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

What is Evaporated milk

Evaporated milk is basically regular milk that’s been cooked down to remove about 60% of its water content. This makes it thicker, creamier, and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor because of the heating process. It’s not the same as sweetened condensed milk, which has sugar added to it; evaporated milk is just milk but more concentrated. People like to use it in recipes where they want that rich, creamy texture without adding as much liquid. You’ll often find it in dishes like creamy soups, casseroles, or even desserts. Since it’s canned, it also has a long shelf life, so it’s great to keep in the pantry for when you need a milk substitute but don’t have fresh milk on hand.

Other Names of Evaporated milk

Here’s a list of other names people might call evaporated milk. Some of these might be more common in different places or recipes, but they’re all referring to the same thing:

• Unsweetened condensed milk – Some folks mix this up with sweetened condensed milk, but it’s basically the same as evaporated milk, just without the sugar.
• Dehydrated milk – Not exactly the official term, but some people think of it like that because it’s had a lot of water removed.
• Canned milk – Since it comes in a can, it’s often just called “canned milk,” especially in older cookbooks.
• Evaporated cream – Even though it’s not technically cream, it has a creamier texture than regular milk, so some call it that.
• Concentrated milk – Another name that refers to the thick consistency from removing water.

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

Here’s a list of some benefits of using evaporated milk. It’s got more to offer than people might think:

• Long Shelf Life – Unlike regular milk, evaporated milk can sit in your pantry for months without going bad, which is super handy when you don’t have fresh milk around.
• Creamy Texture – It’s thicker than regular milk, so it adds a rich, creamy feel to soups, sauces, and desserts without making them too watery.
• More Nutrients – Because it’s concentrated, it has more protein, calcium, and other nutrients per cup compared to regular milk.
• Great for Baking and Cooking – It holds up well under heat, so you can use it in recipes that require high temperatures without worrying about it curdling as easily.
• Dairy Substitute – You can mix it with water to make a milk substitute when you’re out of fresh milk, or use it straight for a thicker, richer taste.

Varieties of Evaporated milk

These are the different varieties of evaporated milk you might come across. It’s kind of surprising how many types there are:

• Whole Evaporated Milk – This is made from whole milk, so it’s got a higher fat content, giving it a richer taste and creamier texture. Great for making soups or creamy desserts.
• Low-Fat Evaporated Milk – Made with low-fat milk, it has less fat than the whole version but still adds that nice thickness to recipes. A good option if you’re watching fat but still want that creamy texture.
• Fat-Free or Skim Evaporated Milk – This one has no fat, made from skim milk. It’s lighter, but still thicker than regular milk, so it can work in sauces and lighter recipes.
• Evaporated Goat Milk – Not super common, but it’s an option for folks who can’t have cow’s milk or just like the taste of goat milk. Same thick texture, just a different flavor.
• Lactose-Free Evaporated Milk – For people who are lactose intolerant, some brands make a lactose-free version so you can still use it in recipes without the discomfort.

Each type is a little different, but they all work the same way when it comes to adding creaminess to food.

What Does Evaporated Milk Taste Like

Evaporated milk has a taste that’s a bit richer and creamier than regular milk, almost like a mild caramel flavor. When they heat it up to remove the water, it gets a slight sweetness and a kind of “toasty” depth, even though there’s no sugar added. It’s not super strong, but it does have a thicker, fuller taste that stands out in recipes. Some people say it reminds them a little of sweetened condensed milk, just without the sugar. It’s also less watery than regular milk, so it can really add a comforting, velvety texture to dishes like creamy soups or baked goods.

How Evaporated Milk is Made

Here’s a step-by-step look at how evaporated milk is made. It’s actually a pretty simple process:

1. Start with Fresh Milk – They begin with regular cow’s milk, just like the kind you’d drink or pour over cereal.
2. Heat It Up – The milk is gently heated to remove about 60% of its water content. This is done slowly, so it doesn’t burn but thickens up nicely.
3. Concentrate the Flavor – As the water evaporates, the milk gets creamier and takes on a light caramel taste from the heating process.
4. Cool Down – Once the milk is thickened, it’s cooled down to stop the evaporation process. It’s now much richer and concentrated.
5. Can and Sterilize – The thickened milk is poured into cans, then the cans are sealed and sterilized with heat to make sure they stay safe to store on the shelf for months.

That’s it! It’s basically milk with less water and a more concentrated, slightly sweet flavor that’s good for all kinds of recipes.

