Evaporated Milk 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Evaporated Milk: A Complete Guide

What is Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is like regular milk’s concentrated cousin, with about 60% of its water content evaporated through heating. This process leaves behind a rich, creamy liquid with a hint of caramel flavor.

In the kitchen, it’s a go-to for cooking and baking, adding creaminess to dishes without the need for refrigeration. Plus, you can mix it with water to get the consistency of regular milk, making it super handy for recipes.

Not just for savory dishes, it’s also a sweet touch to coffee or tea, and drizzled over desserts like fruit or pudding, it adds a luxurious finish. It’s amazing how this simple trick of evaporation can turn milk into a kitchen superhero!

Other Names of Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is known by various names around the world, depending on regional preferences and languages. Some common alternative names for evaporated milk include:

1. Unsweetened condensed milk (though this can be confusing, as condensed milk is usually sweetened)
2. Evaporated filled milk
3. Dried milk
4. Dehydrated milk
5. Canned milk
6. Concentrated milk
7. Sterilized milk (though this term might be used interchangeably with UHT milk in some regions)

These names may vary depending on the context and the country in which the product is being discussed or used.

Nutritional Value of Evaporated milk

Here is a typical nutritional breakdown of evaporated milk per 240 mL (1 cup) serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	160mg
Carbohydrates	25g
Sugars	25g
Protein	16g
Calcium	60% DV
Vitamin D	25% DV
Vitamin A	15% DV
Vitamin B12	50% DV
Phosphorus	40% DV
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	35% DV

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the brand and specific formulation of the evaporated milk. Always check the nutritional label for the most accurate information.

Benefits of Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk comes with a bunch of perks that can really make life easier:

First up, its shelf life is pretty impressive. You can stash it away at room temperature for ages before cracking it open, which means you can always have some on hand without worrying about it spoiling.

Don’t let its concentrated form fool you—evaporated milk still packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. It’s loaded with goodies like protein, calcium, and vitamins D and A, giving you a solid nutritional boost, especially if fresh milk isn’t always within reach.

When it comes to cooking and baking, evaporated milk is your best friend. It adds that creamy, rich texture to your dishes without needing a spot in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

And talk about versatility! Whether you’re whipping up soups, sauces, desserts, or even beverages, evaporated milk is your go-to ingredient. It’s like a culinary chameleon, adding flavor and depth to whatever you’re cooking up.

Plus, it won’t break the bank. Evaporated milk is usually easier on the wallet compared to fresh milk, which is great news for your grocery budget.

Oh, and here’s a little bonus: if you’re sensitive to lactose, you might find that evaporated milk sits better with you than fresh milk. That’s because some of the lactose gets toned down during the evaporation process, making it a gentler option for your tummy.

All in all, evaporated milk is a kitchen superstar, offering convenience, nutrition, and flavor without breaking a sweat—or the bank!

Varieties of Evaporated milk

There are several varieties of evaporated milk available on the market, each offering slightly different formulations or flavors to suit various preferences. Some common varieties include:

1. Regular Evaporated Milk: This is the standard variety of evaporated milk, made from whole milk that has had about 60% of its water content removed through evaporation. It has a rich, creamy flavor and is widely used in cooking and baking.
2. Low-Fat Evaporated Milk: Also known as “reduced-fat” or “2% evaporated milk,” this variety is made from skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk. It contains less fat than regular evaporated milk but still provides a creamy texture.
3. Fat-Free Evaporated Milk: This variety is made from skim milk and contains no added fats. It offers a lower-calorie alternative to regular evaporated milk while still providing a creamy consistency.
4. Sweetened Evaporated Milk: Some brands offer evaporated milk that has been sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners. This variety is often used in desserts, coffee, and tea, and it can add sweetness and creaminess to recipes without the need for additional sugar.
5. Organic Evaporated Milk: Organic evaporated milk is made from milk sourced from organic dairy farms that follow specific organic farming practices. It is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics.
6. Flavored Evaporated Milk: Some brands offer flavored varieties of evaporated milk, such as chocolate or vanilla-flavored. These flavored versions can be used in desserts, beverages, or as a topping for various dishes.

These are just a few examples of the varieties of evaporated milk available. Different brands may offer additional options or variations to cater to specific dietary preferences and culinary needs.

