A lot of individuals frequently using milk face difficulty distinguishing between condensed milk and evaporated milk due to their resemblances. Yet, tiny differences between them can vastly change the functionality of the milk. This article is dedicated to helping you comprehend the unique properties of evaporated milk and condensed milk.
Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk: What’s the Difference?
We all easily distinguish fresh milk and whole milk. However, on the market there are many types of whole milk. The most common are evaporated milk and condensed milk. Not everyone can easily tell them apart. What is the difference between these two whole milks?
Evaporated milk
Evaporated milk is whole milk. As the name suggests, during processing, the manufacturer removes 60% of the water in milk. So this milk is only slightly thicker than whole milk. Evaporated milk has a slight caramel color and flavor due to the heating process.
Although evaporated milk has removed the water, it still retains its nutrients. There is no substance in the water, so this does not affect the quality of the milk.
In fact, this milk contains more nutrients than whole milk. The manufacturers of evaporated milk fortify vitamin D into the milk. This improves the user’s bones and spirit. Some products also include vitamin A or vitamin C to serve customers’ requirements.
Condensed milk
This milk is thicker than evaporated milk. Because in the process of removing the water, they added sugar to the whole milk. This process produces a milk-concentration reaction.
The nutrient composition of condensed milk is similar to that of evaporated milk. In addition, manufacturers add additional ingredients to condensed milk such as vitamins A, C, and D.
Process of Processing Evaporated Milk and Condensed Milk
Evaporated milk
First, the manufacturer separates 60% of the water in cow’s milk to evaporate into milk. Then cool quickly and add vitamins and stabilizers. The production line is carefully packed and sterilized. Standard evaporated milk must have a minimum of 7.9% full-fat milk and 25.5% whole milk ingredients.
The heat processing of milk creates a lower sweetness and darker color than condensed milk. Evaporated milk contains more nutrients than condensed milk. There are many varieties of milk with whey removed. The manufacturer will remove the fat. Then add the appropriate ingredients according to the needs of the consumer.
Condensed milk
Milk manufacturers go through the process of decanting and standardizing raw milk. Then heat to 85 to 90°C (185 to 194°F) for a few seconds. This heating process kills some microorganisms and reduces fat breakdown. The manufacturer adds sugar to the milk in the correct proportions.
Sugar extends the shelf life of condensed milk. Cane sugar increases the osmotic pressure of the liquid. This process prevents microbial growth. This is followed by cooling the condensed milk and retaining the sugar crystals.
Sugar crystallization usually occurs later. In addition, condensed milk also has additional ingredients such as evaporated milk.
Benefits of Evaporated Milk vs Condensed Milk
Condensed milk contains a lot of lactose. Therefore, it is a bad choice for those who are in the process of losing weight. But this is a great ingredient to use in desserts or coffee. If your family often drinks coffee and breakfast with bread, you should buy condensed milk.
Evaporated milk is suitable for people with dietary needs to keep fit. People with diabetes and blood fats should also use this milk. If you have a need to abstain from sweetness, you should use evaporated milk to ensure health.
While these two milks are both nutritious, their intended uses are actually different. You should choose a type of milk that is right for the intended use because they are not interchangeable. When using condensed milk, it is best to add water to bring the condensed milk to a state of whole milk.
Nutritional Composition of Condensed Milk
Milk has a lot of nutritional value with delicious taste and sweet taste. Using condensed milk in your daily diet will help you gain healthy weight. Gaining weight with condensed milk is one of the most attractive and accurate ideas.
The main ingredients in condensed milk are cow’s milk, sugar, fat and protein. These ingredients are beneficial for the rapid weight gain of thin people.
In addition, condensed milk contains some vitamins A, D, and B1. It is very suitable to fight malnutrition and strengthen the body’s resistance. So condensed milk and combined with some other foods will help you gain weight easily. You can dilute it to drink, eat in combination with bread or make fruit smoothies…
However, using too much condensed milk will backfire. You must know how to use it to ensure daily nutrition. If you want condensed milk to maximize its benefits, you should:
- Do not drink too much, it will affect the digestive system
- Drink warm milk and high-quality milk.
- Combine exercise and sports to maximize benefits
- Proper diet and sleep
How Should You Use Condensed Milk?
In fact, using condensed milk has a different purpose than nutritional support. The few ingredients of condensed milk are neither rich in nutrients nor balanced. They are just an indispensable condiment ingredient in many sweets and drinks. You can also combine condensed milk with nutrient-rich foods.
The use of condensed milk is increasingly popular for many purposes. However, many people still use it the wrong way for many reasons such as misinformation and habits. We need to have clear regulations like some countries have done:
- State clearly on the label, what is the purpose of condensed milk to avoid confusion?
- Not recommended for children under 2 years old
- Communicating to make people realize the deviations in nutritional care for young children, the sick and the elderly
- Check out dairy support activities such as donating milk to poor children
Above is the difference between evaporated milk vs condensed milk and some information about condensed milk. We hope it will be useful to you and help you differentiate these two types of milk. Read carefully the intended use on the label to choose the right type of milk for you.
