Introduction

When it comes to canned milk, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk often cause confusion. Although they look similar on shelves, they differ in flavor, ingredients, and uses. In this article about sweetened condensed milk vs evaporated milk: what’s the difference, we explain the key differences and help you choose the right one for your recipes.

While these milk products seem alike, each has its own features in taste, texture, and how we use them. In this article, we take a closer look at sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, show how they differ, and guide you on when to use each. Learn more from The Spruce Eats and Better Homes & Gardens.

guide on The Spruce Eats.

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What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Sweetened condensed milk is thick and creamy. Producers make it by removing most of the water from cow’s milk and adding sugar. This creates a sweet, syrup-like product used in many desserts.

• Sugar Content: It contains around 40–45% sugar, so you usually don’t need extra sugar in recipes.
• Shelf Life: The high sugar level acts as a preservative, giving it a long shelf life without refrigeration.
• Culinary Uses: It’s ideal for desserts like fudge and pies, and it works well in drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee.

Learn more about Able Dairies’ sweetened condensed milk.

Better Homes & Gardens.

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What is Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk is milk that has been heated to remove about 60% of its water. Unlike sweetened condensed milk, it does not have added sugar. As a result, it has a more neutral flavor and works in many recipes.

• Sugar Content: It has no added sugar, so it suits both savory and sweet dishes.
• Shelf Life: It lasts a long time on the shelf because of its low water content and the heat used during production.
• Culinary Uses: You can use it in creamy soups, sauces, or baked goods that need richness without added sweetness.

Explore Able Dairies’ evaporated milk options.

Key Differences Between Sweetened Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk

Understanding sweetened condensed milk vs evaporated milk: what’s the difference helps you decide which one to use in cooking or baking.

Can They Be Substituted for Each Other?

Even though both are canned and concentrated milk products, you can’t usually substitute one for the other. The sugar content and flavor are too different. Still, some substitutions may work with adjustments:

• To make evaporated milk from sweetened condensed milk, mix it with water. However, the result will still be sweet.
• To create sweetened condensed milk, add sugar to evaporated milk. Then, gently heat it until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens.

When to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Desserts: Use it in fudge, key lime pie, and caramel sauces.
• Beverages: It adds both sweetness and creaminess to drinks like coffee and milk tea.
• Toppings: It tastes great poured over fruit, pancakes, or toast.

When to Use Evaporated Milk

• Savory Dishes: It’s perfect for creamy soups, sauces, and casseroles.
• Baking: Use it to add richness to cakes, custards, or breads.
• Milk Substitute: When mixed with equal parts water, it can replace regular milk.

Wikipedia.

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Fun Facts

1. Historical Roots: People first developed both types of milk in the 1800s to keep milk fresh before refrigeration was available. Read about our story.
2. Cooking Shortcut: Since these milks are concentrated, they cut down cooking time in recipes that call for reducing regular milk.
3. Global Appeal: Sweetened condensed milk is used in dishes around the world, like Thai tea and Brazilian brigadeiros.

Want to dive deeper into how these milk products are made? Visit Wikipedia’s page on condensed milk for a global and historical overview.

Wikipedia’s page on condensed milk for a historical overview and global usage.

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Want to dive deeper into how these milk products are made? Visit Wikipedia’s page on condensed milk for a historical overview and global usage.

Conclusion

While sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk may look alike, they serve different purposes. By knowing their differences, you can easily choose the best one for your cooking. Whether making something sweet or savory, both bring flavor and depth to your dishes.

Visit Able Dairies to explore our full dairy selection, including Able Farm products made for every home cook.