Does evaporated milk contain dairy?

Table of Contents

Introduction

Evaporated milk is a canned milk product typically found in the baking aisle of grocery stores. It differs from regular milk in that about 60% of the water content has been removed through evaporation. This makes evaporated milk thicker and creamier than regular milk. But does this process also remove the dairy components? Let’s take a closer look at what exactly evaporated milk is and whether it still contains dairy after the evaporation process.

What is evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk starts off as regular pasteurized cow’s milk. It then goes through a process called vacuum evaporation to remove about 60% of the water content. This leaves behind a shelf-stable canned product that is thicker, richer, and creamier than regular milk.

The evaporation process does not remove the dairy components from the milk. Evaporated milk contains the same amount of protein, fat, sugar, and minerals as regular milk – it is simply condensed down. The nutrition facts label on a can of evaporated milk will list ingredients like milk, vitamin D3, and calcium, confirming it is still very much a dairy product.

Some key facts about evaporated milk:

It is made from cow’s milk that has had about 60% of the water removed.
It is shelf-stable and can be stored unopened at room temperature.

It has a rich, creamy texture and toasted flavor due to the evaporation process.
It contains 9 grams of protein per 1/4 cup serving.
It is lactose-free since the lactose converts to caramelized sugars during evaporation.

So while evaporated milk is concentrated down compared to regular milk, its dairy components remain intact.

How is evaporated milk made?

To understand why evaporated milk still contains dairy after processing, it helps to look at how it is made:

Pasteurized cow’s milk is the starting ingredient.

The milk is pumped into large vacuum chambers where pressure is reduced.
The vacuum pressure causes water to evaporate from the milk.
Around 60% of the water content gets removed through this evaporation process.

With most of the water gone, natural sugars like lactose get concentrated.
The sugars caramelize, giving evaporated milk a toasted, nutty flavor.
Vitamin D is added to replace what was lost during evaporation.

The thickened, concentrated milk is packaged into cans.

As you can see, the only thing removed during evaporation is water. The proteins (casein and whey), butterfat, minerals, and sugars that make milk a dairy product all remain. The resulting canned product is nutritionally comparable to regular milk, just in concentrated form.

Nutritional comparison to regular milk

To demonstrate that the dairy components remain after evaporation, here is a nutritional comparison between whole milk and evaporated milk (amounts per 1/4 cup serving):

Nutrient	Whole Milk	Evaporated Milk
Calories	40	70
Fat	2g	3.5g
Protein	2g	9g
Calcium	12% DV	30% DV
Vitamin D	2% DV	25% DV

While the vitamin and mineral contents vary slightly, the key macronutrients – protein and fat – are clearly present in similar or greater amounts in evaporated milk. This table demonstrates that evaporated milk retains the essential dairy components, just in a more concentrated form with less water.

Uses for evaporated milk

Because evaporated milk is so thick and creamy, it can be used in a variety of dishes and recipes:

Coffee creamer – Adds richness without diluting coffee like regular milk or cream can.

Cream sauces and gravies – Creates a smooth, creamy base without curdling.
Casseroles or mac and cheese – Provides thick, creamy texture.
Homemade ice cream – Using evaporated milk instead of cream creates ice cream with less fat.

Mashed potatoes – Makes mashed potatoes extra thick, rich, and fluffy.
Fudge or caramel – Gives candy a perfectly smooth, creamy texture.

The uses for evaporated milk are endless thanks to its thick, concentrated dairy flavor. It shines anytime you want an ultra-creamy texture without adding a ton of fat.

Is there lactose in evaporated milk?

One of the most common questions about evaporated milk is whether it still contains lactose, the natural sugar found in milk that many people are sensitive to.

During the evaporation process, the lactose in the milk concentrates along with the other milk components. However, the high heat also causes the lactose to caramelize into glucose and galactose. These sugars are easier for lactose-sensitive individuals to digest.

Mostbrands of evaporated milk contain very little lactose – usually less than 1g per serving. So while evaporated milk is not completely lactose-free, it generally contains low enough amounts to be tolerated by those with lactose intolerance.

