Is there any difference between sweetened and unsweetened condensed milk?
Yes. Sweetened condensed milk is milk with water removed and sugar added, and it is thick, sweet and shelf-stable. There is no 'unsweetened condensed milk' product in the U.S. rules; what people mean is evaporated milk, which has water removed but no added sugar. They are not interchangeable one for one in recipes.
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In this article
What is the difference between sweetened and unsweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk has water partly removed and sugar added. Unsweetened condensed milk is what most shops sell as evaporated milk: water partly removed, no sugar. The sugar in the sweetened kind is why it is very thick and sweet and keeps without refrigeration until opened.
What do U.S. rules say?
| Sweetened condensed milk | Evaporated milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Rule | 21 CFR 131.120 | 21 CFR 131.130 |
| Milkfat | At least 8% by weight | At least 6.5% by weight |
| Total milk solids | At least 28% by weight | At least 23% by weight |
| Sugar | Enough sweetener to prevent spoilage | None required |
| Vitamin D | Not required | Added, 25 IU per fl oz |
How do they taste and what are they used for?
- Sweetened condensed milk: thick, sweet and caramel-like when cooked. Used in fudge, pies, flan, Vietnamese coffee, no-churn ice cream and Thai tea.
- Evaporated milk: thinner, mildly cooked taste, not sweet. Used in soups, creamy sauces, pumpkin pie and as a coffee creamer.
Can you swap one for the other?
Not directly. If a recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk will give a runny, unsweet result unless you also add and cook down sugar. If it calls for evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk will make the dish far too sweet. Check the can name before you buy.
How do I use the leftover?
Transfer an opened can to a covered container in the refrigerator rather than leaving it in the metal can; follow the storage advice on the label.
Which is higher in calories?
Sweetened condensed milk, because of the added sugar. Compare the Nutrition Facts for the serving on your can, since brands differ.
People also ask
Is unsweetened condensed milk the same as evaporated milk?
In practice, yes. Evaporated milk is milk with water removed and no added sugar.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Not as is. It is not sweet or as thick, so you would need to add sugar and reduce it.
Why does sweetened condensed milk last so long?
The added sugar, together with the water removal and heat treatment, keeps it from spoiling while unopened. The FDA standard requires enough sweetener to prevent spoilage.
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