Calories in Condensed Milk: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Sweetened condensed milk is whole milk that has been reduced by about 60% of its water content and blended with sugar, resulting in a thick, syrupy product that is extremely calorie-dense. It is a significant source of calcium and protein, though its high sugar content makes portion control essential. Here is a complete breakdown of sweetened condensed milk nutrition by serving size.

Calories by serving size:

Sweetened condensed milk is also a good source of calcium, providing roughly 869 mg per cup, along with phosphorus and riboflavin. Because it is used primarily as a baking and dessert ingredient rather than a beverage, typical serving sizes are much smaller than a full cup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between condensed milk and evaporated milk?

Sweetened condensed milk contains added sugar and has a thick, syrupy consistency, while evaporated milk has no added sugar and a thinner, pourable texture. Calorie-wise, a cup of evaporated milk has about 338 calories compared to 982 for sweetened condensed milk, making evaporated milk the significantly lighter option. The two are not interchangeable in recipes without adjustments.

How many calories are in one tablespoon of condensed milk?

One tablespoon (about 19 g) of sweetened condensed milk contains approximately 62 calories, with the vast majority coming from sugar. This is a common serving size for adding to coffee or tea, especially in Vietnamese iced coffee and other sweetened beverages. Even this small amount provides over 10 grams of sugar.

Why is sweetened condensed milk so high in calories and sugar?

The high calorie and sugar content comes from two factors: the removal of water, which concentrates the milk's natural nutrients and calories, and the addition of a large amount of sugar during processing. Sugar makes up roughly 45% of the final product by weight. This combination also acts as a preservative, giving sweetened condensed milk an extended shelf life.

How is condensed milk used in baking?

Sweetened condensed milk is a key ingredient in many classic desserts including key lime pie, fudge, tres leches cake, and dulce de leche. Its thick consistency and built-in sweetness simplify recipes by reducing the need for separate sugar additions and helping create smooth, creamy textures. When heated slowly, it caramelizes into dulce de leche, a rich caramel sauce.

Can you make sweetened condensed milk at home?

Yes, homemade sweetened condensed milk can be made by slowly simmering whole milk and sugar together until the mixture reduces by about half. A typical recipe uses approximately 2 cups of whole milk and 2/3 cup of sugar, cooked over low heat for 1 to 2 hours. The result has a similar calorie and sugar profile to the store-bought version, though the texture may be slightly less uniform.