How to make evaporated milk from condensed milk?

In this article, we will answer the question “How to make evaporated milk from condensed milk?”, and how to make evaporated milk and condensed milk at home?

How to make evaporated milk from condensed milk?

You cannot make evaporated milk from condensed milk because condensed milk is a form of evaporated milk added with sugar. It would be necessary to remove the sugar from the condensed milk, which is not possible (2). 

Although it is possible to use condensed milk in the place of evaporated milk in sweet recipes by the exclusion of sugar, it is not possible to obtain evaporated milk from the condensed milk.

What is the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?

The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that condensed milk contains sugar in its composition. The product is thicker in the consistency and is darker in the color, as a result of the Maillard reaction that occurs during its production (2).

Evaporated milk is made by evaporating about 60% water from fresh milk. It is a shelf-stable product because of the removal of water by using heat treatments, which reduce the water activity (the water available for microbial development and the occurrence of enzymatic reactions) and the microbial load of milk. 

In turn, extending the shelf life of milk. The milk is usually concentrated by vacuum evaporation at 45–70°C, sterilized and packed (3).

Similarly, condensed milk is a milk product that is also prepared by removing about 60% of the water from dairy milk. However, sucrose is added to milk till approximately half the ratio of sugar to milk is achieved. 

Sucrose acts as a preservative by increasing the osmotic pressure of the fluid, thus, preventing microbial growth. Sweetened condensed milk is normally packed in cans that are first sterilized by flaming. The cans should be filled accurately to avoid any air in the head space, as this could permit the growth of osmophilic yeasts. 

The product can maintain its nutritious properties for a period of up to 2 years, without the need of refrigeration. Sweetened condensed milk has low water activity, aw (∼0.83), and high contents of sugar that restrict the growth of most microorganisms (3).

What are the nutritional profiles of evaporated milk and condensed milk?

The nutritional profiles of evaporated milk and condensed milk are given below (2):

ProductWater Fat Protein CarbohydrateAsh/ minerals
American standard 72.7–74.77.5–8.06.5–7.19–101.3–1.6
British standard 67–699–108–911–12.51.9–2.1
Sweetened condensed milk 2798551.8

How to make evaporated milk at home?

Evaporated milk can be easily made at home by simmering milk on low-medium heat. It is important that you only simmer the milk and do not let it boil. After about 25-30 minutes, the milk will become thick and creamy with a slight pale-yellow color.

It is important to mention that the evaporation should be done at low temperatures, such as at ∼70°C (158°F), in order to reduce the thermal degradation of the milk and prevent the loss of nutrients and generation of undesirable sensory effects (3).

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How to make condensed milk?

With evaporated milk

You will need the following ingredients to make condensed milk from evaporated milk. The amount of that should be added is 62.5 to 64.5 g for each 100 g of concentrated milk (3).

  • 215 g white granulated sugar (7.6 ounces)
  • 12 ounces can of evaporated milk (340 g)

Follow the procedure given below:

  1. Pour the evaporated milk and sugar into a pot or saucepan.
  2. Bring the liquid to a boil while stirring continuously. Reduce the heat to the lowest heat possible to avoid extensive browning.
  3. Keep an eye on the color and consistency. When the liquid develops a pale yellow color and a rich creamy consistency, turn off the flame.
  4. Let it cool at room temperature.
  5. Store in the refrigerator in a sterilized container.

With fresh milk

If you do not have evaporated milk, worry not, use whole milk to make sweetened condensed milk for your desserts. You will need the following ingredients (3):

  • 215 g white granulated sugar (7.6 ounces)
  • 12 ounces can of evaporated milk (340 g)

Follow the procedure given below:

  1. Pour the milk into a pot or a saucepan
  2. Cook on low heat, reducing the heat to the lowest heat possible to avoid extensive browning until the volume of milk is reduced to half of the initial volume
  3. Add the sugar and keep stirring at a low temperature 
  4. When the liquid develops a pale yellow color and a rich creamy consistency, turn off the flame
  5. Let it cool.
  6. Store in a sterilized container and refrigerate.

Conclusion

In this article, we answered the question “How to make evaporated milk from condensed milk?”, and how to make evaporated milk and condensed milk at home?

References

  1. Rabiei, Samira, et al. Consumption of milk and dairy products in Iranian population; barriers and facilitators. Clin Nutr Open Sci, 2021, 38, 1-23. 
  2. Mehta, Bhavbhuti M. Chemical composition of milk and milk products. Handbook of food chemistry. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2015. 511-553.
  3. Oliveira, Maricê Nogueira de, Ana Lúcia Barretto Penna, and H. Garcia Nevarez. Production of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and ‘Dulce de Leche’. Dairy powders and concentrated products. 2009.
  4. Rodríguez, María Martínez, Mᵃ de Lourdes Samaniego-Vaesken, and Elena Alonso-Aperte. A New Food Composition Database of Lactose-Free Products Commercialized in Spain: Differences in Nutritional Composition as Compared to Traditional Products. Foods, 2021, 10, 4.

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