Condensed milk, also known as sweetened condensed milk, is a thick, creamy, and ultra-delicious milk product that’s used as an ingredient in different dishes all across the world. It’s used in both savory and sweet dishes, and of course, our belovedVietnamese iced coffee(cà phê sữa đá) but the best way to enjoy it is to scoop a spoonful straight from the can - don’t yuck our yum!
Here’s everything you need to know about condensed milk, from how it’s made, its history, and the best way to enjoy it.
Picture courtesy of Pixaby
What is Condensed Milk and How is it Made?
Condensed milk is simply cow’s milk from which 60% of its water content has been removed. Once removed, sugar is then added, which acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of the milk. The mixture is then heated further until the water content is reduced to around 25%, resulting in a thick, creamy consistency.
The heating process gives condensed milk a caramel-like flavor, making it a wonderful ingredient to add to desserts and baked goods. Once the heating process is complete, what remains is a thick, smooth milk product that has a long shelf life if remained unopened – which won’t be the case, trust us.
Condensed Milk vs Evaporated Milk
While both condensed milk and evaporated milk are quite similar, there are a couple of differences between the two. Condensed milk is sweetened with sugar, while evaporated milk remains unsweetened and has a more neutral flavor. Also, evaporated milk is slightly thinner and since it’s not as sweet, you cannot use condensed milk as a replacement for it in recipes.
The History of Condensed Milk
Condensed milk has a long and rich history, in fact, a rendition of it was described by Marco Polo in the 13th century when he was in Mongolia. However, in more “recent” history, condensed milk was invented in 1853 by Gail Borden, an American inventor, as well as by a Frenchman named Nicolas Appert in 1820.
At the time, milk was a perishable commodity, and transportation and storage were difficult. Borden set out to find a way to preserve milk so it'd be easier to store and transport. After several failed attempts, he finally succeeded in creating condensed milk by heating and reducing fresh milk, then adding sugar to preserve it.
Borden's invention proved to be a game-changer, especially for soldiers during the Civil War, who were able to take condensed milk with them into battle. Over time, condensed milk became a staple ingredient in many households.
Picture courtesy of Kt Rb via Unsplash
Where is Condensed Milk Used?
Condensed milk is used in a variety of recipes such it’s most often in desserts, but it's even added in marinades for meat in savory dishes! It is commonly used to make fudge, caramel, and Asian desserts like Thai mango sticky rice. It is also used in ice cream, pudding, and cheesecake recipes.
This milk product is also a popular ingredient to add to several beverages across Asian and Latin American cultures. There are several types of Vietnamese coffee that use this milk, as well asThai iced coffee, while in Malaysia it’s added to their iced tea. Brazilians add this delicious sweet milk to their lemonade which offsets the tangy, bitter flavor of lime.
Condensed Milk in Vietnam
Condensed milk has a unique history in Vietnam. Coffee was introduced to the country by the French colonists during the 19th century, and the French also brought condensed milk to Vietnam as they were unable to transport fresh milk. Over time, it was incorporated into local dishes and drinks, adding the vibrancy oftraditional Vietnamese food.
Whether you’re eating a spoonful straight from the can or adding it to your marinades, condensed milk is delicious any way you have it. However, we’re a bit biased here, and we think it’s best enjoyed when paired with strong robusta coffee and made into Vietnamese iced coffee. Don’t believe us? Just snag a case of SANG and see for yourself!
FAQs
Condensed milk is evaporated milk that typically has sweetener added, so much so that the terms 'condensed milk' and 'sweetened condensed milk' are used interchangeably. Sugar is added before canning; condensed milk is very sweet and contains about 40 to 45 percent sugar.
What is special about condensed milk? ›
It provides a concentrated creaminess and sweet, milky flavor to whatever you put it in, without all the excess moisture that you get from regular old milk. That makes it perfect for creamy things that you want to set to a near-solid, like key lime pie, fudge, frozen margarita pie, or caramel.
What is condense milk made of? ›
Water is evaporated from the milk and sugar is added until a 9:11 ratio of sugar to (evaporated) milk is reached. The sugar extends the shelf life of sweetened condensed milk. Sucrose increases the liquid's osmotic pressure, which prevents microorganism growth.
