How are sweetened condensed milk vs evaporated milk different and can they be used interchangeably in recipes? We discuss the answers to these questions and more in this article on these two very common pantry staples! Take a look at these facts about sweetened condensed milk vs evaporated milk so you can make an informed decision on which to use!
Sweetened Condensed Milk vs Evaporated Milk: What's The Difference?
Milk has been around for as long as humans have had access to cows. As with anything that has been around for a while, things can shift and change. Yes, even with something as simple as milk.
Over the years milk has gone through many changes. It has been modified to create varying fat content. It has gone dairy-free and has been made from nuts, seeds, and plants. In the early days, it was pasteurized to make it last longer.
Jump to:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk vs Evaporated Milk: What's The Difference?
- What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
- How is Sweetened Condensed Milk Used?
- What is Evaporated Milk?
- How is Evaporated Milk Used?
- What are the Differences between Sweetened Condensed Milk & Evaporated Milk?
- Can you Substitute Sweetened Condensed Milk for Evaporated Milk?
- 💬 Reviews
Two variations of milk that were created out of a need for milk that wouldn’t spoil are sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. Initially, you may think these are also dairy-free. However, despite being sold in the pantry aisle these two kinds of milk do come from cows.
Keep reading to find out more about these two dairy products that are perfect pantry staples.
What is Sweetened Condensed Milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is made from cow’s milk that has been condensed. The process of condensing the milk is done by heating the milk. The milk is heated until about 60 percent of the water has evaporated. This process is also one way to pasteurize the milk.
Once the water has evaporated the milk becomes a thick and creamy consistency. The flavor is also richer compared to regular whole milk. This is a result of the natural sugars in the milk coming out when heated.
In addition to the natural sugars in the milk, more sugar is added. Condensing the milk and adding sugar is where the name comes from.
A benefit of sweetened condensed milk is that it does not need to be refrigerated. This is a result of both the pasteurization process and the addition of sugar (sugar prevents the growth of bacteria).
How is Sweetened Condensed Milk Used?
Sweetened condensed milk is the rich creamy ingredient that is key to many desserts. Many traditional Mexican desserts use sweetened condensed milk, like a tasty Tres Leches cake! It is also the key ingredient in many classic treats like Hello Dollies.
In addition to desserts, sweetened condensed milk is used as the base in candies. It is used to make caramels, fudge, and many other candies.
While you won’t likely reach for a cold glass of sweetened condensed milk, it is used in making sweet drinks. Try a traditional Thai Iced Tea or Thai Coffee to taste how delicious this creamy milk is when added to cold beverages!
What is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk is literally milk that has been evaporated. It goes through essentially the same step that sweetened condensed milk goes through in the beginning.
Milk is heated until the water evaporates (evaporated milk can be made from whole milk or skim milk). Like sweetened condensed milk, about 60 percent of the water is removed through evaporation. This process brings out the natural sugars in the milk.
Therefore, evaporated milk is slightly sweeter than regular milk. However, it is not as sweet as sweetened condensed milk because no additional sugar is added. Without the addition of sugar, evaporated milk is also not as thick as sweetened condensed milk.
Since evaporated milk has been pasteurized it does not need to be refrigerated. Without the addition of sugar to help prevent the additional growth of bacteria though, it needs to be heated a second time. The second round of heating occurs once the evaporated milk has been canned. The can is heated to prevent any bacteria from growing.
This shelf staple is a great choice for food storage. With a shelf life of about 15 months, it is great to keep in the pantry. Then you have it on hand for special recipes and as a substitute for regular milk.
How is Evaporated Milk Used?
Evaporated milk is more versatile than sweetened condensed milk. This is because it is not as sweet. Therefore, it can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. As mentioned above, it can even be used to replace regular milk.
One of my favorite savory dishes to use evaporated milk in is my crockpot mac and cheese! While most mac and cheese recipes call for regular whole milk, the use of evaporated milk takes it to the next level. It adds an extra level of richness in both flavor and texture.
In addition to savory dishes, evaporated milk is also used in many sweet treats. You can’t make a perfect pumpkin pie without this key ingredient.
Evaporated milk is even used in making some types of bread. It adds an added level of moisture and rich flavor to sweet bread or similar breakfast dishes.
What are the Differences between Sweetened Condensed Milk & Evaporated Milk?
As you can see from above there are many similarities between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. You can also see some differences. Here is a quick comparison for reference when you are cooking.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Made from whole milk
- Heated until about 60% of the water in the milk has evaporated
- Extra sugar added (about 45 percent of the total volume of the milk)
- Thick creamy consistency
- Shelf life of over a year
- Used to make desserts, candies, and sweet drinks
Evaporated Milk
- Can be made from whole milk or skim milk
- Heated until about 60% of the water in the milk has evaporated
- NO added sugar
- Light creamy consistency
- Shelf life of over a year
- Used to make savory sauces, desserts, and sweet bread
- Can be used as a substitute for regular milk
Can you Substitute Sweetened Condensed Milk for Evaporated Milk?
I’ve mentioned that evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk. Can it be used as a substitute for sweetened condensed milk though? What about vice versa?
Due to the added sugar in sweetened condensed milk, it is more difficult to use it as a substitute. It will not work well for savory dishes. It is also quite a bit thicker which can shift the consistency of a recipe. However, you can use sweetened condensed milk as a substitute for evaporated milk in some desserts.
Even though evaporated milk is not as sweet as sweetened condensed milk it is easy to change that. The addition of some sugar helps create a good substitute. Therefore, evaporated milk can be used in place of sweetened condensed milk in most recipes.
Use these two posts to learn more about the best substitutes for these two types of milk. There are even some non-dairy substitute suggestions!
Ghislaine says
Merci ! étant en France je ne connaissais pas l'appelation "lait évaporé" mais vu vos explication très claires, j'en déduis que je peux le remplacer par du lait concentré non sucré.
"THANKS ! being in France I did not know the name "evaporated milk" but given your very clear explanations, I deduce that I can replace it with unsweetened condensed milk."