Condensed Milk

What Is Condensed Milk?

Condensed milk is a thick, very sweet product made by evaporating most of the water from milk and adding sugar. Thanks to the sugar, it has a long shelf life and is sold in cans.

It should not be confused with evaporated milk, which has no added sugar; condensed milk is sweet. It's widely used in dessert making both as a sweetener and a thickener.

Nutritional Value of Condensed Milk

100 grams of sweetened condensed milk contains about 321 kcal of energy, 7.9 g of protein, and a high amount of sugar. Since it's rich and calorie-dense, it's used in small amounts.

What Are the Benefits of Condensed Milk?

Condensed milk contributes to calcium and protein intake; however, since its sugar and calorie content are high, it's recommended to use it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; condensed milk is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Condensed Milk Selected?

A can that is intact, not bulging, and within its expiry date is preferred; the contents should be cream-colored and smooth. A bulging can and color change are signs of spoilage.

• Can should be intact and not bulging
• Contents should be cream-colored and smooth
• Expiry date should not have passed

How Is Condensed Milk Stored?

An unopened can is stored for a long time in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be transferred to a sealed container and consumed within a few days in the fridge.

Using Condensed Milk in the Kitchen

Condensed milk is used in no-bake desserts (cold cheesecake, ice cream bases), fudge, and some beverages; when cooked for a long time in a sealed can, it turns into caramel-textured dulce de leche.

How Is Caramel Made from Condensed Milk?

If a sealed can of condensed milk is cooked for a long time in water that covers it, the contents turn into caramel-textured dulce de leche; the water level should be maintained and instructions followed for safety.

What's the Difference Between Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk?

Both are concentrated milk; but condensed milk contains sugar and is sweet, while evaporated milk has no added sugar.

What Recipes Is Condensed Milk Used In?

Cold cheesecake, fudge, dulce de leche, ice cream, and sweet drinks are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can condensed milk be used instead of regular milk?

No; since it's very sweet and thick, it's not used instead of drinking milk, but is considered a sweetener-thickener in dessert and beverage recipes.

Why is condensed milk so sweet?

It's rich and very sweet because a lot of sugar is added during production; this sugar also provides its long shelf life.

Can condensed milk be made at home?

A similar product can be obtained by boiling and thickening milk and sugar for a long time at low heat; the consistency is adjusted by cooking time.

How long does condensed milk last after opening?

It lasts a few days in a sealed container in the fridge after opening; it's recommended not to keep it for a long time.