Can Dairy-Free People Have Condensed Milk?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 65% of the world's population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, but this doesn't mean giving up on sweet, creamy desserts. While traditional condensed milk is off-limits, the good news is that dairy-free people can still enjoy the flavor and texture through a variety of plant-based alternatives.

Quick Summary

Dairy-free individuals cannot consume conventional condensed milk, which is made from cow's milk. There are many delicious vegan alternatives, both commercially available and homemade, using plant-based milks like coconut, oat, soy, and almond. These substitutes can be used in baking, desserts, and drinks.

Key Points

Standard condensed milk is dairy: Conventional condensed milk is made from cow's milk and is not suitable for dairy-free diets.
Vegan alternatives exist: Many delicious dairy-free substitutes are made from plant-based ingredients like coconut, oat, almond, and soy.
Lactose-free does not mean dairy-free: Lactose-free condensed milk contains milk proteins and is unsafe for those with dairy allergies, only for lactose intolerance.
Coconut is a popular base: Full-fat coconut milk is a top choice for dairy-free condensed milk due to its natural richness and texture.
Homemade options are simple: You can easily make your own condensed milk at home with just a few ingredients, typically a plant-based milk and sugar.
Commercially available brands: Major brands like Carnation and Nature's Charm, as well as many specialty brands, now offer vegan condensed milk alternatives.
Consider the flavor: Be mindful of the alternative's taste, as coconut-based versions will impart a tropical flavor, while oat-based ones are more neutral.

Understanding Traditional Condensed Milk

Conventional sweetened condensed milk is created by heating and thickening cow's milk with a high amount of sugar. The final product is a thick, syrupy liquid that is a staple in many desserts and beverages. The core ingredient is milk, a dairy product, which makes it unsuitable for anyone following a vegan, lactose-intolerant, or dairy-free diet due to allergies. A common misconception is confusing lactose-free with dairy-free. While some brands offer lactose-free versions of condensed milk, these products still contain milk proteins and are not safe for those with dairy allergies, though they can be tolerated by individuals with lactose intolerance.

Excellent Dairy-Free Condensed Milk Alternatives

Fortunately, the rise in plant-based diets has led to a boom in readily available and easy-to-make dairy-free options for condensed milk. These alternatives effectively mimic the rich, sweet texture of the original and can be used in almost any recipe.

1. Coconut-Based Condensed Milk

This is one of the most popular and readily available vegan alternatives. Full-fat coconut milk or cream is simmered with sugar until it thickens and reduces. The resulting product is rich, creamy, and works exceptionally well in baking and desserts. Brands like Nature's Charm and Let's Do Organic offer pre-made sweetened condensed coconut milk. While it does have a distinct coconut flavor, this can be a welcome addition in many tropical-themed recipes like key lime pie or certain fudges.

2. Oat-Based Condensed Milk

For those who prefer a less pronounced flavor profile, oat-based condensed milk is a fantastic choice. Brands such as Nature's Charm and Carnation have introduced oat and rice-based condensed milk alternatives. This version is often less sweet than its coconut counterpart and has a smoother, neutral flavor that won't overpower your recipes. It is a perfect substitute for those who are also allergic to nuts.

3. Almond or Soy-Based Condensed Milk

Homemade versions can be made by simmering almond or soy milk with sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca starch. These options are versatile and provide a creamy texture. Soy-based versions tend to be richer and thicker than almond-based options, and brands like Jus' Amazin offer condensed almond milk for purchase. It is important to use unsweetened plant-based milk to control the final sweetness of the condensed milk.

4. Homemade Instant Condensed Milk

For a quick, no-cook alternative, some recipes call for blending plant-based milk powder (such as soy or rice) with hot water, coconut oil, and sugar. This can produce a quick, thick condensed milk replacement without the need for simmering, making it a great option for last-minute recipe preparation.

How to Make Dairy-Free Condensed Milk at Home

Making your own dairy-free condensed milk is a straightforward process and allows for customization based on flavor preference and dietary needs. The most common method involves using full-fat coconut milk.

Recipe: Homemade Coconut Condensed Milk

Ingredients:

1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
⅓ cup cane sugar, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener

Instructions:

Pour the coconut milk and sweetener into a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching. The mixture will reduce and thicken. It will thicken further as it cools.
Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

Comparison of Dairy-Free Condensed Milk Options


Feature	Conventional Condensed Milk	Coconut Condensed Milk	Oat Condensed Milk	Homemade Soy/Almond	Lactose-Free Condensed Milk
Dairy-Free?	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Lactose-Free?	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flavor Profile	Sweet, creamy milk	Rich coconut flavor	Neutral, slightly sweet	Varies by base	Sweet, milky
Best For	Traditional desserts	Tropical recipes	Versatile baking	Customizable flavor	Lactose-intolerant
Availability	Widely available	Specialty/online	Specialty/online	DIY	Grocery stores

Conclusion: Navigating Condensed Milk on a Dairy-Free Diet

The answer to the question, "Can dairy-free people have condensed milk?" is a resounding 'no' for the traditional version, but a definite 'yes' when considering the excellent alternatives now available. Whether you opt for a store-bought vegan product or prefer to craft your own homemade version, a dairy-free diet does not mean sacrificing the sweet, rich flavors of your favorite condensed milk-based recipes. From coconut to oat and beyond, the options are plentiful, allowing you to enjoy everything from fudges to tres leches cake without the dairy. The best choice ultimately depends on your personal taste preference and how the alternative's flavor will complement your intended recipe. With a little creativity and knowledge, you can seamlessly adapt any recipe to be dairy-free and delicious.

Source: For a helpful list of dairy-free brands and resources, check out the website of Go Dairy Free, a trusted resource in the dairy-free community.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, if you have a dairy allergy, you should not consume regular condensed milk. However, if you have lactose intolerance and not a full dairy allergy, you can look for specialized lactose-free versions of condensed milk, which break down the lactose sugar but still contain milk proteins.

Oat-based condensed milk alternatives are often recommended for a more neutral flavor profile. Since oats do not have a strong flavor like coconut, an oat-based substitute will not significantly alter the taste of your final dish.

Yes, sweetened condensed coconut milk is an excellent, rich, and creamy substitute. It works well in most recipes, though you should be aware that it will add a distinct coconut flavor.

Yes, you can. Beyond purchasing oat-based products, you can also make homemade versions using soy or almond milk. These require simmering the plant-based milk with sugar and often a thickener like cornstarch to achieve the right consistency.

Lactose-free condensed milk is still made from dairy milk but has the lactose enzyme added to break down the sugar. Dairy-free (or vegan) condensed milk is made entirely from non-dairy, plant-based ingredients and contains no milk proteins, making it safe for those with a dairy allergy.

Vegan condensed milk can be found in many large grocery stores in the baking or organic food sections. It is also widely available online through retailers like Amazon and in specialty or health food stores.

Homemade dairy-free condensed milk can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, it can often be frozen.