The cans of evaporated milk or condensed milk on the store shelf look quite the same. Do you want to know the difference between the two and learn how to use them, so that the next time when you are at the grocery store, you can easily make a choice without wondering what is the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?
Let’s get down to figuring out the difference!
Evaporated Milk Vs Condensed Milk:
Both evaporated milk and condensed milk are types of concentrated milk in which 60% of the water content has been removed, but that is where the similarities end.
What are the differences? The main differences between evaporated milk and condensed milk are sweetness and consistency.
Evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweeter in taste due to the high amount of sugar added. Evaporated milk is about 10 percent sugar by weight because fresh dairy milk naturally contains about five percent sugar, mainly in the form of lactose. Sweetened condensed milk normally contains 55 percent sugar.
The other notable differences between them are given below:
- Color: Evaporated milk has a tan color due to the concentration of lactose and protein that occurs during cooking. Sweetened condensed milk is lighter in color due to the higher concentration of sugar.
- Texture: Evaporated milk has a lighter texture while condensed milk has a creamier texture.
- Flavor: Evaporated milk tastes very similar to regular milk except it’s slightly thicker and a little bit creamier due to the reduction in water content. Sweetened condensed milk is like a can of liquid candy. It has a sweet, rich, milky, caramelized flavor, and a thick, syrupy consistency.
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How to Make Evaporated Milk?
To make evaporated milk, fresh milk is slowly simmered over low heat until approximately 60% of the (naturally occurring) water is removed.
The milk becomes creamier and thicker once the water has evaporated. It is then homogenized, sterilized, and packaged for commercial sale.
How to Make Condensed Milk?
Simmering milk and sugar on a low, controlled heat will yield thick, syrupy milk. Once it cools it will thicken and be ready to use. It will last in the fridge for weeks if you don’t need it straight away.
Can you use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are very similar. So, evaporated milk can serve as a substitute for condensed milk. Although you won’t get the same sweet, caramelized flavor as condensed milk, but the consistency will be similar when using a cup-for-cup substitution.
Evaporated or condensed milk: Which one is healthier?
Both evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk contain naturally occurring sugars from the milk from which it is made. However, sweetened condensed milk has significantly more sugar than condensed milk because it is artificially added during processing.
Read Also: Almond Milk Benefits – Is it good for your health?
Consult a Nutritionist
Your problem has been solved and the difference between evaporated and condensed milk is clear. In case you experience any allergic or adverse reactions, we suggest you take an expert’s help. You can also consult a nutritionist through Marham for proper guidance on how to use these forms of milk to reap the maximum benefits.
FAQs
1. Can you use condensed milk instead of evaporated milk in fudge?
Unfortunately, there are no substitutes for fudge recipes. Condensed milk can be used in place of regular milk in many situations, but not vice versa. Also, do not confuse evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk as they are two completely different products.
2. Is evaporated milk bad for you?
Evaporated milk is a healthy choice so far, Like fresh or powdered milk, it provides protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D, nutrients needed for healthy bones.