Evaporated vs Condensed Milk

What is Evaporated and Condensed Milk?

Evaporated milk and condensed milk are both concentrated forms of milk that have been processed to remove water. The main difference between the two lies in the amount of sugar added during the production process. Evaporated milk is produced by heating milk under reduced pressure, which causes some of the water content to evaporate, resulting in a thicker consistency. No sugar is added during this process. On the other hand, condensed milk is made by adding sugar to milk and then heating it until much of the water evaporates, resulting in a thick, syrupy liquid.

Another key difference between evaporated and condensed milk lies in its flavor and texture. Evaporated milk has a creamy, slightly caramelized taste with a thinner consistency, while condensed milk is thick, sweet, and sticky. Due to the added sugar, condensed milk has a more pronounced sweet flavor. As a result, evaporated milk is used more often as a substitute for cream or regular milk in recipes, while condensed milk is commonly used as a sweetener in baking and dessert recipes.

In terms of storage, both evaporated milk and condensed milk have a long shelf life, but they are usually stored differently. Evaporated milk is often sold in cans or cartons and can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days. Condensed milk, on the other hand, is always sold in cans and should be stored unopened in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Evaporated and Condensed Milk Production in the World

Germany is the top country producing Evaporated and Condensed Milk in the world. As of 2021, Germany produced 1,521,957 tonnes of Evaporated and Condensed Milk, accounting for 18.04% of the total production. United States is the world's second-largest Evaporated and Condensed Milk producer, with 1,048,196 tonnes, which represents 12.42% of the total production. Poland(716,579) is the 3rd country, Peru(545,552) is the 4th country, and Italy(541,133) is the 5th country in the world producing Evaporated and Condensed Milk. Cuba has the lowest production of Evaporated and Condensed Milk in the world with only 100 tonnes in 2021. The world's total production of evaporated and condensed milk was estimated at 8,436,788 tonnes in 2021.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 countries by Evaporated and Condensed Milk production 2021

Top Countries by Production of Evaporated and Condensed Milk in 2021

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)
1	Germany	1,521,957
2	United States	1,048,196
3	Poland	716,579
4	Peru	545,552
5	Italy	541,133
6	Netherlands	459,246
7	Malaysia	349,950
8	Saudi Arabia	247,253
9	Spain	232,668
10	Mexico	210,360
11	Austria	203,638
12	Singapore	202,000
13	Belarus	197,997
14	United Kingdom	177,043
15	Russia	153,692
16	Sweden	143,615
17	China	132,574
18	Belgium	126,039
19	Ireland	100,200
20	Czech Republic	98,892
21	Thailand	84,249
22	France	66,100
23	Brazil	65,438
24	Canada	63,292
25	Hungary	57,508
26	Ukraine	56,850
27	South Africa	54,279
28	Australia	47,218
29	Japan	43,575
30	Latvia	42,588
31	Chile	40,701
32	Vietnam	35,044
33	Kazakhstan	31,537
34	Israel	30,086
35	Luxembourg	28,305
36	Estonia	26,107
37	Romania	23,397
38	Colombia	23,211
39	Indonesia	22,222
40	Kyrgyzstan	21,754
41	Denmark	18,142
42	Panama	17,177
43	Portugal	16,543
44	Slovakia	13,461
45	Norway	12,369
46	South Korea	10,495
47	Sri Lanka	9,818
48	Argentina	9,586
49	Lebanon	5,914
50	Zimbabwe	5,655
51	New Zealand	4,883
52	Lithuania	4,867
53	Turkiye	4,064
54	Switzerland	4,015
55	Serbia	3,414
56	Bosnia and Herzegovina	2,803
57	Nicaragua	2,564
58	Pakistan	2,376
59	Mongolia	1,976
60	Moldova	1,674
61	Madagascar	1,466
62	Taiwan	1,443
63	Iran	1,407
64	India	1,351
65	Tajikistan	1,224
66	Honduras	1,199
67	Kenya	1,160
68	Jamaica	1,047
69	Greece	840
70	Venezuela	793
71	Uganda	229
72	Croatia	217
73	Trinidad and Tobago	213
74	Uruguay	151
75	Bulgaria	107
76	Cuba	100

Process of Making Evaporated and Condensed Milk

The manufacturing procedures for evaporated and condensed milk are quite dissimilar, generating two unique products with varying flavor and texture characteristics.

