If you’ve ever wondered about unconventional yet delicious additions to your morning coffee, you’re not alone.
One question that frequently pops up is whether it’s acceptable to use evaporated milk in coffee.
The quick answer is yes, you can put evaporated milk in coffee.
It adds a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to your cup, making it a popular alternative to regular milk or cream.
In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why many coffee enthusiasts have embraced this unique twist.
What Exactly Is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk undergoes a process where about 60% of its water content is removed through heating.
After this, it gets homogenized, canned, and heat-sterilized.
You can find it in whole milk, low-fat, and skim options.
The neat thing about evaporated milk is its extended shelf life – it stays good without refrigeration until you crack it open.
People often use it as a milk or cream substitute in recipes, and you can mix it with water for a milk alternative.
Importantly, it doesn’t have added sugar like sweetened condensed milk.
Besides being a good source of calcium and vitamin D, low-fat and fat-free versions also pack extra vitamin A.
Despite being made from real milk, it has a smooth, syrupy texture similar to cream.
Can You Put Evaporated Milk In Coffee?
Yes, you absolutely can!
Evaporated milk is the unsung hero of coffee additions.
Forget regular milk; this stuff brings a thicker, creamier texture that can make your coffee richer than ever.
Plus, it’s shelf-stable with a longer life than your typical milk jug.
Keep a few cans on standby for those milk or cream emergencies.
Once opened, it holds up in the fridge for 5-6 days.
But here’s the kicker – you can use it in any coffee style you fancy, from hot to iced to cold brew.
Want a frothy topping? Evaporated milk’s got your back.
Use it straight for a velvety coffee delight, or dilute it with water to use like regular milk.
It can also be used to make flavored coffee and is a tried-and-true cultural coffee staple in some countries.
Now, if you’re the adventurous type, traveling or camping, consider the convenience of canned evaporated milk over its perishable cousin.
In terms of calories, it’s on par with heavy cream, hovering around 170 calories in half a cup, which is still pretty high, to be honest.
How Does Evaporated Milk Taste In Coffee?
Using evaporated milk in coffee brings a richer and creamier flavor compared to regular milk or creamer.
The slightly sweeter and thicker taste is a result of water removal and increased fat content.
This versatile option works well in iced coffee, sweetened hot coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and frappes.
Keep in mind that the taste of evaporated milk in coffee is subjective, with some finding it too sweet or noting a unique consistency.
It all boils down to personal preference!
Evaporated Milk and Condensed Milk Key Distinctions
Evaporated milk and condensed milk are both concentrated, shelf-stable milk products that have been heated until at least 60% of their water content evaporates.
However, there are some key differences between the two.
Evaporated milk is the unsweetened choice, while condensed milk is the sweetened choice, boasting around 40 to 45% sugar content.
If you check the label and it reads “sweetened condensed milk,” you won’t find an unsweetened version – that’s because the unsweetened counterpart is simply evaporated milk.
But beware – condensed milk can turn your coffee into a sugar fiesta, thanks to its syrupy sweetness.
It’s the thick, gloppy sibling in the family, while evaporated milk keeps it chill with a thin and easily pourable vibe.
Is Evaporated Milk Healthier?
Nutrition-wise, it’s like the powerhouse version of regular cow’s milk, packing more nutrients and calories.
With over double the carbs, protein, and fat (excluding the low-fat and fat-free options), plus a bonus of higher minerals, it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
It is also a source of calcium, vitamin D, and fatty acids.
Drinking evaporated milk may be beneficial for those trying to gain weight or increase their mineral intake.
It’s not just for sipping, though – Evaporated milk shines in both sweet and savory recipes.
Think mashed potatoes, oatmeal, soups, and casseroles.
But, here’s the hitch – if lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy is your nemesis, be cautious.
Evaporated milk brings more lactose and milk proteins per gulp compared to regular milk.
However, for the lactose-friendly crew, moderate consumption can fit into a healthy diet.
Go ahead, and sweeten your coffee with a splash of evaporated milk once or twice a week – no harm done.
But drown your cup too often, and you might find yourself in the deep end of extra sugar and fat compared to regular milk.
Balance is the key!
What Are Some Coffee Drinks To Make With Evaporated Milk?
Ready to jazz up your coffee game with some evaporated milk delights?
