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Evaporated Milk: What It Is

Evaporated milk might be the secret ingredient your kitchen has been missing. Whether you’re whipping up fluffy pancakes, adding creaminess to a casserole or even levelling up your morning smoothie, evaporated milk is an underrated way to elevate everyday recipes. But what is evaporated milk and how can you use it to its full potential? Let's find out.

What is Evaporated Milk?

Evaporated milk is a tinned dairy product made by removing around 60% of the water content from fresh milk. This creates a thick, creamy product that gives dishes a rich and indulgent flavour. 

Unlike condensed milk, evaporated milk doesn't contain any added sugar. Evaporated milk also lasts much longer than fresh milk, so it can be a handy ingredient to keep stocked in the cupboard. 

 

How Long Does It Last?

Since it is canned, evaporated milk has a shelf life of up to a year in your pantry. That being said, once it is opened it should be treated like fresh milk and stored properly to keep it from going off.

 

Best Ways To Store Evaporated Milk

Unopened tins of evaporated milk can be stored in a cool, dry place (such as a cupboard or pantry) for up to 12 months (or until the best-before date on the tin). Once opened, transfer to an airtight container or cling film the tin tightly and store it in the fridge for up to three days. 

If you have a recipe that doesn't use the entire can of evaporated milk, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then, you’ll always have it on hand if you need a splash of creaminess!

 

Evaporated Milk vs. Condensed Milk

Many people confuse evaporated milk with condensed milk, but they’re actually quite different! While both undergo a process to remove water content, condensed milk has added sugar making it perfect for desserts and baking. Evaporated milk contains no sugar and is better suited for savoury dishes.

 

How to Use Evaporated Milk in Your Cooking

Evaporated milk can be a game-changer for cooking, as the versatile ingredient can be used to replace fresh milk or cream in lots of recipes. 

 

How to Substitute Fresh Milk for Evaporated Milk in Recipes

Have you ever been halfway through cooking dinner and realised your recipe calls for fresh milk but you don’t have any to hand? All you need is a tin of evaporated milk! Combine equal parts evaporated milk and water and this blend will mimic the texture and taste of fresh milk. 

 

Our Favourite Recipes for Evaporated Milk

So now you know what evaporated milk is, how do you use it in your meals? Here are a few simple and delicious evaporated milk recipes:

 

Pancakes

You can’t beat Banana Oat Pancakes in the morning. This recipe calls for just 2 tbsp of fresh milk so it is the perfect dish to substitute in a little evaporated milk.

 

Smoothies

Looking for a healthy snack or fruit-filled breakfast to start the day? Switch out fresh milk for evaporated milk mixed with water and enjoy a Rainbow Unicorn Milk Drink that will even get the kids tucking into their five-a-day.

 

Casseroles

Evaporated milk can take your dinner from digestible to delicious, especially in savoury dishes in need of a little added indulgence. Add evaporated milk mixed with water into your next Fish Pie or Chicken, Leek and Cheddar Crumble and tuck into a rich and creamy meal. 

 

Discover more pantry staples here…

At Milk & More we are all about pantry and fridge staples that can make your life easier and your day more delicious. Ready to explore more recipes and kitchen hacks? Head to our blog. 

 

And don’t forget to check out our full range of milk for the whole family.