Which Condensed Milk Has Less Sugar? A Guide to Lower-Sugar Options

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Traditional sweetened condensed milk is notoriously high in sugar, with some versions containing over 40% sugar by weight. For those monitoring their sugar intake or following a specific diet, this presents a challenge. So, which condensed milk has less sugar, and what are the best alternatives for guilt-free indulgence? This guide explores your best options.

Quick Summary

This nutritional guide details alternatives to standard sweetened condensed milk to help consumers reduce their sugar intake. It compares unsweetened evaporated milk, commercially available low-sugar brands, and homemade recipes using sugar substitutes. The content provides a comprehensive overview of options for adapting desserts and other recipes to fit a healthier diet.

Key Points

Evaporated Milk: Also known as 'unsweetened condensed milk,' this product is the lowest in sugar among standard canned options, containing only the milk's natural lactose.
Specialty Brands: Products like Splenda Reduced Calorie Sweetened Condensed Milk use artificial sweeteners and have zero added sugars.
Vegan Options: Dairy-free alternatives like Nature's Charm Sugar Free Condensed Coconut Milk offer a low-sugar alternative for vegans.
Homemade Alternatives: Creating your own low-sugar condensed milk at home with heavy cream and keto-friendly sweeteners provides maximum control over ingredients.
Check Labels: It is critical to read nutritional labels to understand added sugar, calorie counts, and the specific types of sweeteners used in different condensed milk products.
Consider the Application: Use unsweetened evaporated milk for savory dishes or desserts where you can control the sweetness, and opt for sweetened alternatives for specific baked goods.

The Core Difference: Sweetened vs. Unsweetened

To understand which condensed milk has less sugar, it's crucial to know the fundamental difference between the two main types of canned concentrated milk: sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (SCM): This is the classic, thick, syrupy product found in many dessert recipes. It is made by removing about 60% of the water from milk and adding a large amount of sugar (around 40–45%). The sugar acts as a preservative, eliminating the need for refrigeration until the can is opened.
Evaporated Milk: Often called 'unsweetened condensed milk,' evaporated milk is also made by removing about 60% of the water from milk but has no sugar added. It is then sterilized at a high temperature, giving it a longer shelf life. It is less viscous and has a more neutral, slightly caramelized flavor compared to its sweetened counterpart.

Because evaporated milk contains no added sugar, it is the clear winner for anyone seeking the lowest-sugar option among standard canned milk products. It provides the creamy richness of concentrated milk without the sugar overload.

Leading the Low-Sugar Charge: Specialty Brands

For those who need the sweetness and thickening power of condensed milk but want to avoid traditional sugar, several companies offer excellent alternatives.

Splenda Reduced Calorie Sweetened Condensed Milk: This product is explicitly marketed as having zero added sugars, relying instead on non-nutritive sweeteners like Splenda (sucralose) and allulose. It offers a creamy, sweet taste with significantly fewer calories, making it a favorite for keto and low-carb bakers.
Nature's Charm Sugar Free Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk: This is a fantastic plant-based, sugar-free alternative for vegans or those with dairy sensitivities. Made from coconut milk, it uses non-caloric sweeteners to replicate the flavor and texture of traditional condensed milk. It is also gluten-free.
Nestlé Reduced Sugar Options: Some international markets may offer reduced-sugar sweetened condensed milk. For instance, Nestlé has a version with 25% less sugar available in some regions, though it still contains added sugar.

These specialty products are a boon for dieters, but it is essential to check the nutritional information to understand the total carbohydrates, as some sugar substitutes may still contain some carbs or have a laxative effect in large quantities.

DIY Low-Sugar Condensed Milk: The Homemade Route

If you prefer to control your ingredients entirely, making a homemade version is a simple and rewarding process. The key is to use a high-fat milk base and a granulated, keto-friendly sweetener.

Here is a simple recipe for homemade, sugar-free condensed milk:

Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered keto-friendly sweetener (like allulose or monk fruit blend), 1 tbsp unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt.
Combine and Heat: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring continuously.
Simmer and Thicken: Once the butter is melted, whisk in the sweetener and continue to stir and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken further as it chills. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This method allows you to enjoy the creamy, rich texture of condensed milk with the sweetener of your choice, free from the high sugar content of traditional recipes.

Comparison Table: A Nutritional Snapshot

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the various condensed milk options.


Product Type	Added Sugar Content	Calorie Count (per 2 tbsp)	Best For...
Standard Sweetened Condensed Milk	High (22g)	High (130)	Traditional desserts where high sugar is required, like fudge or key lime pie.
Evaporated Milk (Unsweetened)	None	Lower (60-70)	Custom-sweetened desserts, savory dishes, creamy sauces, and coffee creamer.
Splenda Reduced Calorie SCM	None (uses sweeteners)	Lower (80)	Keto and low-carb baking, recipes that require a sweet condensed milk taste without the sugar.
Nature's Charm Sugar Free Coconut	None (uses sweeteners)	Moderate	Vegan and dairy-free diets, low-sugar baking, and adding tropical flavor.
Homemade Low-Sugar SCM	None (uses sweeteners)	Variable	Customization for specific dietary needs, such as keto or diabetic-friendly recipes.

Navigating Your Options for a Healthier Diet

Choosing a lower-sugar condensed milk is a smart move for anyone watching their sugar intake. When selecting your product, consider the following points:

Read the Label: Always check the ingredient list for hidden sugars or alternative sweeteners. The term 'unsweetened condensed milk' is typically reserved for evaporated milk, but reading the label confirms it.
Consider the Recipe: If you are making a savory dish or a dessert that can be sweetened separately, evaporated milk is your most versatile and lowest-sugar choice. If a high level of sweetness is essential, one of the specialty products or a homemade version will be a better fit.
Embrace Alternatives: Explore dairy-free and vegan options like coconut or oat-based condensed milks, which often come in lower-sugar varieties or can be made at home.
Practice Portion Control: Even with low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives, it's wise to practice portion control. While they contain less sugar, many still have calories and fat.

Conclusion

For those asking which condensed milk has less sugar, the answer is clear: evaporated milk is the naturally unsweetened product, containing no added sugar. However, modern food science has also brought specialized, sweetened, no-added-sugar versions to market, such as Splenda's offering, which cater specifically to low-carb and keto diets. Whether you choose a commercially produced product or a simple homemade recipe, plenty of options are available to help you reduce your sugar consumption without sacrificing flavor or texture in your favorite dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sweetened condensed milk contains a high amount of added sugar (around 40-45%), while evaporated milk contains no added sugar and is simply a concentrated, sterilized form of milk.

Yes, but you will need to add a sweetener to achieve a similar taste and consistency. A cup-for-cup substitution of unsweetened evaporated milk will result in a much less sweet and thicker final product.

Yes. Due to its high sugar and saturated fat content, excessive consumption can contribute to a higher caloric intake, weight gain, and increased risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Not necessarily. Evaporated milk is simply regular milk with some water removed, so it is more concentrated. It contains more calories and nutrients per volume but without the added sugar of sweetened condensed milk. The 'healthier' option depends on your dietary goals.

Powdered keto-friendly sweeteners like allulose or a monk fruit and erythritol blend are good choices for making homemade versions. They provide sweetness without the carbs and perform well when heated.

Yes. Brands like Nature's Charm offer sugar-free condensed coconut milk. You can also make your own vegan version using full-fat coconut milk and a sugar-free sweetener.

For both store-bought and homemade versions, leftover condensed milk should be transferred from the can to an airtight container and refrigerated. Most refrigerated leftovers should be used within 5-10 days.