Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is made by heating regular milk until 60% of the water content evaporates. Then, this product is homogenized (makes the milk thick), packaged in cans, and sterilized. As a result, a thicker, creamier, and smoother milk product is formed. The sugar content is natural, not added at all. Evaporated milk is suitable for both savory and sweet dishes.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk is evaporated milk with added sugar. For example, 30 ml of sweetened condensed milk contains 15 grams of sugar, while evaporated milk only has 3 grams. The purpose of adding sugar is to extend its shelf life. This product has a thicker consistency than evaporated milk and a sweeter taste, similar to syrup. Sweetened condensed milk is suitable for sweet dishes.

Sweetened condensed milk is evaporated milk with added sugar

Comparison between the Two

In essence, the difference between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk is the sugar content. This one difference causes the two to be used in different ways. Here are examples of their use in individual dishes:

• Evaporated milk: tea, coffee, or boba mix; curry mixes, soups, stews; substitute for regular cow's milk (mix it with water in a 1:1 ratio); cheese sauce; frosting; creamy sweet drinks (smoothies, sago); pudding, addition to breakfast cereals or cookies; mashed potato mixture
• Sweetened condensed milk: Thai tea, coffee, tea, juice, dessert, ice cream, glazed topping

Despite the differences, both evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk have one thing in common, namely that they are not suitable for people with lactose intolerance and cow's milk allergies. If possible, only consume small amounts.

Evaporated milk is intended for savory dishes, while sweetened condensed milk is for sweet dishes

Alternative

Are evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk interchangeable? Here's the answer!

1. Evaporated Milk Substitute

Evaporated milk cannot be replaced with sweetened condensed milk. This is because the taste is too sweet, so it is not suitable for savory dishes. If it is not available, it can be replaced with light cream. Apart from that, you can also make it yourself at home. The method is to heat regular milk until the water is reduced by 60%, around 25 minutes. However, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator before use. The shelf life is also shorter, namely around 10 days in an airtight container.

2. Substitute for Sweetened Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk can be replaced with evaporated milk, with certain adjustments. You can make it by mixing evaporated milk and sugar. The method is to bring 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1 1/8 cups dry milk powder to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.

Simply put, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are made in the same way, but there is added sugar to the sweetened condensed milk. Evaporated milk is suitable for both savory and sweet dishes, while sweetened condensed milk is more suitable for dishes that require thickness and a distinctive sweet taste. Sweetened condensed milk can be made from evaporated milk, but evaporated milk cannot be made from sweetened condensed milk.

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