Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk is a popular condensed milk product used in many dessert recipes. Condensed milk has had around 60% of the water removed, making it creamy, sweet, and thick. It can be purchased in various sized cans, with the small 6 oz can being one of the most common sizes.
The Small 6 Ounce Can of Eagle Brand
The small can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk contains 6 fluid ounces. One fluid ounce is equal to about 29.57 ml or 1.804 inches cubed. So a 6 oz can contains approximately:
- 177.42 ml
- 10.824 in3
The small 6 oz can is the most popular size for Eagle Brand condensed milk. It’s often used for making desserts for 2-4 servings. The small can is easy to store and convenient to use in recipes.
Other Size Options for Eagle Brand
While the 6 oz can is the standard small size, Eagle Brand condensed milk also comes in a few other size options:
- 12 ounce can – Contains 2x as much as the small 6 oz can, perfect for larger recipes
- 5 ounce can – Slightly smaller than the 6 oz can
- 14 ounce can – Larger size great for big batches of dessert
The 12 oz can is one of the most popular alternatives to the 6 oz size. It provides enough sweetened condensed milk for larger recipes. The 5 oz and 14 oz sizes are less commonly found but also available.
Nutrition Information for 6 Ounces of Eagle Brand
Here is the nutrition information for a 6 ounce serving of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 60g |
| Added Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 8g |
As you can see, a 6 oz serving provides 390 calories, 9g of fat, 63g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein. The high carbohydrate and sugar content is expected given the sweetened condensed nature of the product.
Common Uses for a Small Can of Eagle Brand
The 6 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is commonly used for making:
- No-bake desserts like fudge, truffles, and refrigerator cakes
- Ice cream toppings and sauces
- Pies like pumpkin, pecan, or key lime pie
- Candies like toffee, caramels, and brittles
- Cookies including layered bars and sandwich cookies
- Puddings, flan, and custards
The small can provides just the right amount of sweetened condensed milk for recipes like a 7×11 inch pan of fudge or a pie serving 6-8 people. It’s the perfect size for easy desserts for 2-4.
Substitutions for a 6 oz Can of Condensed Milk
In a pinch, you can substitute a 6 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk with:
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup granulated sugar, heated until sugar dissolves
- 2/3 cup powdered milk + 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1/3 cup hot water
- 3/4 cup white sugar + 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted together into a paste
These substitutions may result in slightly different texture or flavor compared to real condensed milk. But they can work well in baked goods in a bind.
Storing Leftover Sweetened Condensed Milk
Once opened, sweetened condensed milk should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last 3-4 weeks past the printed “best by” date.
Look for any signs of mold, skin formation, or sour smell before consuming leftover condensed milk. Discard if any of those occur.
For longer storage, condensed milk can be frozen for 4-6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Shopping for Canned Condensed Milk
When purchasing canned sweetened condensed milk, be sure to check:
- Expiration or “best by” date
- Can for any dents, damage, or swelling
- Nutrition facts to buy the variety you want
Buying within a couple months of the expiration date ensures freshness. Damaged cans risk contamination and swelling cans can indicate spoilage.
There are also low-fat, fat-free, and chocolate flavored varieties of condensed milk available besides the standard full-fat sweetened version.
Brands of Sweetened Condensed Milk
While Eagle Brand is the most popular, other brands producing high-quality sweetened condensed milk include:
- Borden
- Nestle
- Pet Milk
- Carnation
- Generic/Store brands
Any brand of condensed milk made with milk and sugar will provide very similar results in recipes. Go with the brand you can find most affordably or easily in your area.
History of Condensed Milk
Condensed milk was patented in 1856 by American inventor Gail Borden. It was originally developed as an option to preserve milk for long periods before refrigeration. The first condensed milk factory opened in Connecticut in 1861.
Early condensed milk before 1902 was unsweetened. Sugar was added starting in 1902 to better preserve the milk and improve flavor.
By the early 1900s, brands like Eagle Brand, Carnation, and Borden dominated the market. Condensed milk became popular worldwide, leading to the wide popularity it still enjoys today.
Nutritional Benefits of Condensed Milk
Sweetened condensed milk provides these main nutritional benefits:
- Protein – 8g of protein per 6 oz serving from the milk. Important for building muscle, bones, and enzymes.
- Calcium – 30% of the daily value. Helps strengthen bones and teeth.
- Antioxidants – Found naturally in milk, beneficial for health.
- Vitamin A and D – Aid in vision, bone growth, immunity and more.
While high in sugar, condensed milk provides protein, calcium, vitamins A and D, and antioxidants found naturally in milk. Still, it should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Risks and Precautions with Condensed Milk
There are some risks and precautions to be aware of when consuming condensed milk:
- High in sugar and calories – can lead to weight gain or diabetes if over-consumed
- Allergies – contains milk, bad for those with dairy/lactose issues
- Foodborne illness – improper storage can allow bacteria to grow leading to food poisoning
Pregnant women, those with diabetes or candida issues, and anyone watching sugar intake may want to avoid condensed milk or consume it sparingly. Proper storage and food handling is important as well to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Key Takeaways on Condensed Milk
Here are the key takeaways on sweetened condensed milk:
- A small 6 oz can of Eagle Brand contains 6 fluid ounces or 177 ml.
- Popular for making desserts, candies, cookies, and more.
- Can be substituted in recipes with evaporated milk and sugar.
- Store opened canned properly in the refrigerator.
- High in natural protein and calcium but also very high in sugar.
Understanding how much sweetened condensed milk is in a small 6 oz can helps ensure your recipes turn out as planned. Properly stored and consumed in moderation, it can provide a delicious and versatile ingredient for all kinds of sweets.
Conclusion
A small 6 ounce can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk contains 6 fluid ounces, or 177 ml. This amount provides just the right amount of sweetened condensed milk for smaller dessert recipes serving 2-4 people. The small can is convenient to store and easy to use. While high in sugar, condensed milk does provide some nutritional value from natural milk proteins and calcium. It can be used in a wide variety of desserts, candies, and baked goods, but proper storage is important for food safety, and over-consumption should be avoided.
