Calories in Evaporated Milk: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable dairy product made by removing about 60 percent of the water from fresh whole milk through a vacuum evaporation process. This concentration results in a richer, creamier product with roughly double the calories and nutrients of regular milk per volume. Evaporated milk is an excellent source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, and it is widely used in both sweet and savory cooking.

Calories by serving size:

Evaporated milk is also a rich source of phosphorus, vitamin A, riboflavin, and vitamin B12. Because it is heat-treated and sealed in cans, it has a long shelf life and does not require refrigeration until opened, making it a convenient pantry staple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?

Evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk both have about 60 percent of their water removed, but condensed milk has a large amount of sugar added. A cup of sweetened condensed milk contains roughly 982 calories and 166 grams of sugar, compared to 338 calories and no added sugar in evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is used in both savory and sweet dishes, while condensed milk is primarily used in desserts and sweet recipes.

How many calories are in a tablespoon of evaporated milk?

One tablespoon of whole evaporated milk contains approximately 21 calories, with 1.2 grams of fat, 1.6 grams of carbs, and 1.1 grams of protein. This makes it a richer coffee additive than regular milk or half and half on a per-tablespoon basis. A couple of tablespoons in coffee or tea adds roughly 42 calories to your drink.

Can you drink evaporated milk straight?

Evaporated milk can be consumed as-is, but its concentrated, thick consistency and slightly caramelized flavor make it quite different from regular milk. To use it as a milk substitute for drinking, you can dilute it with an equal amount of water to approximate the consistency and calorie content of regular whole milk. Many people prefer to use it undiluted as a rich addition to coffee, cereal, or recipes.

How does low-fat evaporated milk compare to whole?

Low-fat evaporated milk contains about 200 calories and 4.8 grams of fat per cup, compared to 338 calories and 19.1 grams of fat in the whole milk version. The protein content remains similar at around 16 to 17 grams per cup for both varieties. Low-fat evaporated milk is a practical option for reducing calories and fat in recipes that call for the whole version.

How is evaporated milk used in baking?

Evaporated milk adds richness, moisture, and a subtle caramelized flavor to baked goods without adding as much liquid as regular milk. It is a key ingredient in classic recipes like pumpkin pie, fudge, tres leches cake, and macaroni and cheese. Its higher protein and sugar concentration also promotes better browning in baked goods compared to regular milk.