What Does Evaporated Milk Taste Like

Evaporated milk is like fresh milk’s richer, more flavorful cousin. Here’s what makes it stand out:

Creamy and Luxurious: Picture a creamier, richer version of fresh milk—that’s evaporated milk. By removing some water, it packs more milk solids and fats, resulting in a denser texture that feels luxurious in your mouth.

Hints of Caramel: As it’s heated and reduced, some of the milk sugar caramelizes, giving evaporated milk a subtle hint of sweetness and those delightful caramel notes.

A Touch of Cooked Goodness: The heating process adds a touch of warmth to its flavor, almost like it’s been gently cooked. It’s this cozy, slightly cooked taste that sets it apart from plain old fresh milk.

Still Got That Dairy Charm: Despite its transformation, evaporated milk keeps that classic dairy flavor we all know and love. That’s why it’s such a versatile ingredient—you get that dairy goodness in every dish.

Whether it’s soups, sauces, desserts, or even your morning coffee, evaporated milk adds a creamy, indulgent touch. Its unique flavor elevates the taste of your favorite recipes, making them richer and more satisfying.

How Evaporated Milk is Made

Evaporated milk is made through a process of heating fresh milk to remove about 60% of its water content. The steps involved in making evaporated milk typically include:

1. Pasteurization: The process begins with fresh milk, usually whole milk, being pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria present in the milk. Pasteurization involves heating the milk to a specific temperature for a set period and then rapidly cooling it.
2. Evaporation: After pasteurization, the milk is transferred to a vacuum chamber or evaporator, where it is heated under reduced pressure. This lower pressure allows the milk to evaporate at a lower temperature, minimizing the risk of scorching or burning.
3. Concentration: As the milk is heated, water evaporates from the milk, leaving behind a concentrated mixture of milk solids, fats, and proteins. The evaporation process continues until approximately 60% of the water content has been removed, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated liquid.
4. Homogenization (Optional): In some cases, the evaporated milk may undergo homogenization, a process that breaks down fat globules in the milk to create a uniform texture and prevent cream separation.
5. Packaging: Once the desired concentration is achieved, the evaporated milk is quickly cooled and then packaged into sterilized cans or containers. The packaging is typically airtight to prevent contamination and maintain the freshness of the evaporated milk.
6. Sterilization: The packaged evaporated milk is then sterilized by heating it to a high temperature for a specific period. This process helps to kill any remaining bacteria and ensure the long-term shelf stability of the product.
7. Cooling and Labeling: After sterilization, the cans or containers of evaporated milk are cooled before being labeled with product information, including nutritional content, expiration date, and manufacturer details.

The resulting evaporated milk is a shelf-stable product that can be stored at room temperature until opened. It retains many of the nutritional benefits of fresh milk, including protein, calcium, and vitamins, making it a versatile ingredient in cooking, baking, and beverage preparation.

How To Use Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various culinary applications. Here are several ways to use evaporated milk:

1. In Cooking and Baking: Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk or cream in many recipes. It adds richness and creaminess to dishes without the need for refrigeration until opened. Use it in soups, sauces, casseroles, and creamy desserts like custards, puddings, and pies.
2. Creamy Soups and Sauces: Add evaporated milk to creamy soups and sauces to enhance their texture and flavor. It works well in recipes such as clam chowder, cream of mushroom soup, and Alfredo sauce.
3. Desserts and Sweets: Evaporated milk can be used to make decadent desserts like flan, rice pudding, tres leches cake, and fudge. It provides a creamy consistency and helps create a smooth texture in desserts.
4. Coffee and Tea: Evaporated milk can be added to coffee or tea as a creamer, providing richness and depth of flavor. It adds a creamy texture without diluting the taste of the beverage.
5. Smoothies and Shakes: Use evaporated milk as a base for creamy smoothies and shakes. It adds richness and protein to smoothies while keeping them smooth and creamy.
6. Cereal and Oatmeal: Evaporated milk can be poured over cereal or oatmeal as a creamy alternative to regular milk. It adds richness and flavor to breakfast dishes.
7. Sauces and Gravies: Use evaporated milk to make creamy sauces and gravies for dishes like pasta, chicken, and mashed potatoes. It helps thicken the sauce while adding a creamy texture.
8. Ice Cream and Frozen Treats: Evaporated milk can be used to make homemade ice cream and frozen desserts. Its creamy consistency helps create a smooth texture in frozen treats.

