What Is Alaska Condensed Milk Made Of? The Truth About This Filipino Staple

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Alaska Condensed Milk, a popular ingredient in many Filipino desserts, is not simply a reduced-milk product but a 'filled' milk created by recombining milk solids, sugar, and vegetable oil. This process creates a distinct product that is different from traditional sweetened condensed milk.

Quick Summary

Alaska condensed milk is a Filipino dairy product made by combining milk solids, sugar, and water with vegetable oil as a substitute for milk fat. This makes it a filled milk, which is different from a traditional sweetened condensed milk.

Key Points

Filled Milk: Alaska condensed milk is primarily a "filled milk" product, substituting vegetable oil for milk fat.
Key Ingredients: It is made from recombined milk solids, water, sugar, and vegetable oil (such as coconut, palm, or corn).
Filipino Staple: It is a core ingredient in numerous Filipino desserts and dishes, including leche flan and halo-halo.
Manufacturing Process: The milk is produced through a recombination process, mixing powdered ingredients with water, rather than evaporating fresh milk.
Different Variants: The brand has multiple products, but the popular Condensada is a sweetened condensed filled milk, distinct from a full cream version.
Not From Alaska: Despite the name, Alaska Milk Corporation is a Philippine company and has no connection to the U.S. state.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients

Unlike traditional sweetened condensed milk, which is made by evaporating water from whole milk and adding sugar, Alaska's most popular versions are considered "filled milk" products. This distinction is crucial to understanding its composition and taste. The core ingredients typically include:

Sugar: This is a primary ingredient, giving it its characteristic sweetness. The high sugar content also acts as a preservative, allowing the product to be shelf-stable for an extended period.
Milk Solids or Powder: Rather than starting with fresh liquid milk, Alaska condensed milk is produced by recombining powdered milk solids, whey powder, or buttermilk powder with water.
Vegetable Oil: A key ingredient distinguishing it from standard condensed milk is the use of vegetable oil, such as coconut, palm, or corn oil, in place of milk fat. This is why it is often called a "sweetened condensed filled milk".
Water: Processed water is used to recombine the milk solids and sugar.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Ingredients like soy lecithin are added to ensure a smooth, uniform consistency. Stabilizers such as carrageenan may also be used to prevent separation.
Lactose: The natural milk sugar, lactose, is also a component.
Vitamins: Some variants are fortified with vitamins, such as A, B1, and E.

The Recombination Process

Instead of the traditional evaporation method, Alaska condensed milk is created using a process of recombination. This involves mixing milk powder and milk solids with water, sugar, and vegetable oil to achieve the desired consistency and flavor. The mixture is then homogenized and pasteurized before being canned. This method allows for a consistent product at a more affordable price point.

Alaska's Place in Filipino Cuisine

Originating from the Philippines, Alaska condensed milk is a staple in Filipino households. Its distinct taste and texture are essential for many iconic desserts and dishes, including:

Leche Flan: The rich, creamy base of this popular custard is often made with condensed milk.
Fruit Salad: A classic Filipino dessert often features Alaska Condensada as a key component of the sweet, milky dressing.
Sweet-Style Spaghetti: The sweetness in this unique Filipino dish is often achieved by adding condensed milk.
Halo-Halo: This refreshing shaved ice dessert relies on condensed milk for its creamy texture.

Comparison Table: Alaska vs. Traditional Condensed Milk


Feature	Alaska Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk (e.g., Condensada)	Traditional Sweetened Condensed Milk (e.g., Eagle Brand)
Fat Source	Vegetable oil (coconut, palm, or corn)	Milk fat from whole milk
Production Method	Recombined milk solids, sugar, and water with vegetable oil	Evaporation of water from fresh milk with added sugar
Primary Market	Predominantly in the Philippines and by Filipino communities abroad	Widely available globally
Allergens	Milk, soy lecithin, and potentially peanut oil	Typically milk and sometimes other allergens depending on brand
Flavor Profile	Very sweet with a specific creamy taste influenced by the vegetable oil	Very sweet with a rich, caramelized flavor from concentrated milk fat and sugar

The Difference Between 'Filled' Milk and Full Cream

Alaska offers various products, and it is important to distinguish between them. The popular Condensada is a sweetened condensed filled milk, meaning vegetable oil replaces the milk fat. Their more premium product, Alaska Classic Sweetened Condensed Filled Milk, is also listed as using vegetable fats. In contrast, a true "full cream" sweetened condensed milk would derive its fat solely from dairy milk, though Alaska's most common variants do not follow this composition. The substitution of vegetable fat for milk fat is a cost-effective method to provide a comparable product at a lower price point for consumers.

Conclusion

While a pantry staple for many, the components of Alaska condensed milk are a bit more complex than just milk and sugar. It is a "filled milk" product, specifically a sweetened condensed filled milk, made by recombining milk solids, water, vegetable oil, and sugar. This production method and ingredient substitution have made it a cost-effective and beloved ingredient, especially in Filipino cuisine. The rich history of the Alaska brand, now owned by FrieslandCampina, showcases its long-standing presence and importance in the Philippine market. For those seeking an alternative to traditional condensed milk with a distinct flavor and specific uses in mind, Alaska is a perfect option, but its differences are important to note. To learn more about the parent company, you can visit the official Alaska Milk Corporation website.

Alaska Milk Corporation

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is the fat source. Alaska condensed milk is typically a "filled milk" product, meaning it uses vegetable oil instead of the milk fat found in traditional sweetened condensed milk.

Yes, it is a dairy product, but it is a filled dairy product. It contains milk solids but substitutes vegetable oil for the milk fat. It also contains lactose from milk.

Alaska condensed milk is a product of the Philippines. The company, Alaska Milk Corporation, is headquartered in Makati and has been a leading dairy company in the country for decades.

Yes, you can often substitute Alaska condensed milk for traditional condensed milk in recipes. However, due to the use of vegetable oil, it may have a slightly different flavor profile and consistency, which some may notice in more delicate recipes.

Yes, some versions of Alaska condensed milk are fortified with vitamins, such as Vitamins A, B1, and E, as listed on product labels.

The Alaska brand, originating in the Philippines, has no connection to the U.S. state of Alaska. It was established by Holland Milk Products in 1972 and later became Alaska Milk Corporation.

Both Condensada and Classic are sweetened condensed filled milk products. Condensada is often positioned as a budget-friendly option for general cooking, while Classic is marketed as a slightly more premium product, though both use vegetable fats.

It is used in a wide range of desserts and dishes, including leche flan, fruit salad, sweet spaghetti, and beverages like halo-halo and coffee.