What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
Running low on evaporated milk? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About evaporated milk
Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned dairy product made by heating fresh milk to remove approximately 60% of its water content, resulting in a thick, creamy liquid with a slightly caramelised flavour. It has a higher concentration of protein, fat, and natural sugars than fresh milk, giving it a richer body suited to both sweet and savoury cooking. Unlike sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk contains no added sugar and can be used as a direct cream or milk substitute in many recipes.
Best substitute
full-cream milk (reduced)
Simmering full-cream milk over low heat until reduced by about half replicates the concentrated richness and thick consistency of evaporated milk. Allow it to cool before using in recipes that call for evaporated milk.
Simmer 2¼ cups of full-cream milk down to 1 cup to replace 1 cup of evaporated milk
bakingsaucescustardssoups
Alternative
thickened cream
Thickened cream provides a similar richness and creamy body to evaporated milk and works well in both sweet and savoury applications. It is higher in fat, so the final dish will be richer; diluting slightly with water or milk can bring it closer in consistency.
Use ½ cup cream mixed with ½ cup water to replace 1 cup evaporated milk
bakingcream saucessoupscustards
Alternative
coconut cream
Coconut cream offers a comparable thick, rich consistency to evaporated milk and works particularly well in dairy-free, vegan, or Asian-inspired recipes. It will impart a distinct coconut flavour, so it is best used where that note complements the dish.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of evaporated milk
What is evaporated milk called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | evaporated milk |
| Canada | evaporated milk |
| New Zealand | evaporated milk |
| United Kingdom | evaporated milk |
| United States | evaporated milk |
Common names for evaporated milk
unsweetened condensed milkdehydrated milktinned milk