How To Use Evaporated milk

Here’s a list of different ways you can use evaporated milk. It’s pretty versatile, so there’s a lot you can do with it:

• Creamy Soups – Add it to soups like potato, mushroom, or tomato to make them richer and creamier without making them too heavy.
• Baking Substitute – You can use it in place of regular milk in recipes like pancakes, muffins, and cakes. Just mix it with equal parts water to thin it out if you don’t want it too thick.
• Coffee or Tea Creamer – Try a splash of evaporated milk in your coffee or tea. It adds a nice, smooth creaminess that’s not overly sweet.
• Mac and Cheese or Casseroles – Pour some evaporated milk into your mac and cheese sauce, casseroles, or mashed potatoes to add extra creaminess.
• Desserts – Use it in desserts like custards, puddings, or pumpkin pie. The thicker texture helps create that rich, smooth consistency.
• Smoothies or Milkshakes – Blend it into smoothies or milkshakes for an extra thick and creamy drink.
• Homemade Ice Cream – If you’re making ice cream at home, evaporated milk helps give it a creamier texture without needing as much cream.

It’s a handy ingredient for adding richness and thickness, whether you’re cooking something savory or sweet.

Substitute for Evaporated milk

Here’s a list of substitutes you can use if you’re out of evaporated milk. These options work in a pinch and still add that creamy texture:

• Regular Milk – You can use regular milk, but to get a similar thickness, simmer it on the stove for about 10-15 minutes to cook off some water. This concentrates the milk, making it closer to evaporated milk.
• Half-and-Half – Half-and-half is already thicker than regular milk, so you can use it directly as a 1:1 substitute in recipes that call for evaporated milk.
• Heavy Cream and Water – Mix equal parts heavy cream and water to get a similar texture. Heavy cream alone would be too thick, so thinning it out with water makes it closer to evaporated milk.
• Powdered Milk – If you have powdered milk, mix it with less water than the instructions say to make it thicker. This gives you that same concentrated, creamy feel.
• Coconut Milk – For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk works well. It’s rich and thick, although it’ll add a slight coconut flavor.
• Soy or Almond Milk Concentrate – You can simmer soy or almond milk to reduce the water and make it thicker, just like with regular milk. This works if you need a plant-based option.

Each of these gives a similar creamy texture, though some might add a slight flavor twist depending on the substitute you use.

Where to Buy Evaporated milk

Here’s a list of places where you can easily find evaporated milk. It’s usually stocked in most stores since it’s a popular pantry item:

• Grocery Stores – Just about any grocery store will have it in the baking or canned goods aisle. You’ll probably see a few different brands, plus options for whole, low-fat, or fat-free versions.
• Big-Box Stores – Stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco carry evaporated milk in the pantry section, often in bulk if you’re looking to stock up.
• Online Retailers – Amazon, Walmart.com, and other online grocery sites have evaporated milk. It’s convenient if you don’t want to make a trip, and you can sometimes find good deals on multipacks.
• Discount Stores – Stores like Dollar Tree or Family Dollar often carry basic pantry items, including evaporated milk, at a lower price.
• International or Specialty Stores – Some international markets carry brands of evaporated milk that are popular in other countries, like Nestlé’s “Carnation” brand. Good option if you’re looking for a different taste or brand.
• Local Farmers’ Markets – Not as common, but some local markets or small vendors might sell fresh evaporated milk or similar products.

Evaporated milk is pretty easy to find, and it usually has a long shelf life, so you can grab a couple of cans to keep around.

How To Store Evaporated milk

Following is a detailed look at how to store evaporated milk properly to make sure it lasts as long as possible:

• Unopened Cans: When you buy evaporated milk, the best place to store it is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. A pantry or cupboard works perfectly. Make sure the cans are not dented or damaged, as this can affect the shelf life. The milk inside can last up to a year or more if the can remains sealed, so it’s a good item to keep stocked up. Just check the “best by” date on the can to be safe.
• After Opening: Once you crack open a can, the milk should be used within a few days. Pour any leftovers into a clean, airtight container to keep it from absorbing smells from the fridge. The original can is not meant to be stored after opening, as it can rust or the milk might absorb odors. Glass jars with tight lids, plastic containers, or even Tupperware can work well for this.
• Refrigeration: After transferring the evaporated milk to a container, immediately put it in the refrigerator. Cold storage is important because, like all dairy products, once opened, it can spoil quickly. Keep the milk at the back of the fridge, where it’s cooler, rather than in the door, where temperatures can fluctuate. You should try to use it within 3-5 days for the best taste and safety.
• Freezing (with caution): Freezing evaporated milk is an option if you don’t think you’ll use the rest of the can in time, but it’s not the best method if you want to keep the smooth, creamy texture. Freezing causes the milk to separate, and when thawed, it can be grainy or watery. If you do decide to freeze it, pour it into a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top for expansion. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before using. It works well for cooking or baking, where the texture won’t be noticed as much.
• Labeling Leftovers: It’s easy to forget when you opened a can, so it’s a good idea to label your container with the date you opened it. That way, you’ll know how long it’s been stored and can make sure you use it while it’s still good. If it’s been more than a few days, give it a sniff or taste test before using it—if it smells sour or off, it’s time to toss it.

These extra steps will help you store evaporated milk safely and keep it from going to waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)