Quick Answers
Yes, you can drink evaporated milk straight from the can, but it has a very concentrated, sweet flavor that some find unappealing on its own. Evaporated milk needs to be diluted before most people would enjoy drinking it. Many recipes call for mixing equal parts evaporated milk and water to produce a milk-like beverage. Evaporated milk can also be used in a variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, protein shakes, hot chocolate and more. Overall, evaporated milk is safe to consume on its own or diluted, but it has a richer, thicker texture and stronger flavor than regular milk.
What is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk is a type of concentrated milk product created by removing about 60% of the water content from regular milk through evaporation. This cooking process gives it a slightly caramelized, sweeter flavor and a thick, creamy texture. Evaporated milk contains about 6.5% milk fat and 9% milk solids, significantly higher than the 3.5% fat and 8.5% solids in whole milk. It has a light golden color and comes canned and shelf-stable. The evaporation process helps preserve it so it can be stored unrefrigerated until opened.
Nutrition Facts of Evaporated Milk
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 cup serving of evaporated milk (243g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 338 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g |
| Cholesterol | 62mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Calcium | 404mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 536mg |
| Vitamin A | 257 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
As you can see, evaporated milk is high in calcium, vitamin A and protein compared to regular milk, since removing water concentrates these nutrients. However, it also contains significantly more calories, fat, and sugar.
Benefits of Drinking Evaporated Milk
Here are some of the main benefits associated with drinking evaporated milk:
– High in protein – Evaporated milk contains 16 grams of protein per cup, which is 32% of the recommended daily value. The protein helps with muscle growth, wound healing and keeping you full.
– Lots of calcium – With 404 mg or 40% DV of calcium per serving, evaporated milk is an excellent source of this bone-strengthening mineral. Calcium is important for bone density and preventing osteoporosis.
– Source of vitamin A – Getting 257 IU or 10% DV of vitamin A from one cup of evaporated milk helps maintain healthy vision, boost immunity and promote organ health.
– Shelf-stable – Canned evaporated milk has a long shelf life of 9-12 months, making it handy for stocking pantries and great for camping/hiking. Once opened, it needs refrigeration.
– Creamy, rich texture – The creamy, concentrated texture of evaporated milk makes it ideal for making smooth desserts, thick sauces and nourishing drinks.
Downsides of Drinking Evaporated Milk
Despite the nutritional benefits, drinking straight evaporated milk also has some potential downsides:
– High in calories and fat – With 338 calories and 20g fat per cup, evaporated milk is much higher in calories than skim or low-fat milk, which have 83-102 calories and .5-2.5g fat per cup.
– Added sugar – To counteract the bitterness from removing water, evaporated milk has added sugar, with 24g per cup. This equals over 5 teaspoons worth. Consuming excess added sugars can increase risk for obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
– Unbalanced nutritional profile – While evaporated milk is high in protein, calcium and vitamin A, it lacks other nutrients like vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin C contained in regular milk. It also doesn’t offer the carbohydrate, fiber or potassium that milk does.
– Strong, sweet flavor – Evaporated milk has a noticeably sweeter and thicker consistency than regular milk, which some find unpalatable, especially in large amounts.
Is it Safe to Drink Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk is generally safe to consume in moderation, but it does pose some health risks to be aware of:
– Risk of foodborne illness – As with any dairy product, evaporated milk carries a small risk of contamination with bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Proper refrigeration and use-by dates reduce this risk.
– High cholesterol – The 62mg of cholesterol in one cup of evaporated milk contributes significantly to the recommended 300mg daily limit. Excess cholesterol intake can increase heart disease risk. Those with diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol should limit intake.
– Allergies/intolerance – Evaporated milk contains lactose so those with lactose intolerance may experience gas, bloating or diarrhea from drinking it straight. People with milk allergies also need to avoid evaporated milk.
– Weight gain – With 168 calories per 1⁄2 cup, drinking a lot of evaporated milk could lead to unwanted weight gain over time. Children and others trying to control calories should limit intake.
Overall, moderate consumption of evaporated milk is safe for most healthy adults and children over 2 years old. Those with health conditions need to be more mindful of portion sizes.
How to Drink Evaporated Milk
Here are some of the most popular ways to drink evaporated milk:
– Diluted with water – Many recipes call for equal parts evaporated milk and water to produce a milk-like beverage for drinking or using like regular milk. The water cuts the sweetness while retaining the creamy texture.
– In coffee – Adding 2-3 tablespoons of evaporated milk to coffee lightens it, creates a frothy top and imparts a velvety texture, while cutting bitterness. It’s popular in Vietnamese iced coffee.
– In tea – Evaporated milk pairs well with bold, black teas. Add 2-3 tablespoons per cup of tea for a creamy complement to the tea flavor.
– In smoothies – For thicker, more nourishing smoothies, substitute evaporated milk for regular milk. Use 1⁄2 cup per serving of smoothie.
– In hot chocolate – Whisk together 1 cup evaporated milk with 1⁄4 cup cocoa powder and 1⁄4 cup sugar for an indulgent hot chocolate. Garnish with whipped cream.
– In milkshakes – Blend ice cream and 1⁄2 cup evaporated milk for each thick, creamy milkshake.
– In canned drinks – For a portable drink, combine 1 can evaporated milk and 1 can fruit juice, like pineapple or orange juice. Shake or stir to combine.
Tips for Enjoying Evaporated Milk
Here are some helpful tips for using evaporated milk:
– Shake cans well before opening to distribute consistency.
– Refrigerate after opening and use within 5-7 days.
– Start with equal parts evaporated milk and water to dilute. Adjust amounts to taste preferences.
– Add cocoa powder or coffee to hot diluted evaporated milk for homemade creamer.
– Use it to make instant hot cereals like oatmeal extra creamy.
– Pour over fresh fruit for a quick dessert.
– Use it in place of regular milk when baking.
– Whip chilled evaporated milk into peaks for topping pies or hot drinks.
– Mix with pureed fruit for an easy filling for crepes or pancakes.
Conclusion
While drinking straight evaporated milk may not suit every taste due to the concentrated, sweet flavor, it can be an interesting alternative to regular milk when diluted or mixed into recipes. With a smooth, creamy texture and added nutritional benefits like protein, calcium and vitamin A, evaporated milk can be a handy shelf-stable product to keep on hand for hot and cold beverages, desserts, cereals and more. As with any food, moderating portion sizes is important, especially for those with health conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. Overall, evaporated milk is generally safe to consume and provides a unique, nostalgic drinking experience.