These Evaporated Milk Substitutes May Already Be in Your Fridge (2024)

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These Evaporated Milk Substitutes May Already Be in Your Fridge? ›

Substitutes for Evaporated Milk

Dairy alternatives to evaporated milk include whole milk, cream, and half-and-half, while nondairy options include soy milk, nut milk, and quinoa milk.

Once opened, evaporated milk needs to be refrigerated. Pour any leftovers into an airtight container to minimize exposure to air and other contaminants. Label the container with the current date to ensure usage within the optimal time frame, which is typically a few days post-opening.

For a creamy taste without the cream, try evaporated (canned) milk! Evaporated milk is made by removing water from fresh milk and then heating it. Heating the milk gives it the creamy, slightly cooked taste and darker colour. When mixed with an equal amount of water, it can be substituted for fresh milk in recipes.

So, now we know that evaporated milk is safe to drink from its container, but just because you can consume it this way doesn't necessarily mean you'll want to. Since evaporated milk is thick and creamy, the consistency will be completely different than a regular carton that you're used to.

With its very similar consistency, 1 cup of heavy cream can replace 1 cup of evaporated milk in sweet and savory dishes. While the flavor will be blander than evaporated milk's unique caramelized tones, the texture will be noticeably richer.

Sour cream will give your baked dishes a creamier texture due to its acidity. You will need to mix it with baking powder, and then add equal amounts according to your recipe. This is a great replacement for evaporated milk. It can also be used to make buttermilk or whole milk.

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.

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 shelf life of an unopened evaporated milk is usually between 6 to 12 months, but check the label for a “Best By” date. It will not be harmful after that, but its flavor will have deteriorated. Once opened, it should last similarly to fresh milk held in the refrigerator, about five days to a week.

Is evaporated milk healthy in coffee? ›

Evaporated milk can also replace coffee creamer as coffee creamer contains a lot of sugar. So, if you're looking to decrease sugar consumption, you should avoid using coffee creamer. Just use evaporated milk instead as it does not contain any added sugar.

Evaporated milk:

It is possible to freeze evaporated milk, and it is kept in the freezer for three to six months. You should never freeze it in a can because this may damage the container.

Evaporated milk may help you gain weight healthily because of its high concentration of nutrients and lack of added sugar, which is associated with the development of heart disease and type 2 diabetes when consumed excessively ( 17 ).

The key here is typically to use less than you would with cow's milk since it's a much heavier product. But, if you have the urge to drink evaporated milk straight from the can, go right ahead; it's completely safe to do so.

You can drink evaporated milk by itself, many people prefer to drink evaporated milk due to its taste, and it doesn't contain extra ingredients you will find in pasteurized fresh milk. It is rare to drink straight out of the bottle, but most people drink it once they've added water.

Half and half's thicker consistency is similar to evaporated milk, and can easily be used as a substitute in recipes.

Evaporated milk gives body to smoothies, thickens up and sweetens coffee, and adds nuance and richness to creamy soups and chowders, not to mention savory sauces and even oatmeal. If you don't have much of a sweet tooth, you can also use it in place of sweetened condensed milk in plenty of desserts.

Regular milk has a higher water content compared to evaporated milk. Due to its reduced water content, evaporated milk is thicker and creamier than regular milk. It's often used in recipes to provide a richer texture and flavor. Regular milk has a more fluid and watery consistency.

Both are concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60 percent of their water content has evaporated. The main difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk is that evaporated milk is unsweetened while condensed milk is sweetened.

Can you substitute evaporated milk for buttermilk? Both milks here are great for adding a creaminess to different recipes, so you can use them interchangeably in that regard. However, their different flavors can really affect a dish, with buttermilk's tangy flavor being a staple in many different recipes and bakes.