Do you like your daily coffee with a little bit of non-dairy creamer in it? Or maybe you prefer to add some dry sugar or flavored syrups? How about adding evaporated milk to coffee? It might not have ever occurred to you, but evaporated canned milk can be an excellent option for devoted coffee lovers looking for a richer and creamier coffee experience.
But whether you do put evaporated milk in your coffee is entirely up to you and your personal taste. Some people say that evaporated milk is the best way to make flavored coffee, and it’s a tried-and-true cultural coffee staple in some countries for a reason. Others might say that it makes the coffee taste too sweet or gives it an odd consistency. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they like best.
Read on to learn more about evaporated milk and how you can use it to jazz up your next cup of fresh coffee!
How is evaporated milk different than regular milk?
You’ve probably bought a can of evaporated milk at some time since it’s a popular ingredient in baked goods around the holidays, but have you ever wondered what it is?
Evaporated milk is concentrated milk made by evaporation, which uses heat to remove liquid until a thick, creamy material is left behind. Evaporated milk becomes regular milk again when mixed with an equal amount of water.
The chief benefits of evaporated milk are its long shelf life, and it transports more easily than fresh milk. You can usually find it in a can, and it’s a shelf-stable product that generally lasts for a couple of years.
Evaporated milk has a much thicker consistency than regular milk because it contains less water, making the flavor more concentrated. Also, because the water has been removed during the evaporation process, evaporated milk has ounce-for-ounce a much higher fat content and sugar than regular milk. It also has a stronger, slightly sweeter flavor.
Can you put evaporated milk in your coffee?
The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can add this canned dairy product into your coffee. But should you? That depends entirely on if you like the taste!
Like most things, opinions will vary on this topic. Some people say that evaporated milk doesn’t really add anything to the coffee flavor-wise and that it just makes it thicker and creamier. Others think that evaporated milk gives coffee a slightly sweet and caramel-like flavor which they happen to love.
And still, other people prefer to use sweetened condensed milk because it’s even sweeter and adds an even more intense flavor.
Evaporated milk and its sweeter sibling, sweetened condensed milk, have been used for years in coffee drinks worldwide. Most popularly, Vietnamese-style iced coffee uses evaporated milk to create a rich and sweet flavor that balances out the intense strength of Vietnamese coffee. So it’s absolutely true that you can substitute evaporated milk for coffee creamer if you want to!
Our advice? Buy a can and try it out! At worst, you’ve learned that you’re not a fan of the sweet and creamy concoction, and at best, you’ve found a new favorite way to prepare your coffee!
Is evaporated milk healthier compared to other milk products?
If you drink a lot of coffee with milk, you’ve probably wondered if there are healthier ways you can enjoy your caffeinated habit. Is evaporated milk a healthier substitute for milk?
This is a complicated question because the answer really depends on how you define “healthy” and what your overall health and diet goals are. Evaporated milk, like most dairy products, isn’t exactly “healthy” for lactose intolerant people, for example. But the sweetness it gives your coffee might help you cut down on common coffee additives like sugars and syrups, and that might be healthier for your specific lifestyle.
There are a lot of debates out there when it comes to the health benefits of evaporated milk. Proponents of evaporated milk will say it is a healthier option because it has a higher and more concentrated percentage of protein and calcium than regular milk. However, opponents will point out that because evaporated milk is concentrated, it has a higher percentage of everything, including sugar and fat.
Overall, your best option is probably to use it in moderation, just like most things we consume. Having a cup of coffee sweetened with evaporated milk once or twice a week won’t do you any harm, but too much, and you could see an increase in your level of sugar and fat consumption compared to regular milk.
What coffee drinks can you make with evaporated milk?
You’d be surprised how versatile evaporated milk can be! You can use it straight to create a thick and creamy coffee drink, or you could add water to it and use it like regular milk if you’re in a pinch!
Evaporated milk is a great way to add creaminess and flavor to bitter coffee drinks, and it’s an excellent option for just about any coffee beverage you can think of, from iced coffee to sweetened hot coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and even frappes.
- If you’re just looking for a basic hot coffee recipe or an alternative to your regular coffee creamer, heavy cream, or regular milk, consider adding evaporated milk to your daily cup of black coffee. It will sweeten the coffee on its own, but you can always add your choice of flavoring or a bit of sugar to taste!
- For iced coffee, mix equal parts evaporated milk and cold water. Add this mixture to your coffee, and stir until it’s thoroughly mixed. Then add as many ice cubes as you like! You can also just add a dollop of evaporated milk straight into the cold coffee, but the sweetness may be a little overpowering.
- For creamy lattes, heat your evaporated milk in the microwave or a saucepan on the stove. Froth the milk with a milk frother or an immersion blender until it has a thick and creamy texture, and add it directly to your espresso!
- Cappuccino: This drink combines equal parts espresso and steamed milk, and then it’s topped with foam. To make it with evaporated milk, combine 1/3 cup evaporated milk with 2/3 cup hot water in a coffee mug to bring it back to a milk-like consistency. Then, add your espresso and stir. Finally, use a spoon to top it with foam if you like!
How to Make Cà Phê Sữa Đá, or Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Vietnamese iced coffee is a delicious, refreshing drink that’s perfect for summertime, and it’s one of the best examples of how evaporated milk can elevate your coffee drink. You can make it with or without sweetened condensed milk, and it’s easy to customize the level of sweetness to your taste. Here’s how to make it:
What You’ll Need:
- One cup of your choice of coffee (for a more authentic version, use Vietnamese coffee since it’s more potent).
- 2-3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (this is optional, but it’s a must for anyone who loves a delicious sweetened iced coffee!)
- ice cubes
What to Do:
- Prepare your instant coffee according to the instructions.
- Add your sweetened condensed milk to a glass (at least 8 ounces).
- Pour a small amount of the iced coffee (a couple of tablespoons) into the glass. Using a milk frother, combine the condensed milk and coffee.
- Add your ice to the glass, then pour the rest of your coffee over the ice and enjoy!
Note: You can use sweetened condensed milk for a super-sweet drink, but regular evaporated milk will work just fine if you want to cut down on the sweetness a bit!
FAQs
Is evaporated milk the same thing as sweetened condensed milk?
Close! Both are functionally the same, and they’re both made from milk that has been cooked down to remove the water content. As the name would suggest, sweetened condensed milk is much sweeter than evaporated milk, which makes it great for super-sweet coffee drinks and a popular additive to Vietnamese coffee. Which one you use depends entirely on how strong your sweet tooth is!
Final Thoughts
You might have checked your pantry once or twice and wondered if that can of evaporated milk that you haven’t used could be added to your morning coffee and if it would even taste good. Evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are thicker and have higher fat and sugar content than regular milk, so they can often make coffee creamier.
However, some people find that they can also make coffee taste a bit too sweet. Why not try evaporated milk in your coffee as a coffee creamer substitute and see how you like it? You can always add more or less depending on your preference.
Evaporated milk is a convenient option to quickly add some extra creaminess and sweetness to your coffee, and it’s a great way to add some extra protein and calcium to your diet. Try it for yourself and see how you like it – you might be surprised at how good it tastes! And if you’re looking for more ideas, read up on how you can add cocoa powder, heavy cream, or chocolate to your cup of java!
Happy Caffeinating!
