Unsweetened Canned Milk: A Complete Guide to Evaporated Milk
For many home cooks, the baking aisle can present a puzzle, especially when confronted with cans of milk that look remarkably similar. The key to knowing which canned milk is not sweet is to understand the difference between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk. While both are milk products from which roughly 60% of the water has been removed, the crucial difference is the sugar content. Evaporated milk is the unsweetened option, offering a creamy, concentrated dairy base without any added sugars. This versatility makes it a pantry workhorse for dishes both savory and sweet. Its sweet counterpart, sweetened condensed milk, is intentionally sugary and is used primarily for desserts and rich, sweet applications.
How Evaporated Milk Is Made and What It Tastes Like
Evaporated milk begins as fresh milk, which is then heated to remove the majority of its water content. This process concentrates the milk, resulting in a product that is thicker and creamier than regular milk. After the evaporation process, the milk is homogenized, canned, and heat-sterilized to ensure it remains shelf-stable for long periods. The high heat treatment also imparts a slightly caramelized, toasted flavor that distinguishes it from fresh milk. This subtle, nutty undertone is part of its unique appeal and is not an indication of added sweetness. Evaporated milk is essentially a concentrated form of unsweetened milk and can be found in non-fat, low-fat, and whole milk varieties.
Culinary Uses of Unsweetened Evaporated Milk
One of the greatest benefits of using evaporated milk is its versatility. Unlike sweetened condensed milk, which is relegated to sweet recipes, evaporated milk can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, enriching them without overwhelming the other flavors.
Uses in Savory Dishes
- Creamy Sauces: It serves as a fantastic base for cheese sauces, like homemade macaroni and cheese or a rich béchamel, because it resists curdling when heated with acidic or cheesy ingredients.
- Soups and Stews: A splash of evaporated milk can give cream-based soups, chowders, and stews a luxurious, creamy texture without adding extra fat or heavy cream.
- Mashed Potatoes: Substituting regular milk with evaporated milk in mashed potatoes results in an exceptionally creamy and rich consistency.
- Casseroles: Many creamy casseroles, such as tuna or chicken casseroles, rely on evaporated milk for their signature velvety finish.
Uses in Sweet Dishes and Beverages
- Tres Leches Cake: This popular Latin American dessert often features a combination of three milks, and evaporated milk provides the rich, non-sweet milk component that the cake soaks up.
- Baking: In many baking recipes, evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk or even cream to achieve a richer texture.
- Hot Beverages: Use it to create a creamy addition to coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea.
Can You Substitute Evaporated Milk for Condensed Milk? (and vice versa)
While they are both concentrated milks, evaporated and condensed milk are not directly interchangeable in most recipes. A key point of confusion arises because some mistakenly think adding sugar to evaporated milk will create a perfect substitute for sweetened condensed milk. While this can work in a pinch for some recipes, the process of adding sugar to fresh milk before the evaporation and sterilization process changes the flavor profile entirely, giving sweetened condensed milk a more caramelized taste. Using evaporated milk in a recipe that calls for condensed milk will result in a dish that lacks sweetness, while using sweetened condensed milk in a recipe requiring evaporated milk will make the dish overwhelmingly sweet.
Evaporated Milk vs. Sweetened Condensed Milk: A Comparison Table
To help clarify the differences, here is a quick comparison of evaporated and sweetened condensed milk:
| Feature | Evaporated Milk | Sweetened Condensed Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Unsweetened; contains no added sugar. | Very sweet; contains about 40-45% added sugar. |
| Consistency | Thicker and creamier than regular milk, but pourable. | Very thick, dense, and syrupy. |
| Flavor | Slightly toasted or caramelized, but not sweet. | Intensely sweet and caramelized due to the added sugar and processing. |
| Culinary Use | Versatile for both savory and sweet recipes like sauces, soups, and desserts. | Primarily for desserts, confections, and sweet beverages. |
| Processing | Milk is heated to remove water, then sterilized and canned. | Milk is heated to remove water, and sugar is added before canning. |
Storing and Using Canned Milk Effectively
Canned milk is a fantastic pantry staple because of its long shelf life. Both evaporated and sweetened condensed milk can be stored unopened in a cool, dark place for months or even years. However, once a can is opened, the rules change significantly.
After opening, any unused portion of canned milk should be transferred to an airtight container (non-metal) and refrigerated. Evaporated milk typically lasts about 3 to 7 days in the refrigerator once opened, while the high sugar content of sweetened condensed milk allows it to last longer, sometimes up to a month. You should never store opened canned milk in the original tin, as the metal can affect the taste.
Conclusion
When seeking a canned milk that is not sweet, evaporated milk is the clear choice. It is a versatile, unsweetened, and concentrated dairy product that can add rich creaminess to both savory and sweet dishes. Knowing the key distinction between evaporated and sweetened condensed milk will prevent many a culinary mistake, allowing you to use each ingredient for its intended purpose and achieve delicious results every time. Whether you’re whipping up a creamy soup, a savory casserole, or a decadent dessert, reaching for the right can is the first step toward a perfect dish. For more inspiration on using unsweetened evaporated milk, check out some creative ideas on reputable cooking sites, such as Epicurious.
Epicurious: Creative Ways to Use Evaporated Milk
Frequently Asked Questions About Canned Milk
What is evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is a canned milk product made by removing about 60% of the water from fresh milk, resulting in a richer, creamier texture and a slightly caramelized flavor without added sugar.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use evaporated milk in place of regular milk. To get a similar consistency, mix an equal amount of water with the evaporated milk. For a richer result, use it undiluted.
What does evaporated milk taste like?
Evaporated milk has a creamier, denser taste than regular milk, with a subtle toasted or caramelized note from the heating process. It is not sweet.
Is there such a thing as unsweetened condensed milk?
No, there is no such thing as unsweetened condensed milk. The term “condensed milk” implies the addition of sugar. If you find an unsweetened version of concentrated milk, it is evaporated milk.
How long does canned milk last once opened?
Once opened, evaporated milk should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated, where it will last for 3 to 7 days. Sweetened condensed milk, due to its high sugar content, can last up to a month in the fridge.
Can you make your own evaporated milk?
Yes, you can make your own evaporated milk by simmering fresh milk gently over low heat until the volume is reduced by about 60%, stirring frequently. One quart of milk will yield approximately 1.25 to 1.5 cups of evaporated milk.
Is evaporated milk good for you?
Evaporated milk is a nutritious option with a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and phosphorus than fresh milk. Some versions are fortified with Vitamin D. However, it is also higher in calories and fat (depending on the type) than its fresh milk counterpart.
Why do my savory dishes call for evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is often preferred for creamy savory dishes because its heat-treated casein proteins are less likely to curdle when cooked with acids or high heat. This creates a consistently smooth texture for sauces and soups.
