At first glance, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk look similar. Both are often found in canned packaging, but there are many differences between them. So which one should you use for your recipes? Let’s find out!

Understanding the Differences Between Evaporated Milk and Sweetened Condensed Milk

Evaporated milk is dairy milk that has undergone evaporation to reduce its water content, resulting in a thicker texture compared to regular milk. However, in terms of taste, evaporated milk is quite similar to regular milk. It’s sometimes slightly richer and denser.

On the other hand, sweetened condensed milk is made by heating milk to reduce its water content. Then sugar is added to serve as a natural preservative and give it its thick texture. However, many sweetened condensed milk brands now contain so much sugar that they can hardly be classified as milk products.

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A Deeper Dive into It

Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk.

1. Sugar Content

Evaporated milk does not contain added sugar, whereas sweetened condensed milk has a high sugar content. Thus, sweetened condensed milk is definitely much sweeter. If you want a creamy addition with lower sugar content, evaporated milk is the better choice.

2. Usage

Both evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are commonly used in creamy dishes or beverages. However, sweetened condensed milk is primarily used for sweet dishes. It’s also popular as a spread for bread, in sweet martabak, and as a sweetener for juices. In contrast, evaporated milk can be used in savory dishes, such as cream soups.

3. Nutrition

Nutritionally, evaporated milk is superior as it contains more protein and calcium. In contrast, sweetened condensed milk has lower nutritional value and is higher in calories due to its sugar content.

4. Taste

Sweetened condensed milk has a stronger, sweeter flavor, making it perfect for desserts. Meanwhile, evaporated milk offers a more natural creamy taste, suitable for a variety of dishes.

4. Price

In terms of price, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are quite similar. However, because evaporated milk is often used in a bigger quantity for one dish, it may appear more expensive. On the other hand, a can of sweetened condensed milk, priced almost the same, can be used for several dishes or multiple cooking sessions.

When to Use Evaporated Milk and Sweetened Condensed Milk?

When choosing between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, consider the type of dish you want to make. If you’re baking or making a dessert that requires sweetness, sweetened condensed milk is the right choice. However, if you’re cooking something that needs rich flavor and texture, evaporated milk is the best option.

Healthy Alternatives

So, after understanding the differences between evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, which do you think is better?

Nutritionally, evaporated milk certainly has higher nutrients with lower calories and sugar. However, not everyone can consume evaporated milk due to health issues like lactose intolerance and milk allergies, or simply because of its limited availability.

If you want to make creamy dishes but face these issues, you might try FiberCreme. This high-fiber multipurpose powder adds creamy flavor to any dish while keeping sugar low and containing 0mg cholesterol. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to stay healthy without sacrificing taste.