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.
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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.
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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 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.
What is condensed milk explanation? ›
Condensed milk is cow's milk from which water has been removed (roughly 60% of it). It is most often found with sugar added, in the form of sweetened condensed milk, to the extent that the terms "condensed milk" and "sweetened condensed milk" are often used interchangeably today.
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 this condensed milk? ›
Sweetened condensed milk is made by the addition of sugar to whole milk and the removal of water from the milk to about one-half of its original volume. The product is canned or packaged in other containers without sterilization, with the sugar acting as a preservative.
What is condensed milk called in the US? ›
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.
Is condensed milk good or bad for you? ›
Due to the sugar addition, condensed milk is more durable than evaporated milk. The benefits of regular milk are boosted in condensed milk since it contains more sugar. Condensed milk is a good source of these nutrients in addition to calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus, and protein.
Does condensed milk go bad? ›
How long can I keep Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk on my pantry shelf? Unopened and stored in a cool, dry area, our milk will last for about two years.
Can I drink condensed milk by itself? ›
Dietitians advise eating condensed milk not as an independent product, but in combination with other products, such as pancakes or fruit, and drink it with unsweetened tea.
What was the original purpose of condensed milk? ›
Gail Borden Jr first condensed milk in 1853 in an attempt to create a milk product that was shelf stable. He opened 2 factories to produce his product, but both ultimately failed, and it wasn't until the 3rd factory opened in 1864 that his condensed milk, sold under the name Eagle Brand, caught on.
Why is condensed milk so expensive? ›
Additionally, the increased demand for the product has driven up its price, as manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demand. This has led to a rise in the cost of the product, which has further limited its availability.
MILKMAID is a rich & smooth sweetened condensed milk - the dessert partner that helps you make a range of mouth-watering sweets at home - be it Kheer, ice creams or cakes. It's versatility lends itself well to both traditional & western desserts.
What can I use instead of condensed milk? ›
Condensed Milk Substitutes
If you don't have sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own using evaporated milk and sugar, or you can bring 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1 1/8 cups of dry powdered milk to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
What is the science behind condensed milk? ›
Condensed milk has about 10%–12% fat and 36% total solids. The milk is initially heated at a low temperature, close to pasteurization temperature, and then subjected to evaporation under partial vacuum (at about 5°C). After treatment, thermoduric microorganisms can survive that subsequently can grow and cause spoilage.
What is the story condensed milk about? ›
In 1956, Varlam Shalamov wrote “Condensed Milk,” which is included in his collection Kolyma Stories, translated by Donald Rayfield. Shalamov spent fifteen years in the Gulag, and his stories reflect his time there. “Condensed Milk” is the story of a possible escape from a forced-labor camp.
Is condensed milk actually condensed? ›
Condensed milk is referred to as both condensed milk and sweetened condensed milk; the names are synonymous. 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.
