How much sugar is in 1 spoon of condensed milk?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, one single tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk contains roughly 10 to 11 grams of sugar. This high concentration of sugar and milk solids gives the product its signature thick texture and very sweet taste, explaining why you might wonder how much sugar is in 1 spoon of condensed milk before adding it to your favorite recipes.

Quick Summary

A single tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk contains approximately 10 to 11 grams of sugar, a combination of added sucrose and natural lactose from the milk. This makes it significantly higher in sugar than unsweetened evaporated milk.

Key Points

Significant Sugar Content: One tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk typically contains 10 to 11 grams of sugar.
High in Added Sugars: A large portion of the sugar is added sucrose, acting as a preservative and sweetener.
Calorie-Dense Ingredient: Due to its high sugar and fat content, it is a very calorie-dense product.
Evaporated Milk is Unsweetened: Unlike sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk has no added sugar and a thinner consistency.
Impact on Health: Excessive consumption can contribute to health issues like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
Moderation is Key: Health experts recommend limiting free sugar intake, so moderation is crucial when consuming condensed milk.
Use Alternatives for Reduced Sugar: For less sweetness and calories, evaporated milk is an excellent substitute in many recipes.

Sweetened condensed milk is a pantry staple cherished for its rich, creamy texture and intensely sweet flavour, making it a key ingredient in countless desserts and beverages. To produce this concentrated dairy product, manufacturers first evaporate roughly 60% of the water from cow's milk. Following this concentration process, a significant amount of sugar is added, which not only provides the signature sweetness but also acts as a powerful preservative. This combination of reduced moisture and high sugar content results in the thick, syrupy consistency and long shelf-life that characterises the product.

The Sugar Breakdown: Added vs. Natural Sugars

When assessing the sugar content of condensed milk, it's important to understand the two main sources at play: naturally occurring lactose and added sucrose. The search results show that a single tablespoon typically contains around 10 to 11 grams of total sugar. However, this figure is not made up of a single type of sugar. Plain cow's milk naturally contains lactose, but the concentration process and the significant addition of table sugar (sucrose) mean that added sugars form the bulk of the final product's sugar content.

Lactose and Sucrose

Lactose: The natural sugar found in milk. As the milk is concentrated, the lactose becomes more condensed, but it is a relatively small portion of the final product's sweetness. This is why people with lactose intolerance can also react to condensed milk, as the lactose content per volume is higher than in regular milk.
Sucrose: This is the table sugar that manufacturers add to the milk. It provides the dominant, powerful sweetness and serves as the preservative that extends the shelf life, allowing the product to be stored for long periods in a can.

Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk: A Sugar Comparison

Many people confuse sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk, and the key difference lies entirely in the sugar content. While both products are made by removing a large portion of the water from milk, only condensed milk has added sugar. This is crucial for anyone monitoring their sugar intake.


Feature	Sweetened Condensed Milk	Evaporated Milk
Processing	Water is removed, then a large amount of sugar is added.	Water is removed; no sugar is added.
Sugar Content	Approximately 10-11 grams per tablespoon (added and natural sugars).	Approximately 3 grams per ounce (only natural lactose).
Texture	Very thick, syrupy, and caramel-like due to the high sugar content.	Thinner, with a creamier texture than fresh milk.
Flavour	Intensely sweet and rich.	Just like milk, but a little creamier; not sweet.
Primary Use	Desserts, candies, and sweet beverages.	Savoury dishes, soups, and coffee for a richer, unsweetened flavour.

Nutritional Implications of High Sugar Content

Consuming too much sweetened condensed milk can contribute to several health issues associated with high sugar intake. According to various health sources, excess sugar can lead to weight gain, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. For those trying to manage their weight or blood sugar levels, understanding the high sugar density in condensed milk is vital.

Tips for Reducing Sugar When Using Condensed Milk

If you love the flavour of condensed milk but want to reduce your sugar consumption, consider these tips:

Use in Moderation: Given its high calorie and sugar density, simply reducing the amount you use in a recipe is the most direct way to cut back.
Opt for Alternatives: In recipes where the intense sweetness is not the main goal, use unsweetened evaporated milk instead.
Explore Sugar Substitutes: For certain applications, some people experiment with sugar alternatives, though their effects on taste and texture can vary.
Dilute When Possible: If adding to a beverage, consider using less condensed milk and making up the volume with regular milk or a milk alternative.

Conclusion

In summary, one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk packs a significant amount of sugar, typically between 10 and 11 grams. This high sugar content is a result of both concentrated lactose and substantial added sucrose, making it very different from its unsweetened counterpart, evaporated milk. While a versatile ingredient for desserts, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie and sugar density. Understanding the nutritional facts empowers you to make informed choices, enjoying this sweet treat responsibly while keeping your overall health goals in mind. For further information on recommended sugar intake, consult the guidelines published by the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweetened condensed milk is not necessarily 'unhealthy' in moderation, but due to its very high sugar and calorie content, excessive consumption can contribute to health problems like weight gain and diabetes.

Out of the 10 to 11 grams of total sugar found in a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, the majority is added sucrose. The remainder is naturally occurring lactose from the milk.

No, there is no such product as unsweetened condensed milk. The equivalent product, which is concentrated milk without any added sugar, is called evaporated milk.

The sugar content of sweetened condensed milk is drastically higher than that of regular milk. Regular milk only contains natural lactose, whereas condensed milk has both concentrated lactose and a significant amount of added sugar.

For recipes requiring a similar richness without the sweetness, unsweetened evaporated milk can be an effective substitute. For a completely different flavour profile, coconut cream or other dairy alternatives can also work.

To reduce sugar in baking, you can try using a slightly smaller quantity of condensed milk than the recipe calls for. Alternatively, you can use a portion of condensed milk and substitute the rest with unsweetened evaporated milk to maintain a creamy texture.

The risks of overconsumption include weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and dental problems. High intake of sweetened condensed milk is not recommended for individuals managing diabetes or heart disease.

While the sugar content is generally high across all sweetened condensed milk, slight variations in nutritional content can exist between different brands. Always check the product's nutrition label for precise information.