A 12 ounce can of evaporated milk contains approximately 1 and 1/2 cups of milk. Evaporated milk is milk that has had about 60% of the water content removed through evaporation, making it more concentrated and shelf-stable. This allows the milk to be stored unrefrigerated until opened.
Quick Answer
A 12 ounce can of evaporated milk contains around 1 1/2 cups of milk.
Detailed Answer
To understand how many cups are in a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk, we first need to know a few key facts:
- There are 8 ounces in 1 cup of liquid
- There are 12 ounces in a standard can of evaporated milk
- Evaporated milk has had 60% of the water removed compared to regular milk
Knowing these facts, we can calculate:
- There are 16 ounces in 2 cups of liquid (8 oz in 1 cup x 2 cups)
- A 12 ounce can contains 75% of the volume of 2 cups (12 oz / 16 oz)
- 75% of 2 cups is 1 1/2 cups (0.75 x 2 cups)
So a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk contains roughly 1 and 1/2 cups of milk.
Why Evaporated Milk is More Concentrated
Evaporated milk contains more milk solids and less water because of the evaporation process. Regular milk is approximately 87% water and 13% milk solids. When 60% of the water is removed, what remains becomes much more concentrated.
This makes evaporated milk almost double the concentration of regular milk. It has a creamier, thicker texture and stronger milky taste.
Common Uses for Evaporated Milk
Because evaporated milk is shelf-stable, concentrated, and has a creamy texture, it is commonly used:
- As a milk substitute in tea or coffee
- In cream-based sauces, soups, and gravies
- In desserts like custards, puddings, ice cream
- As a rich addition to mashed potatoes or oatmeal
Evaporated milk adds richness, body, and thickness to recipes without needing to be refrigerated like regular milk. The concentration and creamy texture makes it perfect for cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Here is a nutritional comparison between 1 cup (240ml) of regular milk and evaporated milk:
| Nutrient | Whole Milk (1 cup) | Evaporated Milk (1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 146 | 339 |
| Fat | 8g | 19g |
| Carbs | 12g | 24g |
| Protein | 8g | 19g |
As you can see, while evaporated milk has significantly higher calories and macronutrients, the ratios are very similar to regular milk when accounting for the reduced water content.
Shelf Life and Storage
An unopened can of evaporated milk can typically last from 6-12 months at room temperature. Once opened, it should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated, where it will last around 5-7 days.
Properly stored evaporated milk can maintain its safety and nutrition well beyond the “best by” date on the can. Discard immediately if there are any signs of spoilage like clumping, sour smell, or bubbling.
Conclusion
In summary, a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk contains approximately 1 1/2 cups of milk. Knowing the conversion allows you to conveniently substitute evaporated milk for regular milk in recipes. Just make sure to account for the extra thickness, richness, and sweetness of this versatile concentrated milk product.