When using evaporated milk in recipes, you can reconstitute it with water to approximate the consistency of regular milk if needed. Experiment with evaporated milk in your favorite recipes to discover new flavors and textures!

Substitute for Evaporated milk

If you don’t have evaporated milk on hand or if you prefer a substitute due to dietary restrictions or preferences, there are several alternatives you can use:

1. Regular Milk: You can use an equal amount of regular milk (whole milk or low-fat milk) as a substitute for evaporated milk in most recipes. Keep in mind that regular milk has a higher water content, so the final dish may be slightly less creamy.
2. Half-and-Half: Half-and-half is a mixture of equal parts whole milk and light cream. It can be used as a substitute for evaporated milk in recipes that require creaminess and richness.
3. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream has a higher fat content than evaporated milk, so it will add richness and creaminess to recipes. You can dilute heavy cream with water to achieve a consistency closer to evaporated milk, using a ratio of 1 part water to 1 part heavy cream.
4. Coconut Milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to evaporated milk in many recipes. It adds a subtle coconut flavor and creaminess to dishes. Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer texture.
5. Soy Milk or Almond Milk: Unsweetened soy milk or almond milk can be used as dairy-free substitutes for evaporated milk. They will provide a similar texture and consistency to dishes without the dairy content.
6. Condensed Milk: While not a direct substitute, condensed milk can be diluted with water to replace evaporated milk in some recipes. Keep in mind that condensed milk is sweetened, so adjust the sweetness of your recipe accordingly.

When substituting for evaporated milk, consider the flavor and texture you want to achieve in your dish, and choose the alternative that best fits your needs and preferences. Additionally, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies when selecting a substitute.

Where to Buy Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is commonly available in grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. You can typically find it in the baking aisle or the canned goods section of the store. Here are some places where you can buy evaporated milk:

1. Local Grocery Stores: Most local grocery stores and supermarkets carry evaporated milk. Look for it in the baking aisle or the section where canned goods and non-perishable items are stocked.
2. Big Box Stores: Warehouse clubs and big box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart often carry evaporated milk in bulk quantities or multi-packs.
3. Online Retailers: You can purchase evaporated milk from online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart.com, Instacart, and other grocery delivery services. This option allows you to shop conveniently from home and have the evaporated milk delivered to your doorstep.
4. Specialty Stores: Some specialty stores and international markets may also carry evaporated milk, especially if you’re looking for specific brands or varieties.

When buying evaporated milk, consider factors such as brand preference, fat content (regular, low-fat, or fat-free), and quantity needed for your recipes. It’s always a good idea to check the expiration dates and nutritional information on the packaging before making a purchase.

How To Store Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk should be stored properly to maintain its quality and safety. Here are some guidelines on how to store evaporated milk:

1. Before Opening:
   • Store unopened cans or containers of evaporated milk in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
   • Keep the evaporated milk away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to prevent flavor degradation.
   • Ensure that the storage area is free from temperature fluctuations, as extreme heat or cold can affect the quality of the product.
2. After Opening:
   • Once opened, transfer any unused evaporated milk to a clean, airtight container or cover the original container tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
   • Store the opened evaporated milk in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
   • Use the evaporated milk within 3 to 4 days after opening for best quality and freshness.
   • Write the date of opening on the container to help keep track of its shelf life.
3. Freezing (Optional):
   • Evaporated milk can be frozen if you don’t plan to use it within a few days after opening.
   • Transfer the leftover evaporated milk to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, as liquids tend to expand when frozen.
   • Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
   • Freeze the evaporated milk for up to 3 months.
   • Thaw frozen evaporated milk in the refrigerator overnight before using it. Once thawed, shake or stir the milk well to recombine any separated components.
4. Avoid Contamination:
   • Always use clean utensils and avoid double-dipping to prevent contamination of the evaporated milk.
   • Do not consume evaporated milk if it shows signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, unusual texture, or mold growth. Discard any spoiled or expired evaporated milk.

By following these storage guidelines, you can help prolong the shelf life of evaporated milk and ensure its safety and quality for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)