Condensed Milk

Comelle, Milkana, Polac and Nestle are a few of the best selling condensed milk brands in Pakistan. 

Condensed Vs Evaporated Milk

Cow's milk that has almost 60% of the water removed is called Evaporated milk. When sugar is added to evaporated milk, it becomes condensed milk. The process is achieved by boiling down cow's milk to remove some water just like you do with chicken stock to concentrate the flavour. The end product is still liquid though but in a creamy caramel consistency.

Calories & Nutrients

While there are no healthy nutrients found in condensed or evaporated milk, one tablespoon may have between 55 to 65 calories and 2 grams of saturated fat. It is best to eat it in moderation as overconsumption may lead to multiple health issues.

Condensed Milk Uses

There are endless cooking options with this baking wonder and it is globally used mostly for creating delicious desserts and beverages. Condensed milk is widely used in Pakistan too for making traditional desserts like Gajar Halwa, Sheer khurma, Shahitukra, Kheer etc. You can also use it as topping on custards, cakes, puddings, milkshakes and the common street food golaganda etc.

It is also used in a variety of international confectioneries such as chocolate brownies, banoffi pie, butterscotch bars, caramel fondue, fudge and various baked items. You can make creamy no-cook ice cream and kulfi with condensed or evaporated milk or just use it to add rich creamy sweetness to your morning coffee. 

Healthy Alternatives to Condensed Milk

Health-conscious people or those with lactose intolerance might not like condensed or evaporated milk in its original form. There are many healthy substitutes that you can make at home or use from your pantry. For non-dairy alternatives, you can use plant-based products like hemp, flax, soy, quinoa, rice, coconut milk, Egg and gluten-free substitute to condensed milk would be a heated mixture of soy milk, sugar and cornflour.

Homemade Condensed Milk Recipe

If you run out of evaporated milk and urgently need it, you can throw in some ingredients from the pantry and make your very own homemade condensed milk. You will need:

- 1 cup brown sugar

- 1 tbsp flour

- 2 eggs

- 1 cup milk 

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

Mix all ingredients in a bowl till uniform. This can be used as an alternative to condensed or evaporated milk and can be used in recipes for desserts, bars, pies and milkshakes etc. Store for up to 24 hours only in a sealed container in the fridge. Discard after 24 hours.