Is Condensed Milk a Dairy Product? Understanding the Ingredients

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

By its traditional definition, condensed milk is a dairy product, created by concentrating cow's milk and adding sugar. This rich, sweet ingredient has been a baking staple since the mid-19th century, prized for its long shelf life and thick, syrupy texture.

Quick Summary

Traditional condensed milk is a dairy product made from cow's milk and sugar. It is not dairy-free, but plant-based alternatives using coconut, soy, or oat milk are widely available. Key differences include the core ingredients, flavor profile, and suitability for dietary restrictions like veganism or lactose intolerance.

Key Points

Traditional Condensed Milk Is Dairy: Standard condensed milk is made from cow's milk and is not dairy-free or vegan.
Lactose is Concentrated: The process of removing water from milk increases the concentration of lactose, making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Vegan Alternatives Exist: Many commercial and homemade versions use plant-based milks like coconut, soy, or oat milk to replicate condensed milk.
Sweetness is a Key Differentiator: The primary difference between condensed and evaporated milk is the addition of a large amount of sugar to condensed milk.
Evaporated Milk is Also Dairy: Though unsweetened, evaporated milk is also a dairy product, just a different form of concentrated milk.
Ingredients Must Be Checked: Always read the label on condensed milk to determine its base, especially when adhering to specific dietary requirements.

What is Traditional Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Traditional sweetened condensed milk is a concentrated and heavily sugared dairy product. The production process begins with fresh cow's milk, which is heated to remove about 60% of its water content. This evaporation process thickens the milk and gives it a lightly caramelized flavor. At this stage, a significant amount of sugar is added, which serves as a preservative and contributes to its thick consistency. The sugar also creates a high osmotic pressure environment, which prevents the growth of most microorganisms.

The Role of Milk and Sugar

The primary ingredients in traditional condensed milk are straightforward: milk and sugar. The milk provides the dairy solids, including milk proteins (like casein and whey) and lactose. The high concentration of these solids, combined with the added sugar, is what gives the final product its characteristic creamy texture and sweetness. Brands like Eagle Brand often list just milk and sugar as their core ingredients, emphasizing the product's dairy base.

Is Condensed Milk Suitable for Vegans or Lactose-Intolerant Individuals?

Due to its primary ingredient being cow's milk, traditional condensed milk is not suitable for vegans or individuals with a dairy allergy. While the high sugar content does preserve the milk, it does not remove the dairy components. For those with lactose intolerance, condensed milk is particularly unsuitable, as the process of condensing the milk actually concentrates the lactose, resulting in a higher concentration of lactose per serving compared to regular milk.

Exploring Non-Dairy Alternatives

For those seeking a dairy-free option, there are several commercially available and homemade alternatives. These plant-based versions mimic the texture and sweetness of traditional condensed milk without using any animal products. Common bases for these alternatives include:

Coconut Condensed Milk: Made by simmering full-fat coconut milk with sugar until it reduces and thickens to the desired consistency. It has a distinct coconut flavor that works well in many desserts.
Soy Condensed Milk: By boiling down soy milk with sugar, you can create a versatile plant-based alternative. Soy milk starts with a relatively thick consistency, making it a reliable base.
Oat Condensed Milk: Extra-creamy oat milk can also be used to make a dairy-free condensed milk, though some may find the taste "oaty".
Nut-Based Versions: Recipes using cashews or other nuts blended with water and sweeteners are another option for a creamy, dairy-free version, though they won't have the same neutral flavor profile as milk-based varieties.

Condensed Milk vs. Evaporated Milk: A Quick Comparison

While the names are often used interchangeably, there is a critical distinction between condensed and evaporated milk. Both undergo a process where water is removed from cow's milk, resulting in a concentrated product. However, the difference lies in the addition of sugar and the preservation method.

Comparison Table: Condensed vs. Evaporated Milk


Feature	Sweetened Condensed Milk	Evaporated Milk (Unsweetened Condensed)
Primary Ingredients	Cow's milk, sugar	Cow's milk
Sweetness	Intensely sweet (approx. 40-45% sugar)	Unsweetened
Consistency	Thick, syrupy, and viscous	Thinner, more pourable than condensed
Flavor Profile	Sweet and caramelized from the sugar addition	Slightly toasted or caramelized from the high heat sterilization process
Preservation	High sugar content	Sterilization (intensive heat treatment)
Use Case	Primarily used for desserts, candies, and sweet coffee/tea	Used in both sweet and savory recipes for creaminess without added sugar

Conclusion: The Dairy Status of Condensed Milk

In summary, traditional store-bought condensed milk is unquestionably a dairy product. It is derived from cow's milk and retains all the dairy components, including lactose and milk proteins. This makes it unsuitable for those with a dairy allergy or who follow a vegan diet. However, the rise of plant-based cooking has led to excellent non-dairy alternatives made from coconut, soy, and other ingredients that can satisfy the need for a thick, sweet syrup in recipes. Understanding the fundamental ingredients is key to making informed dietary choices. For further reading, Dairy Processing Handbook offers comprehensive insight into the manufacturing of condensed milk and other dairy products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. When a recipe or product label says 'condensed milk,' it is almost always referring to sweetened condensed milk, which contains a large amount of added sugar.

No, traditional condensed milk is made from cow's milk and contains milk proteins, making it unsafe for individuals with a dairy allergy.

You can, but it is not a 1:1 substitution. Evaporated milk is unsweetened, so you will need to add sugar to achieve the desired sweetness level for most dessert recipes.

Condensed coconut milk is a dairy-free and vegan alternative to traditional condensed milk. It is made by simmering full-fat coconut milk with a sweetener, such as sugar, until it becomes thick and syrupy.

Traditional sweetened condensed milk is preserved by its high sugar concentration. The sugar creates a low water activity, which prevents the growth of most bacteria and microorganisms.

Yes, condensed milk contains a concentrated amount of lactose. During the manufacturing process, water is removed from the milk, which increases the percentage of milk solids and, therefore, lactose.

No, they are different products. Condensed milk is a liquid made by removing water from milk, while milk powder is a completely dehydrated product. Milk powder is, however, sometimes used as an ingredient to create recombined condensed milk.