Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk: What’s The Difference?

Evaporated milk vs condensed milk are two staple canned milk products found in millions of kitchens. While they look similar, there are some important differences between these two ingredients that affect how they are used in recipes. Understanding these distinctions will ensure you use the right milk product for your cooking and baking needs.

Both evaporated and condensed milk deliver rich, creamy dairy flavor and luscious texture from concentrated, shelf-stable form. But evaporated milk has a mild taste and velvety thickness ideal for sauces and savory dishes, while sugary sweet condensed milk works well in puddings, confections, and desserts.

Read on to learn the unique properties of each milk variety, from nutritional value to storage needs. With the right techniques, condensed and evaporated milk can transform coffee drinks, candies, ice creams and many everyday recipes into indulgent delights. Time to unlock all the tasty possibilities of these convenient kitchen heroes.

What is Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk is a lightly processed canned milk product with about 60% of the water removed. It has a smooth, creamy consistency and pale yellow color.

To make evaporated milk, fresh milk is briefly heated to remove water while retaining the full fat content. This preserves the caramelized flavor and velvety texture created by cooking, while extending shelf life.

The resulting milk is nutritious and convenient. Its uses range from creamy sauces to flavorful baked goods:

• Smooth chowders, bisques, and veloute sauces
• Macaroni and cheese, risotto, and roux-based sauces
• Quiche, custard, flan, and creamy pies
• Increased protein and calcium when added to smoothies
• Lighter option when baking compared to heavy cream

Evaporated milk has endless savory applications thanks to its rich flavor and easy storage. The next time a recipe calls for milk or cream, consider the silky appeal of evaporated milk.

What is Condensed Milk?

Unlike evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk has added sugar, giving it a syrupy consistency. The sugar content preserves the milk and allows it to be shelf-stable.

To make condensed milk, about 40-45% of the water content in milk is removed through heating. Sugar is then added until the mixture thickens to a smooth, clingy texture.

The resulting milk is beloved for its indulgent taste in candies and desserts:

• Caramel, dulce de leche, and milk candies
• Pies, cakes, cookies, brownies and fudge
• Tiramisu, tres leches cake, crème brûlée
• Homemade ice cream, milkshakes and smoothies
• Iced coffee drinks featuring sweetened condensed milk

Condensed milk allows you to deliver luscious, milky flavor with ease. Embrace its sweet versatility in all types of baking projects and confections.

Differences Between Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk

Evaporated Milk	Condensed Milk
Texture	Creamy, smooth
Flavor	Slightly caramelized
Sugar content	Unsweetened
Uses	Savory cooking
Substitute for	Milk, cream
Nutrition per cup	10g fat, 10g protein

As this comparison shows, the added sugar is the main factor setting condensed milk apart in terms of taste, texture and usage.

Tips for Using Evaporated & Condensed Milk

Here are some handy tips for cooking and baking with these versatile canned milks:

Evaporated Milk

• Substitute 1:1 for milk in most recipes
• Add slowly when making creamy soups to prevent curdling
• Reduce baking time since evaporated milk is already cooked
• Store unopened cans for up to 12 months

Condensed Milk

• Dilute with milk for less sweetness in desserts
• Add cocoa powder or extracts to create flavored milk
• Caramelize by cooking gently to create dulce de leche
• Refrigerate opened cans and use within 2 weeks

With the right techniques, you can maximize the unique benefits each milk offers.

Conclusion: Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk

Evaporated and condensed milk deliver indulgent, creamy flavor with unbeatable convenience. Understanding their different properties, from mouthfeel to sweetness, ensures you use milk products to their full potential in both savory and sweet recipes. Let this guide free you to create sauces, candies, desserts and more without reservation. Soon these staple pantries milks will become your secret weapon for upgrading any dish with ease.