Is there a condensed milk that is sugar free? Navigating healthier dairy-free and keto alternatives

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 54% of consumers are trying to reduce sugar in their diets, making sweet-tasting alternatives a necessity. For those wondering, 'Is there a condensed milk that is sugar free?', the answer is a resounding yes, with several convenient store-bought and DIY options available for health-conscious dessert lovers.

Quick Summary

Sugar-free condensed milk exists as both commercial products, such as those by Splenda and keto brands, and simple homemade recipes. Made from dairy or coconut milk, it relies on alternative sweeteners like allulose or monk fruit to achieve its sweet, thick consistency for use in desserts and drinks.

Key Points

Commercial Options: Branded sugar-free condensed milks, like Splenda's reduced-calorie version, are available for purchase.
DIY Recipes: You can easily make your own sugar-free condensed milk using dairy (heavy cream) or dairy-free (coconut milk) ingredients.
Best Sweeteners: Allulose is highly recommended for homemade versions as it prevents crystallization upon cooling, unlike some other sugar alcohols.
Versatile Uses: Sugar-free condensed milk can be used in a wide range of applications, from baking low-carb desserts to sweetening beverages.
Dairy-Free Alternative: For vegan or lactose-free diets, a coconut milk-based recipe using a keto-friendly sweetener is an excellent option.

The Short Answer: Yes, Sugar-Free Options Are Readily Available

Enjoying the creamy, sweet richness of condensed milk is now possible without high sugar content, thanks to the demand for healthier and keto alternatives. Both commercial brands and homemade recipes provide convenient ways to achieve this, typically utilizing alternative sweeteners like allulose or monk fruit.

Commercial Sugar-Free Condensed Milk Products

For those who prefer not to make it from scratch, several ready-made sugar-free condensed milk options are available:

Splenda Reduced Calorie Sweetened Condensed Milk: A dairy-based product using alternative sweeteners, this option offers fewer calories than traditional condensed milk and can be used as a direct substitute in many recipes.
Keto and Vegan Alternatives: Specialty brands cater to specific dietary needs, offering products often made from coconut milk and sweetened with natural sugar substitutes.

How to make your own sugar-free condensed milk

Making sugar-free condensed milk at home allows for control over ingredients. The basic process involves simmering a milk base with a sugar substitute until it thickens.

Dairy-Based (Keto Friendly) Combine heavy cream, butter, and a powdered sweetener like allulose or monk fruit in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until reduced and thickened. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Dairy-Free (Vegan) Simmer full-fat coconut milk with a sweetener such as monk fruit. Optionally, add a natural thickener like xanthan gum for a smoother texture. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, then cool. It will thicken further as it cools.

Choosing the Right Sweetener for the Perfect Texture

The sweetener choice impacts the final texture of sugar-free condensed milk.

Allulose: Powdered allulose is favored by many as it resists crystallization during chilling, providing a smooth, syrupy consistency.
Monk Fruit: Often blended with other sweeteners, monk fruit offers sweetness. However, blends containing erythritol can lead to crystallization when cold.
Erythritol: While a common keto sweetener, erythritol can cause a grainy texture due to crystallization upon cooling. Using a powdered form and avoiding prolonged chilling can help.

Nutritional Comparison of Condensed Milk Types


Feature	Regular Sweetened Condensed Milk	Homemade Sugar-Free (Dairy)	Homemade Sugar-Free (Dairy-Free)
Key Ingredients	Milk, Sugar (40-45% by weight)	Heavy cream, Butter, Keto Sweetener	Full-fat Coconut Milk, Keto Sweetener
Sugar Content	Very High	Zero added sugar	Zero added sugar
Texture & Flavor	Thick, rich, and very sweet; may caramelize	Rich, creamy, and dairy-forward; thickens upon cooling	Creamy, with a noticeable coconut flavor; requires a thickener like xanthan gum
Calories	High (~130 kcal/oz)	Lower than traditional, dependent on ingredients	Lower than traditional, dependent on coconut milk fat content
Best For	Traditional pies, caramels, and fudge	Keto desserts, coffee, and sauces	Vegan and dairy-free recipes; tropical-flavored treats

How to Use Sugar-Free Condensed Milk in Your Cooking

Sugar-free condensed milk can be used in numerous ways:

Desserts: Make sugar-free versions of key lime pie, fudge, puddings, or cheesecake.
Beverages: Sweeten coffee or tea, or create a keto Vietnamese coffee.
Sauces: Use it to make caramel or as a topping for various treats.

For more low-sugar baking tips, resources on sugar alternatives can provide guidance.

Conclusion

Finding a sugar-free condensed milk is achievable through commercial products or homemade recipes. Both options allow for the desired rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor without high sugar content. Selecting the right sweetener is crucial for optimal consistency. Health-conscious individuals can adapt their favorite recipes to be guilt-free with these alternatives.

Source: BBC Good Food - 15 tips for sugar-free baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it may taste slightly different. While designed to mimic the flavor, the taste is dependent on the type of sweetener used. Stevia may have a noticeable aftertaste, while allulose and monk fruit are often praised for their more sugar-like flavor profiles.

For most recipes, yes. However, since sugar-free versions don't caramelize like sugar, they may behave differently in certain preparations. They work perfectly in no-bake desserts, fudge, and beverages, but may require minor adjustments for specific baking needs.

To prevent crystallization, which is common with sweeteners like erythritol when chilled, use powdered allulose. If you must use erythritol, use a finely powdered version and consider a small amount of liquid allulose to improve the texture.

Yes, unsweetened condensed milk is simply evaporated milk. However, this is not a substitute for sweetened condensed milk unless you add a sweetener, as its primary purpose is thickening without adding sugar.

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade sugar-free condensed milk can last for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to several months.

Full-fat coconut milk from a can is the best dairy-free base. Its high fat content helps it thicken and achieve a rich, creamy consistency similar to traditional condensed milk.

Many sugar-free sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol do not spike blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetics. Always check the specific ingredients and consult a healthcare provider, especially when using commercial products that might contain blends.