Here are some of the primary variations in the production processes:

Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is made by heating fresh milk under reduced pressure, causing a portion of its water content to evaporate. This process is typically carried out at a temperature of approximately 120-140°C, resulting in a thick and creamy texture. The milk is rapidly cooled and homogenized to ensure a uniform product. Unlike condensed milk, evaporated milk does not have added sugar and is usually sold in cans or cartons.
Condensed milk: To produce condensed milk, whole milk, and sugar are combined in a ratio of two parts milk to one part sugar, and heated slowly while stirring until the sugar dissolves. This results in a thick, syrupy liquid that is then heated further to remove more water, producing a highly concentrated product with a sweet flavor and thick consistency. Condensed milk is typically sold in cans and is frequently used as a key component in desserts and baked goods.

The primary distinction between the manufacturing processes of evaporated and condensed milk lies in the addition of sugar to condensed milk. Evaporated milk is heated to achieve a thicker consistency by removing water, while condensed milk undergoes a sweetening process and further reduction to form a highly concentrated product. These distinct production techniques lead to contrasting flavor and texture profiles, making each product suitable for unique purposes in cooking and baking.

Health Benefits of Evaporated and Condensed Milk

There are significant health differences between evaporated and condensed milk, despite their similar appearance and texture. Here are some points to consider:

Calorie content: Condensed milk contains more calories than evaporated milk. A serving of condensed milk (2 tablespoons) contains around 130 calories, while the same amount of evaporated milk contains approximately 40-50 calories.
Sugar content: As previously mentioned, condensed milk is heavily sweetened with added sugar. This results in a high sugar content, with approximately 12 grams of sugar per serving. Evaporated milk, on the other hand, does not contain any added sugar and has a low sugar content.
Fat content: Both evaporated and condensed milk are produced using whole milk, implying that they have a considerable amount of fat. Nonetheless, the fat content can differ depending on the processing technique and brand. As a rule, evaporated milk has lower fat content than condensed milk.
Nutrient content: Although both types of milk are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health, the nutrient content can be influenced by the processing methods. The heat-treatment process involved in evaporated milk production can result in a minor decrease in certain nutrients. Conversely, condensed milk is typically enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Although evaporated and condensed milk can both be utilized in cooking and baking, evaporated milk is usually deemed a healthier choice because it has lower levels of calories, sugar, and fat. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consume these dairy products in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.

Uses of Evaporated and Condensed Milk

Although evaporated milk and condensed milk may appear to be interchangeable, they have different applications based on their unique flavors and textures. Here are some of the notable variations in their respective uses:

Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is frequently used in savory dishes, including soups, sauces, and casseroles, due to its velvety texture and delicate taste. As a cream replacement, it can be used in coffee or tea. As a substitute for regular milk in baking, it provides richness and enhances the flavor profile of cakes, pies, and other desserts. It can also be whipped to create a topping for desserts.
Condensed milk: Due to its dense, sugary taste, condensed milk is an excellent addition to desserts and baked goods. It is frequently used as a primary ingredient in recipes like fudge, caramel sauce, and ice cream. Additionally, it can be used as a sweetener in coffee or tea. The high sugar content makes it beneficial in extending the shelf life of desserts and baked goods.

In general, although evaporated milk and condensed milk may appear to be similar, they have distinctive flavor and texture profiles that make them more appropriate for different applications in cooking and baking. Evaporated milk is more adaptable and can be utilized in a broader range of dishes, while condensed milk is perfect for providing sweetness and thickness to desserts and baked goods.