriched with Vitamin A to support healthy immune system functioning. Condensed milk is higher in calories and fat than evaporated milk, but it can be purchased in reduced fat or nonfat versions for those looking for a lower calorie option.

Uses

Baking, cooking, and desserts

Both types of milk can be used for baking and cooking, but condensed milk is more suitable for desserts due to its sweet taste. Evaporated milk can also be used in place of cream or half-and-half in coffee or tea.

Drinks

Evaporated milk can be used in coffee and tea drinks, while condensed milk is often used to make sweetened milkshakes or blended coffees.

Substitutions

Evaporated milk can be substituted with whole or low-fat cow’s milk. Condensed milk can be replaced with an equal amount of cream, custard, or pudding.

Benefits of Using Either Type of Milk

Evaporated and condensed milk offer a few key benefits that make them stand out over regular cow’s milk:

Longer shelf life. Evaporated and condensed milks have a much longer shelf life than regular cow’s milk, which allows them to be stored for months at a time without spoiling.
Creamy texture. Both types of milk have a thick, creamy texture that makes them ideal for baking and cooking.
Flavor enhancer. Condensed milk adds sweetness to desserts while evaporated milk has a cooked-down flavor that helps enhance the taste of other ingredients in dishes.

Which One Is Healthier?

When it comes to health benefits, evaporated milk is the better choice as it offers more vitamins and minerals than condensed milk. It’s also lower in calories and fat, making it a healthier option for those looking for a reduced calorie alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions | Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk

1. What is the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?

Evaporated milk is unsweetened, homogenized cow’s milk that has had about 60% of the water removed from it through a process called evaporation. Condensed milk is sweetened cow’s milk with sugar added to it that has had about 40-45% of the water removed through evaporation.

2. Is condensed milk sweet?

Yes, condensed milk is sweet because it contains added sugar while evaporated milk does not contain any added sugar and therefore, is not sweet in taste.

3. Does evaporated or condensed milk have more calories?

Condensed milk has more calories than evaporated milk due to the added sugar.

4. Does evaporated or condensed milk contain fat?

Both types of milk contain fat but in different amounts. Evaporated milk contains about 7-8 grams of fat per cup while condensed milk contains about 5-6 grams of fat per cup.

5. Can I use evaporated or condensed milk for baking?

Yes, both types of milks can be used for baking recipes but it is important to note that their culinary applications are different. Evaporated milk is usually used as a replacement for cream or whole milk and creates a richer texture in baked goods, while condensed milk is often used to sweeten desserts and add flavor.

6. Are evaporated and condensed milk the same thing?

No, evaporated milk and condensed milk are not the same thing. While both are made by removing water from cow’s milk, evaporated milk does not contain added sugar while condensed milk does.

7. Can I substitute one for the other in recipes?

It is possible to substitute one for the other in certain recipes but it is important to note that their flavors, textures and sugar content can vary greatly so it may be best to use both as directed in the recipe.

8. Is evaporated or condensed milk better for my health?

Evaporated milk has fewer calories than condensed milk due to its lack of added sugar so it may be the healthier option.

9. How long does evaporated or condensed milk last?

Evaporated milk and condensed milk can both last up to one year if stored in a cool, dry place and unopened cans should last 6-12 months after being opened. However, once opened, either type of milk should be consumed within 5 days of opening.

Conclusion

Evaporated and condensed milks offer their own unique set of flavors, textures, and uses that make them both essential ingredients in many recipes. When choosing between the two, consider which one will best suit your dish or drink and keep in mind that evaporated milk is generally healthier than condensed when it comes to calorie and fat content.