Grocery · 14 oz
Sweetened Condensed Milk
What it is
This is a dairy product made by evaporating about 60% of the water from cow's milk. Sugar is then added, which acts as a preservative and gives it a thick, syrupy consistency. It has a rich, creamy texture and a distinctively sweet flavor. The milk is pasteurized before the water is removed and the sugar is incorporated, ensuring a safe and stable product for various culinary applications.
How people cook with it
Sweetened condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that adds sweetness and richness to many desserts and beverages. Its thick nature makes it ideal for creating smooth sauces and fillings.
- Dessert bases
- Sweet sauces
- Beverage enhancers
- Baking ingredient
It is commonly used in baking to create fudges, candies, and pies. It can also be stirred into coffee or tea for added sweetness and creaminess, or used as a base for homemade ice cream. For a simple dessert, it can be drizzled over fruit or used as a topping for cakes and pastries. Its concentrated sweetness means a little goes a long way in recipes, providing moisture and a tender crumb in baked goods.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk has sugar added, making it much sweeter and thicker. Evaporated milk is unsweetened and has a more concentrated milk flavor, often used in savory dishes or where sweetness is controlled by other ingredients.
Who it is for
Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts often keep this on hand for sweet creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused sweetened condensed milk to a clean, airtight container. Refrigerate it promptly. It will typically remain fresh and usable for about 5-7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.