Here are a few sips to try:
Coffee with Evaporated Milk
Brew your go-to black or instant coffee, then pour it into your favorite mug.
Carefully add a dose of evaporated milk, stir it up, and throw in your preferred sweetener if you’re feeling fancy.
Hot Dalgona Coffee
Ride the trendy wave with this one.
Create a luscious coffee mousse by blending coffee, sugar, and boiling water.
Pour it over a sea of evaporated milk into your coffee cup, top it off with more evaporated milk, and serve it up with a spoon.
Iced Coffee with Evaporated Milk
Shake up your usual iced coffee routine by swapping out regular milk or creamer for the creamy goodness of evaporated milk.
Add it to your cold brew for an extra kick of richness.
Cortadito
Take a trip to Puerto Rico with this traditional gem.
It’s espresso, steamed milk, and frothy milk on top.
Now, here’s the twist – use evaporated milk instead of steamed milk.
Just warm it up in a saucepan, stir occasionally, and you’re in for a frothy delight.
How To Add Evaporated Milk To Coffee
Say hello to the richness of evaporated milk – a stellar alternative to your regular dairy go-tos.
It brings a creamy texture that packs more flavor than your typical whole milk, but here’s the pro tip: it’s thicker, so you won’t need as much as you might think.
What You’ll Need
- Coffee mug
- Can opener
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- 1 cup hot coffee or cold brew
How to Make It
- Brew your favorite coffee, whether it’s piping hot or chilling in cold brew style.
- Pour that brewed goodness into your mug or glass.
- Now, here comes the magic – carefully add the evaporated milk, giving it a good stir until it becomes fully combined.
- Got a sweet tooth? Throw in your preferred sweetener – sugar, sugar substitute, you do you – and stir well.
- Serve it up immediately, and you’re all done!
Pro Tip
Stash the leftover evaporated milk in an airtight container, pop it in the fridge, and you’re all set for your next coffee adventure.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—no more guessing!
Evaporated milk is like the unsung hero of coffee add-ins, bringing that creamy magic to your cup.
Feel free to get creative, try it hot, try it cold, and explore the world of coffee wonders.
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee enthusiast or just looking to spice up your morning routine, don’t be shy—give evaporated milk a whirl.
It might just be the delightful twist your coffee has been waiting for.
Here’s to a cupful of creamy goodness and a whole new coffee adventure!
FAQ’s
Can you drink straight evaporated milk?
Yes, you can drink straight evaporated milk.
It’s safe to sip on its own, but many find it more enjoyable when mixed with water or used in different recipes.
It’s regular cow’s milk that got a little makeover—some of its water content evaporated, making it thicker and more concentrated.
Just a heads up, when you crack open the can for the first time, give it a good shake before consuming.
Can you make cappuccino with evaporated milk?
Yes, making a cappuccino with evaporated milk is a delightful option!
This creamy variation adds richness to your coffee experience.
Simply blend 2 1/4 cups of evaporated milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract until frothy.
Then, introduce this velvety milk mixture to your coffee for a homemade cappuccino that’s bound to impress your taste buds.
What happens when you heat evaporated milk?
When you heat evaporated milk, it develops a subtly caramelized flavor, thanks to the intense heat it undergoes during the process (known as the Maillard reaction).
Can you put evaporated milk in tea?
Yes, you can add evaporated milk to your tea.
It’s a popular choice for various tea recipes like Hong Kong milk tea and iced milk tea, contributing a creamy and subtly sweet taste.
In Hong Kong milk tea, for instance, blending evaporated milk with sweetened condensed milk creates that perfect creamy texture and flavor.
Can you whip evaporated milk?
Yes, whipping evaporated milk is a possibility, creating a topping akin to whipped cream.
There are a couple of ways to go about it.
One method involves freezing the can of evaporated milk for approximately 30 minutes, then whipping it with confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract until it achieves a stiff, frothy consistency.
Alternatively, you can pour evaporated milk into ice cube trays, freeze it, and then whisk the slightly frozen milk until it transforms into a thick, creamy texture.
Is evaporated milk a good substitute for coffee creamer?
Yes, evaporated milk can be a good substitute for coffee creamer.
It adds a rich and creamy texture to coffee, similar to traditional creamers.
However, it has a slightly different taste profile, so the flavor may vary.