Of course, sensitivity levels vary from person to person. Those with severe lactose intolerance may still experience discomfort from the small amounts of lactose in evaporated milk. In those cases, lactose-free milk or non-dairy milk alternatives may be better options.

Can people with milk allergies consume evaporated milk?

For people with a confirmed allergy to cow’s milk, evaporated milk should also be avoided. An allergy differs from lactose intolerance and is caused by an immune response to the proteins in milk, not the sugar.

The evaporation process does not remove the milk proteins like casein that trigger allergic reactions. So while the lactose content is reduced, evaporated milk still poses a risk to those with milk protein allergies. Goat’s milk, soy milk, almond milk, or other dairy-free milk substitutes would be safer choices.

Of course, the severity of milk protein allergies varies. Some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of the milk proteins. Under medical supervision, introduction of evaporated milk may be appropriate for those seeking to overcome mild milk protein allergies. But in general, those with confirmed milk allergies should avoid all forms of cow’s milk, including evaporated milk.

Is evaporated milk gluten-free?

For those avoiding gluten, the good news is that evaporated milk is certified gluten-free according to the FDA gluten-free labeling standards. Milk naturally contains no gluten, and the evaporation process does not introduce any gluten ingredients.

Someproducts made with evaporated milk, like certain cream soups or sauces, may contain sources of gluten like flour or wheat. But plain canned evaporated milk without any add-ins can be safely consumed on a gluten-free diet. Always check ingredient labels to ensure the brand you buy does not contain any potential sources of gluten.

Can evaporated milk be substituted for regular milk?

In most recipes, evaporated milk can be substituted 1:1 for regular milk with excellent results. The richness and creamy texture it provides is excellent in baked goods, creamy sauces, soups, oatmeal, and more.

However, it’s important to note that using evaporated milk instead of regular milk will impact the nutrition profile and flavor of the finished dish. Recipes will have higher amounts of fat, protein, and sugars. The caramelized, slightly nutty taste of the evaporated milk will also come through.

While perfectly safe for most diets, the increased sweetness and density is something to keep in mind. Those restricting calories or fat intake may prefer limiting use of evaporated milk or diluting it with water to reduce the richness.

Is evaporated milk dairy-free?

Evaporated milk is definitely not dairy-free. As discussed earlier, it starts as regular cow’s milk and retains all the key dairy components through processing:

Protein (casein and whey)
Butterfat

Calcium and other minerals
Vitamin D
Sugars like lactose

The only ingredient removed is water, leaving behind a concentrated dairy product. Those following a vegan or completely dairy-free diet should avoid evaporated milk. Some dairy-free alternatives include:

Canned coconut milk
Unsweetened almond milk

Soy milk
Oat milk
Rice milk

Dairy-free creamers

With some adjustments to recipes, these dairy-free evaporated milk substitutes can achieve a similar richness and consistency. But traditional canned evaporated milk will always be a dairy product.

Is evaporated milk vegan?

Along the same lines, evaporated milk is not vegan either. Vegans strictly avoid all animal products, including dairy from cows. While plant-based milks like soy or almond milk can be part of a vegan diet, traditional evaporated milk made from cow’s milk is off limits.

Vegans also need to watch out for sneaky animal ingredients like casein or whey protein in processed foods made with evaporated milk. Always read nutrition labels carefully to watch out for milk-derived ingredients. With so many plant-based milk alternatives available, it’s easy to find or make dairy-free evaporated milk as a vegan substitute.

Is condensed milk the same as evaporated milk?

It’s common for condensed milk and evaporated milk to get confused for each other, but they are two distinct products:

Evaporated milk

60% of water content removed
Shelf-stable, can be stored unopened at room temp
Slightly tan color

Hint of caramelized, nutty flavor
Use for savory dishes, casseroles, sauces

Condensed milk

40-45% of water removed
Needs refrigeration after opening
Clear white color

Very sweet flavor
Best for desserts, sweets, candies

So while both go through evaporating some water content, condensed milk removes less water so remains a bit thinner, sweeter, and needs refrigeration after opening. Condensed milk brings creamy sweetness to desserts, while evaporated milk adds rich dairy flavor to savory dishes.

