12 of the best substitutes for evaporated milk
Dairy substitutes
1. Regular milk
Regular milk can be used as a lighter alternative to evaporated milk in the majority of recipes. If regular milk does not have the desired consistency, it is very easy to make your own thickened version:
- Add 2 ¼ cups of regular milk to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and simmer over medium heat.
- Keep stirring until it begins to thicken and reduces to the desired volume.
2. Heavy cream
Heavy cream has a thick consistency that can easily replace evaporated milk in recipes for many sauces, soups, pie fillings, casseroles, and custards at a 1:1 ratio.
Because heavy cream is high in calories (821 calories per cup), it may not be the best option for those who are trying to lose weight.
3. Half and half
Half and half is a blended mixture of 50% milk and 50% cream and is thicker than evaporated milk. It can be used in most recipes in a 1:1 ratio. The extra fat in half-and-half will provide a richness to your dish.
4. Powdered milk
Powdered milk is a dehydrated form of regular milk. Although it can be added dry to some recipes, such as cookies and pancakes, it can also be reconstituted with water. Once you have liquid milk, use it in a 1:1 ratio to replace evaporated milk.
Non-dairy substitutes
5. Soy milk
Soy milk is made by soaking dried soybeans in water, grinding them, and then filtering them to create a product that resembles regular milk. Soy milk is the best option for making non-dairy evaporated milk because it has the closest texture to regular milk. It also has the most neutral flavor and is the closest to regular milk in terms of calories and protein content.
6. Almond or cashew milk
Almond milk or cashew milk is made by grinding nuts in water and filtering it to create a liquid that resembles milk. Both types of nut milk are low in calories and protein. However, they may not be suitable if you have a nut allergy.
7. Coconut milk
Coconut milk is made from the meat of grated coconuts and is a rich source of iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.Although canned coconut milk can be used in a 1:1 ratio in place of evaporated milk, cartoned varieties (light coconut milk) have a higher water content, which needs to be reduced before use.
8. Oat milk
Oat milk is a delicious substitute for evaporated milk that is rich in beta-glucans, which have been linked to many health benefits including improved digestion, reduced blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels.
9. Flax milk
Flaxs milk is a great option when it comes to neutral non-dairy milk since it comes close to regular milk in terms of flavor. Follow directions for reducing the water content and then use in a 1:1 exchange for evaporated milk.
10. Hemp milk
Hemp milk is made by blending hemp seeds with water and makes a creamy, plant-based alternative to evaporated milk that is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Since it is a little sweeter than other plant milks, it is better used in baking.
11. Quinoa milk
Quinoa milk is made by soaking or cooking quinoa and blending it with water.Because it is already a bit thick, it can be used in some recipes without the need for reducing or thickening.
12. Rice milk
Rice milk is much lower in fat and protein than evaporated milk. However, it also has a high glycemic index, meaning it can result in blood sugar spikes and may not be suitable for people with diabetes.
FAQs
Oat milk is a delicious substitute for evaporated milk that is rich in beta-glucans, which have been linked to many health benefits including improved digestion, reduced blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels.
What is healthier than evaporated milk? ›
Oat milk is a delicious substitute for evaporated milk that is rich in beta-glucans, which have been linked to many health benefits including improved digestion, reduced blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol levels.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of evaporated milk? ›
While yogurt is typically not recommended as a substitute for evaporated milk in most recipes, some have success with Greek yogurt as it also has a thick consistency, similar to evaporated milk. Like with any substitution, most probably will have to slightly reformulate the recipe.
Can you use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk? ›
Evaporated Milk Vs.
Sweetened condensed milk also has 60% of the water removed, but contains 40% sugar. Due to the big flavor difference, they cannot be substituted for each other. Always double-check which can you grabbed off the grocery store shelf to be sure it's the ingredient you're looking for.
Is evaporated milk inflammatory? ›
Furthermore, milk, including evaporated milk, is considered a functional food that provides health-promoting benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as energy production, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and strengthening of bones and teeth .
What milk is closest to evaporated milk? ›
If you're under a super tight deadline, you may substitute the same amount of half-and-half for evaporated milk (i.e., 1 cup of half-and-half for 1 cup of evaporated milk). While you won't get the same slightly caramelized flavor that evaporated milk has, the creamy consistency of half-and-half is a close mimic.
What can a cup of evaporated milk be substituted with? ›
In many recipes, evaporated milk may also be replaced with a combination of whole milk and half-and-half. For 1 cup of evaporated milk, use 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup half-and-half.
Can coconut milk substitute for evaporated milk? ›
Another alternative for evaporated milk is to substitute coconut milk 1:1 in the recipe. This will impart a coconut flavor to the recipe, so it works in some recipes but not all.
What can you substitute for evaporated milk in pumpkin pie? ›
While many recipes call for it, you can absolutely make an outstanding pumpkin pie without evaporated milk. If your recipe calls for one can of evaporated milk (as most do), you can substitute 1 ½ cups of cream or half and half, or a combination of the two. You can also use milk (any kind from whole to skim).
Does evaporated milk go bad? ›
And while milk might only last a week in the refrigerator, unopened evaporated milk that is properly stored can last up to two years. But how can you tell when it's gone bad? In short, by looking at it. If your milk has turned dark yellow or brown, don't use it.
The "Our PET" trademark is registered and becomes the official name for the company's leading brand. 1898—"Our PET" helps supply Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders and other American fighting troops with a safe and convenient source of milk in Spanish-American War.
What is a substitute for evaporated milk in tres leches? ›
Can't find those small cans of evaporated milk? You can substitute 1 1/2 cups (340g) half-and-half (or a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk), a 14-ounce can of condensed milk, and 1/2 cup (113g) heavy or whipping cream.
Which is healthier cream or evaporated milk? ›
In fact, each fluid ounce of evaporated milk contains less than half the amount of calories and about one-fourth the amount of fat as heavy cream. “It works best in a 1:1 substitution in recipes like casseroles, soups and sauces, offering a similar texture but lighter consistency,” explains Brigham.
Is it healthy to drink evaporated milk everyday? ›
Evaporated milk can have both benefits and downsides. It can contribute high amounts of protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals to the diet. However, it also provides high calories, fat, and sugar. Nevertheless, evaporated milk can fit into a healthy dietary pattern when consumed in moderation.
Is evaporated milk healthier than half-and-half? ›
It makes an excellent direct swap for half-and-half in many instances, but keep in mind that evaporated milk has less fat and more protein than half-and-half.
Which is healthier coconut milk or evaporated milk? ›
Evaporated milk is very high in calories and fat, and has much more carbs than coconut milk. However, coconut milk has way less sugar, but is also very poor in protein as compared to evaporated milk. You'll find that both milks are great in calcium and vitamin D, with coconut milk boasting a bit more calcium.
