Contrary to the name, evaporated milk is a canned liquid and not a powder. The milk product is extremely shelf-stable and, in many cases, can be used in place of regular milk or cream. Some recipes specifically call for evaporated milk.
Fast Facts
- Evaporated milk is a slightly darker color than fresh milk.
- Shelf life: 15 months
- It's used around the world and popular in coffee beverages.
What Is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk is a milk product, usually sold in cans, that is made by removing about 60 percent of the water from ordinary milk. Evaporated milk can be made from whole milk or skim milk. In either case, the milk is hom*ogenized and then the water is removed with gentle heat. The product is sealed in cans which are then heated to kill any bacteria in the milk.
Powdered Milk vs. Evaporated Milk
Powdered milk (also known as dry milk) is a powder. It's a dairy product that has had the liquid removed. Evaporated milk is canned cow's milk and a liquid. It is sometimes called unsweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk is not the same thing as condensed milk. Condensed milk is also reduced by 60 percent, but it is heavily sweetened, making it thick and syrupy. It is typically used in baking and desserts as well as Thai and Vietnamese coffee and tea. The two canned milks cannot be used interchangeably, so make sure you carefully read the label when purchasing.
Evaporated Milk Uses
Evaporated milk can be used in its true form directly from the can or it can be diluted to resemble fresh milk. Because it has such a long shelf life, it's a good option in places where fresh milk is scarce, refrigeration isn't available, or as a back-up when you simply can't make it out to the store to buy milk.
How to Cook With Evaporated Milk
Undiluted evaporated milk is frequently used in coffee and tea in a variety of countries. It adds more creaminess than fresh milk with less fat than cream. It is also called for in some dessert recipes and can frequently be used in place of half-and-half. Diluted evaporated milk can be used just like milk for cooking, baking, and even pouring over cereal or into drinks.
What Does It Taste Like?
Evaporated milk tastes like milk but with a thicker, less watery consistency. The process of heating the evaporated milk in the cans imparts a slightly sweet flavor to the milk and it's just a bit darker in color than ordinary milk. It has a similar viscosity to half-and-half.
Evaporated Milk Substitute
An easy swap for evaporated milk is fresh milk and half-and-half. To replace 1 cup of evaporated milk, use 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup of half-and-half. Another option is to make your own evaporated milk. Heat 2 1/4 cups of regular milk and gently boil it down until it reduces to 1 cup.
Evaporated Milk Recipes
Evaporated milk can be used much like half-and-half, adding creaminess to coffee, pies, cakes, gravies, soups, and dressings. It's often called for in classic pumpkin pie and fudge recipes.
Where to Buy Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk can be found at major supermarkets in the baking aisle. You'll find it near the sweetened condensed milk and powdered milk. Read the label carefully to make sure you're buying evaporated milk.
Storage
Canned evaporated milk can be stored for at least a year, although you should always check the use-by date printed on the can. Don't use any cans that are rusted, dented, or bulging. Once you open the can, pour out any leftover evaporated milk into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Use within five days.
FAQs
Through the process of vacuum evaporation, (a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure) the boiling point of the milk is lowered to 40–45°C. As a result, the milk is concentrated to 30–40% solids and has little or no cooked flavour. The milk is then hom*ogenized by forcing it under high pressure through tiny holes.
Can you add water to evaporated milk to make regular milk? ›
To use evaporated milk as a subsitute for fresh milk, add one and a half cans of water to each can of evaporated milk. Diluted evaporated milk is a good substitute for milk in coffee, hot chocolate and cooked cereal like cream of wheat or oatmeal.
What can I use as a substitute for evaporated milk? ›
We have 6 different suggestions for evaporated milk substitutions.
- Regular Milk (whole, 2% or skim) ...
- Heavy Cream. ...
- Half-and-Half. ...
- Powdered Milk. ...
- Regular Non-Dairy Milk (almond, oat, etc) ...
- Coconut Milk.
Evaporated milk may help you gain weight healthily because of its high concentration of nutrients and lack of added sugar, which is associated with the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes when consumed excessively ( 17 ).
What animal is evaporated milk from? ›
Evaporated milk, known in some countries as "unsweetened condensed milk", is a shelf-stable canned cow's milk product for which approximately 60% of the water has been removed from fresh milk.
Can I use evaporated creamer instead of evaporated milk? ›
Evaporated milk and evaporated creamer tend to be used interchangeably, especially in local coffee shops. During the manufacturing process, approximately 50% to 60% of its original amount of water is removed, leaving a thicker, more concentrated milk product that looks creamy.
Can evaporated milk go bad? ›
The shelf life of an unopened evaporated milk is usually between 6 to 12 months, but check the label for a “Best By” date. It will not be harmful after that, but its flavor will have deteriorated. Once opened, it should last similarly to fresh milk held in the refrigerator, about five days to a week.
Can you use canned evaporated milk in place of regular milk? ›
Use evaporated milk instead of fresh milk in recipes. Add an equal amount of water. For example, if a recipe lists 1 cup (250 mL) milk, add ½ cup water to ½ cup evaporated milk. Try leftover canned milk in tea, coffee, omelets, soups, hot oatmeal or even spaghetti sauce.
How much evaporated milk equals 1 cup of milk? ›
For the same consistency as drinking milk, mix ½ cup Evaporated Milk and ½ cup water to make 1 cup of regular drinking milk. How can I use Evaporated Milk for extra richness and creaminess in my recipes?
Is evaporated milk good in coffee? ›
On its own, evaporated milk is thick and creamy, making it an excellent replacement for half and half or creamer in your coffee or tea. You can also experiment with adding it to smoothies, milkshakes, soup, or pasta sauces, although you'll want to use less than you would with regular milk.
When stored correctly, evaporated milk can be stored at the temperature of the freezer for up to 3 months. It's safe to use within this amount of time.
Is heavy cream and evaporated milk the same thing? ›
Evaporated Milk – With a similar consistency, you can use a 1-to-1 swap of evaporated milk for heavy cream in most sweet and savory dishes. Its flavor is richer with unique caramelized tones and is not a lower-fat option, but evaporated milk makes do in a pinch.
Can you drink straight evaporated milk? ›
One of the first concerns about evaporated milk is whether it's safe to drink straight from the bottle. Although you definitely can, and it is entirely safe to do it, you could find it dense and less enjoyable than drinking the traditional milk you're familiar with.
What is healthier than evaporated milk? ›
Oat milk is a delicious substitute for evaporated milk that is rich in beta-glucans, which have been linked to many health benefits including improved digestion, reduced blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels.
Can a diabetic take evaporated milk? ›
Nutritional supplement drinks may be prescribed by your doctor or dietitian if you are unable to take enough diet. Add fortified milk to cereal or porridge. Evaporated milk, full-fat yoghurt or double cream could be added.
What is the process of evaporated milk production? ›
It involves a forewarming process, which involves heating the milk to about 90°C for 10–30 min. It is then evaporated to about 25%–31% TS and then stabiliser is added and it is then sterilised in the can.
What is evaporated milk quizlet? ›
Evaporated milk is simply fresh milk that's been heated until about 60 percent of its water content has evaporated.
Is evaporated milk produced by evaporating at least 60 of the water found in whole milk? ›
Evaporated Milk is produced by removing 60 percent of the water. The concentrate is then hom*ogenized, fortified with vitamin D, and vacuum-sealed into cans. Evaporated milk can be stored unrefrigerated until opened.
