Can You Use Evaporated Milk Instead of Milk?

Evaporated milk is made from pure milk with no additions besides such things as stabilizers and vitamin fortification. That means you can substitute the product for milk as long as you keep a few things in mind.

Different Taste

The name "evaporated milk" gives you a clue as to how it's prepared: milk is heated to concentrate the liquid, changing its taste. Thus, you probably wouldn't want to drink it straight in place of milk.

Milk Substitution

Putting the evaporated water back into the product lets you use it as regular milk in a recipe. Just mix equal parts evaporated milk and water for milk.

Richer Product

In recipes where milk is added--for instance, mashed potatoes or puddings--think about substituting undiluted evaporated milk for the milk one to one. It will make the dish richer.

Vitamins

As a concentrate, evaporated milk has two times more calcium and protein than you'd get from the same amount of milk.

Proper Use

Shake the cans of evaporated milk before using. Unused portions can be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

References

• Clemson University Extension: Safe Handling of Milk & Dairy Products
• University of Nebraska, Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Evaporated Milk
• Missouri WIC: Using Evaporated Milk