Common brands of evaporated milk

Some common brands and types of evaporated milk include:

Carnation Evaporated Milk – The most popular brand, found in the red and white can.
Pet Evaporated Milk – Another leading brand, labeled with the black cat logo.

Nestle Evaporated Milk – Available in regular and fat-free varieties.
Shelf-stable organic evaporated milk – For an organic option, look for brands like Natural by Nature in the natural grocer’s aisle.
Evaporated goats milk – For those who cannot tolerate cow’s milk, goat’s milk offers similar richness.

The variety of brands available ensures you can find the ideal evaporated milk to suit your cooking needs and dietary preferences. Always check the nutrition label for details if avoiding certain ingredients like lactose.

Is there non-dairy evaporated milk?

As consumer demand increases, more dairy-free evaporated milk options utilizing plant-based milks have become available. Some popular brands of dairy-free evaporated milk include:

Nestle La Lechera Evaporated Milk – Made from a blend of plants like rice, oats, and potatoes.

Califia Farms – Uses oat milk and coconut cream to mimic evaporated milk.
Pacific Foods – Evaporated soy milk with added calcium and vitamins.
Goya Evaporated Coconut Milk – Great for curries or Asian recipes.

When shopping for non-dairy evaporated milk, always check for common allergens like soy, nuts, and coconut. Homemade versions can also be made by simmering plant milks to reduce water content.

While non-dairy alternatives differ in nutrition and flavor from traditional evaporated dairy milk, they provide a suitable solution for vegan recipes or those with milk allergies.

Is powdered evaporated milk the same thing?

In powdered form, evaporated milk takes on a slightly different consistency and use in recipes:

Most powdered milks contain nonfat milk solids with the water removed.
Reconstituting with water makes the powder into liquid evaporated milk.
Powdered form is more shelf-stable for storage without refrigeration.

Best uses include baked goods, smoothies, hot chocolate, milkshakes.
Common brands of powdered evaporated milk include Carnation and Nestle.

So while made from similar dairy components, powdered evaporated milk functions a bit differently compared to the canned liquid product. Once mixed with water, however, it can be used in place of canned evaporated milk in most recipes.

Is evaporated milk bad for you?

Despite being a highly processed food, evaporated milk can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Some key considerations regarding its health impacts:

High amounts of added sugar should be limited, but the naturally-occurring milk sugars in evaporated milk are less concerning.
The fat content should be accounted for, but is not harmful in reasonable amounts.

Evaporated milk offers bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D.
It provides muscle-building protein comparable to regular milk.
The caramelized lactose makes it easier to digest for those lactose-sensitive.

As with most foods, evaporated milk comes down to personal tolerance and enjoying it in balance with an overall healthy diet. Those with sensitivities, allergies, or on restricted diets should take care consuming evaporated milk. But for most people, it can be an enjoyable source of nutrients from time to time without concern.

Conclusion

To summarize, despite the 60% reduction in water content, evaporated milk remains a dairy product through processing. Key milk components like proteins, butterfat, sugars, calcium, and vitamin D all remain intact after water is removed.

The evaporation and heating does make the lactose easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. But for people with confirmed dairy protein allergies, all forms of cow’s milk including evaporated milk should still be avoided.

While not appropriate for vegans or the dairy-free, evaporated milk offers a convenient, shelf-stable way to add velvety texture and rich dairy flavor to recipes for most people. With both traditional and dairy-free alternatives available, evaporated milk can work for a range of diets in moderation.

So if you are not strictly dairy-free or vegan, feel free to enjoy evaporated milk for its unique properties that set it apart from regular milk. Just be mindful of the differences in nutrition, taste, and best usage compared to fresh milk.Evaporated milk has its place in cooking and baking, so long as you know how it differs from regular milk and whether it fits your dietary needs.