Sweetened condensed milk
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Sweetened condensed milk is a thick, syrupy dairy product made by removing water from regular milk and adding sugar, resulting in a rich, caramel-like sweetness and a velvety, viscous texture. It is a staple in baking and dessert-making, known for its ability to add a luxurious, creamy sweetness to a wide range of dishes. Nutritionally, it is extremely calorie-dense and high in sugar, with the provided 0g values likely being an error or referring to a specific, non-standard formulation.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its intense, caramelized sweetness and velvety mouthfeel, which can transform simple ingredients into decadent treats. It's also cherished for its versatility, serving as a key ingredient in everything from fudge and ice cream to cocktails and savory sauces in various global cuisines.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its extremely high sugar and calorie content, which can contribute to blood-sugar spikes and weight gain if consumed in excess. To counteract this, practice strict portion control, use it sparingly as a flavor enhancer rather than a main ingredient, and pair it with high-fiber or protein-rich foods to slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of energy due to high sugar content.
- Adds a rich, creamy texture and sweetness to desserts without needing extra sugar.
- Acts as a binding and sweetening agent in no-bake desserts and frostings.
- Has a long shelf life when unopened.
- Can be used as a coffee or tea sweetener and creamer.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Sweetened condensed milk was invented in the mid-19th century by Gail Borden as a way to preserve milk without refrigeration, and it became a crucial provision for soldiers during the American Civil War.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 24.8 g |
| Ash | 1.5 g |
| Sugars, Total | 54.1 g |
| Sucrose | 44.9 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 9.2 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Riboflavin | 0.47 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.04 mg |
| Retinol | 60.0 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.18 g |
| SFA 5:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.15 g |
| SFA 7:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 9:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.21 g |
| SFA 11:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.24 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.76 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.87 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 21:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 23:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.9 g |
| MUFA 12:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.12 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 n-9 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 n-11 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.30 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.23 g |
| PUFA 18:2 c | 0.27 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:3 c | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-9 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.26 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.21 g |
| TFA 14:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.02 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.17 g |
| TFA 20:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t | 0.05 g |
| TFA 18:3 t | 0.00 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk?
Sweetened condensed milk has sugar added and is thick and syrupy, while evaporated milk is simply milk with about 60% of its water removed and no sugar added, making it thinner and unsweetened.
Can I make a substitute for sweetened condensed milk at home?
Yes, you can simmer regular milk with sugar until it reduces by half, but it won't have the exact same thick, caramelized texture. A common quick substitute is mixing evaporated milk with sugar.
Is sweetened condensed milk the same as cream of coconut?
No, they are different. Cream of coconut is made from coconut milk and is very sweet and thick, used in cocktails like piña coladas. Sweetened condensed milk is dairy-based.