What is fat-free condensed milk?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition labels, one 2-tablespoon serving of Eagle Brand fat-free condensed milk contains 110 calories with zero fat, making it a viable alternative for those watching their fat intake. What is fat-free condensed milk and how is it made? It's a reduced-calorie ingredient that retains the signature sweetness and thick consistency of its full-fat counterpart while being made with nonfat milk.

Quick Summary

Fat-free condensed milk is a pantry staple made from nonfat milk and sugar, with excess water removed to create a sweet, thick syrup. It serves as a lower-fat substitute for regular sweetened condensed milk in a variety of dessert and beverage applications. The reduction process, paired with sugar, allows it to thicken and provide a creamy texture without the added milk fat.

Key Points

What is it?: Fat-free condensed milk is made from nonfat milk and sugar, with excess water removed to create a thick, sweet syrup.
How it's made: Skim milk is heated, combined with sugar, and then concentrated through evaporation to remove water, resulting in its characteristic thick consistency.
Fat vs. Fat-Free: The primary difference is the use of nonfat milk instead of whole milk, resulting in a product with 0g of fat per serving.
Substitution: You can typically substitute fat-free condensed milk for the regular kind on a 1:1 basis in most recipes, especially pies, puddings, and drinks.
Uses: Ideal for key lime pies, no-churn ice creams, caramel sauce, and as a sweetener for coffee or tea.
Storage: It has a long shelf life when sealed. Once opened, it should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

What is Fat-Free Condensed Milk and How is it Made?

Fat-free condensed milk is a dairy product created by taking nonfat milk and adding a large amount of sugar, then heating the mixture to evaporate approximately 60% of the water content. This process results in a thick, syrupy, and intensely sweet liquid that can be used in a variety of culinary applications, particularly desserts. Unlike regular sweetened condensed milk, which uses whole milk, the fat-free version is made with nonfat or skim milk, reducing its overall fat and calorie content. The sugar not only provides a sweet flavor but also acts as a preservative, giving the product a long shelf life in its sealed can.

The manufacturing process starts with pasteurized skimmed cow's milk. This milk is heated to high temperatures (around 160°–190°F) to kill bacteria and prepare it for concentration. Sugar is then added to the heated milk. The mixture is homogenized to ensure a smooth, uniform consistency before being condensed under vacuum to remove the water. Once the desired thickness is achieved, the product is cooled and canned. The end result is a creamy, pourable liquid with a high sugar content and zero fat. This allows home cooks and bakers to achieve a rich texture and sweetness in recipes without the added fat.

Culinary Applications and Recipes

Fat-free condensed milk is incredibly versatile and can be used in almost any recipe that calls for the full-fat version, from cakes and pies to beverages and fudge. Its primary function is to provide sweetness and a creamy, thick texture to recipes where milk fat is not the main component. This makes it ideal for custards, ice cream bases, and no-bake treats.

Recipes for Fat-Free Condensed Milk

Key Lime Pie: This classic no-bake pie relies on the acidic lime juice to thicken the condensed milk filling. The fat-free version works perfectly, providing the necessary sweetness and creamy texture for a lighter dessert.
Lightened Banoffee Pies: Layer fat-free condensed milk (cooked down into a caramel), fresh bananas, and a light whipped topping on a reduced-fat biscuit base for a delicious dessert.
Coffee and Tea: A spoonful stirred into hot or iced coffee or tea, such as Vietnamese coffee, adds a creamy sweetness without the heaviness of cream.
Fruit Toppings: Drizzle over fresh fruit, pancakes, or waffles for a quick and decadent topping.
Cheesecake: Incorporate it into cheesecake recipes to reduce the overall fat content while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.

Comparison: Fat-Free vs. Regular Condensed Milk

While fat-free condensed milk is an excellent substitute for the regular version in many recipes, there are key differences to consider. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is best for your culinary needs.


Feature	Fat-Free Condensed Milk	Regular Sweetened Condensed Milk
Fat Content	0g per serving.	Typically 8-9% fat.
Ingredients	Nonfat/Skim Milk, Sugar, sometimes Vitamin A Palmitate.	Whole Milk, Sugar.
Calories	Lower, around 110 calories per 2 Tbsp serving.	Higher, around 123 calories per ounce.
Texture	Very similar, thick and syrupy due to high sugar content.	Richer, creamier texture due to milk fat.
Flavor	Sweet and creamy, but with a lighter mouthfeel.	Richer, more decadent flavor profile.
Best For	Lower-fat desserts, coffee sweeteners, key lime pie.	Traditional fudge, caramels, and recipes where richness is key.

Tips for Using Fat-Free Condensed Milk

Recipe Conversion: In most baking recipes, you can substitute fat-free condensed milk for the regular version on a 1:1 basis.
Texture Adjustment: While the texture is similar, in recipes where fat is a critical component for moistness (like some cookies or cakes), you may notice a slight difference in the final product's texture. For puddings, ice creams, and fillings, the swap works seamlessly.
Check Labels: Be sure you are buying fat-free sweetened condensed milk, as this differs from evaporated milk, which is unsweetened and should not be used interchangeably.

Conclusion

Fat-free condensed milk offers a simple and effective way to reduce the fat content in your favorite sweet treats without sacrificing a creamy texture or sweet flavor. By utilizing nonfat milk and the same water-reduction process, manufacturers create a product that can be used as a direct substitute for the full-fat version in a wide array of recipes, from pies and cheesecakes to coffee and fudge. It's a versatile pantry item for anyone looking to make a healthier dessert choice, proving that you can have rich flavor and texture with a little less guilt. The high sugar content and thick consistency make it an excellent ingredient for countless applications, allowing for delicious and satisfying results every time.

Additional Resources

Eagle Brand Product FAQs: https://www.eaglebrand.com/eagle-brand-product-faqs/

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most recipes, you can substitute fat-free condensed milk for the regular version on a 1:1 basis. The difference in fat content is usually negligible for the final result, especially in custards, pies, and beverages.

The main difference is the sugar content. Fat-free condensed milk is sweetened, while evaporated milk is unsweetened. This means they are not interchangeable in recipes without significant adjustments.

While the taste is very similar due to the high sugar content, some people may notice a subtle difference in the mouthfeel. The fat-free version is slightly lighter, while the regular version has a richer, creamier feel from the milk fat.

Yes, you can. A common method involves simmering a combination of nonfat milk and sugar until it reduces and thickens. Some recipes also use nonfat dry milk powder as a shortcut.

Once opened, transfer the remaining condensed milk to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about a week.

No, as fat-free condensed milk is still made from dairy (nonfat milk), it contains lactose and is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Alternative recipes using dairy-free milk powder or coconut milk are available.

Fat-free condensed milk can be used in a wide variety of desserts and beverages. Some popular uses include key lime pie, low-fat cheesecakes, coffee, tea, and homemade fudge.