What does condensed milk do to the body? ›
Benefits of Condensed Milk for Health
Condensed milk is a good source of these nutrients in addition to calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, and protein. These nutrients are necessary for healthy teeth and bones, a robust immune system, and a cardiovascular system.
Can you drink condensed milk straight? ›
It is a ready-to-use product so it may be consumed without any other preparation.
Is it okay to eat a whole can of condensed milk? ›
But the presence of useful properties of condensed milk does not mean at all that it should be eaten by cans, since excessive consumption of condensed milk can harm the human body.
Why do people eat condensed milk? ›
The thick syrup contributes both the sweetness of sugar and the benefits of milk without adding too much liquid since condensing milk removes moisture and concentrates the natural sugars. These sugars then take on toasty notes as they warm up and bake in the dessert.
Why is condensed milk so expensive? ›
The limited availability of raw ingredients and processing facilities has resulted in a shortage of sweetened condensed milk in the region. Additionally, the increased demand for the product has driven up its price, as manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demand.
Does condensed milk go bad? ›
An unopened can of sweetened condensed milk may last well beyond its expiration date if stored in a cool, dry place. Nevertheless, once opened, the longevity of its quality decreases significantly, and it is advisable to use it within a specific timeframe, typically a few weeks, to ensure both safety and taste.
What is the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk? ›
Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.
Sweetened condensed milk has a longer shelf time due to its high level of sugar. Canned condensed milk can be shelved for up to a year even without refrigeration. However, after being exposed to air, canned condensed milk must be stored in the refrigerator, decreasing its shelf time significantly.
Can we drink condensed milk directly? ›
Just keep in mind that your drink might be a little sweeter than what you're used to since the evaporation process allows the sugars to caramelize a little. Although you can transform your can into a somewhat normal glass of milk, feel free to also take advantage of its creamy consistency.
Is condensed milk good for gut? ›
Condensed milk is an excellent way to obtain vital nutrient levels that can assist you in reaching your health and wellness objectives, whether those objectives are to improve your digestive health, put on weight, or fortify your immune system.
Why is condensed milk not advisable? ›
Because condensed milk is more concentrated than the same volume of regular milk, it contains more lactose. cardiovascular issues are more likely to occur. It can also make insulin resistance worse, which inhibits the body from metabolizing the sugar that leads to type 2 diabetes.
Is condensed milk high in sugar? ›
This shelf-stable product is a form of concentrated milk in which about 60 percent of the water content has been removed, after which sugar is added before canning. Condensed milk contains 40 to 45 percent sugar. It's rich and thick, with a caramel color and a super-sweet flavor.
Can you add water to condensed milk to make regular milk? ›
Dialing the ratios down to 67 percent evaporated milk and 33 percent water helped only a little. But a 50-50 mix produced results that were close to the all-regular-milk versions in all three cases. It's good to know that we can keep a ready substitute for fresh milk in the cupboard.
What makes condensed milk different from regular milk? ›
Condensed milk is evaporated milk that typically has sweetener added, so much so that the terms 'condensed milk' and 'sweetened condensed milk' are used interchangeably. Sugar is added before canning; condensed milk is very sweet and contains about 40 to 45 percent sugar.
What was the original purpose of condensed milk? ›
As a technique for preserving milk, it was useful for an industrializing world involving more long-distance travel. Anyone without access to a cow (or refrigeration) could have milk products to use. Gail Borden was among the first to produce it commercially in the US in the 1850s.
Why is condensed milk so yummy? ›
The heating process gives condensed milk a caramel-like flavor, making it a wonderful ingredient to add to desserts and baked goods. Once the heating process is complete, what remains is a thick, smooth milk product that has a long shelf life if remained unopened – which won't be the case, trust us.
What is an interesting fact about sweetened condensed milk? ›
Sweetened condensed milk has roughly five times the amount sugar of evaporated milk, as sugar is added as a preservative. It also has some protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Sweetened condensed milk is made by removing most of the water from cow's milk.
