Grocery
Sweetened Condensed Milk
What it is
Sweetened condensed milk is a dairy product made by evaporating about 60% of the water from milk. This process concentrates the milk solids and sugars. The result is a thick, syrupy liquid that is intensely sweet and creamy. It is not the same as evaporated milk, which has had water removed but no sugar added. The high sugar content acts as a preservative, allowing it to be stored at room temperature before opening.
How people cook with it
This versatile ingredient is a staple in many kitchens, particularly for baking and dessert making.
- Sweetening custards
- Creating no-bake cookies
- Adding richness to pies
- Making fudge
Sweetened condensed milk is often used directly from the can in recipes. Its thick consistency and concentrated sweetness mean it can transform simple ingredients into decadent treats. It can be stirred into coffee or tea for a sweet, creamy beverage. In baking, it forms the base for many pies, bars, and candies. It is also a key component in many international desserts, providing a unique texture and flavor profile that is hard to replicate with other ingredients. Its inherent sweetness often reduces the need for additional sugar.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike regular milk, sweetened condensed milk has had most of its water removed and sugar added. This makes it much thicker and sweeter. Evaporated milk also has water removed but lacks the added sugar, resulting in a less sweet and less viscous product. Regular milk is liquid and much less concentrated.
Who it is for
Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts often keep this on hand for sweetening and enriching their creations.
How to keep the rest
Once opened, any unused sweetened condensed milk should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It will typically keep well in the refrigerator for several days, maintaining its quality for future use in smaller batches or as a topping.