How Many Ounces in a Can of Evaporated Milk: The Ultimate Guide
Evaporated milk has been a staple in many households for decades, and it’s no wonder why – it is versatile, delicious, and an essential ingredient in many recipes. If you love to cook and bake, you may have wondered how many ounces are in a can of evaporated milk. In this ultimate guide, we will look at the different sizes of cans of evaporated milk, explore how to substitute evaporated milk, answer common questions, and provide you with some helpful tips and tricks for using evaporated milk in your cooking and baking.
What is Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk is a canned milk product that has had about 60% of the water removed. This process of evaporation gives the milk a creamy and thick consistency as well as an extended shelf life, compared to regular milk. It is a concentrated form of milk that is a good source of protein, vitamin D, and calcium. Evaporated milk comes in canned form and can be found in most grocery stores with the other canned milk products.
What are the Different Sizes of Cans of Evaporated Milk?
Evaporated milk comes in cans of different sizes. The most common sizes are 5 oz, 12 oz, and 14 oz. The smaller cans are typically used in recipes that require just a small amount of evaporated milk, while the larger cans are suitable for recipes that require more liquid, like sauces or soups. However, it’s essential to note that different brands may have a slight variation in sizes of the cans, so it’s important to check the label correctly.
5 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
The 5 oz can of evaporated milk is the smallest size can available. It is commonly used in recipes that require just a few tablespoons or ounces of evaporated milk. For instance, pumpkin pies recipe typically asks for a 5 oz can of evaporated milk. Some users prefer this size because it’s easier to store and less waste produced if it was to go unused.
12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
The 12 oz can of evaporated milk is a mid-sized can that provides plenty of milk for most of the recipe. A 12 oz can of evaporated milk will be enough for most pumpkin pie recipes, creamy soup, or casserole dishes.
14 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
The largest size can of evaporated milk is 14 oz. This size can is perfect when cooking for large gatherings or when you need to make multiple recipes that require evaporated milk. This can is also perfect for buying in bulk and stocking up on ingredients that you may need for future recipes.
How to Substitute Evaporated Milk
It’s inevitable that you may run out of evaporated milk, or it could be that you don’t have it at hand. In such cases, you can consider substituting it with other types of milk or milk products. However, it’s important to note that the substitutes may not give you the exact taste or consistency as the evaporated milk. Below are some of the substitutes for evaporated milk:
- Whole milk: This is the closest substitute to evaporated milk. However, it’s essential to reduce the milk to 60% by simmering it on low heat to have a similar consistency as evaporated milk.
- Half and Half: This substitute can be used in a 1:1 ratio as evaporated milk.
- Heavy Cream: This substitute is best suited for recipes that require richer flavor and thicker consistency.
- Condensed Milk: Condensed milk has higher sugar content and thicker consistency than evaporated milk. Therefore, you need to add some water to reduce the sugar content and thickness.
Tips for Using Evaporated Milk
Using evaporated milk is an excellent way to add flavor and richness to your cooking and baking, but there are some tips that can make your task even easier. Below are some tips for using evaporated milk:
- To prevent curdling, use evaporated milk at room temperature or add it gradually to the hot mixture, while constantly stirring.
- For a thicker consistency of the evaporated milk, refrigerate the can overnight before use.
- When using evaporated milk in place of regular milk, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe since evaporated milk has a slightly sweeter taste.
- For more flavor, add evaporated milk in recipes that call for regular milk, like oatmeal or creamed corn.
FAQs
How many ounces are in a standard can of evaporated milk?
The most common size cans of evaporated milk are 5 oz, 12 oz, and 14 oz. However, different brands may have a slight variation in the sizes of the cans, so it’s important to check the label to get the exact amount.
Does evaporated milk have the same nutritional values as regular milk?
Evaporated milk has a more concentrated form of nutrition than regular milk since it has lost about 60% of water. This means that it has more protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which makes it an excellent alternative to regular milk.
Can I freeze evaporated milk?
It is not recommended to freeze evaporated milk since it could separate and change texture when defrosted. However, you can refrigerate unused portion and use it within four days.
Can low-fat evaporated milk be used as a substitute for regular evaporated milk?
Yes, low-fat evaporated milk can be used as a substitute for regular evaporated milk. However, it’s essential to note that it may have a slightly different taste and consistency.
Does evaporated milk have lactose?
Yes, evaporated milk has lactose. However, it’s lactose content is typically lower than regular milk.
Conclusion
Evaporated milk is an excellent ingredient to use for cooking and baking, but it’s essential to be aware of the different can sizes and substitutions to make the most of it. We hope that this ultimate guide has provided you with helpful tips and tricks to make your cooking even more delicious, creamy, and full of flavor.
References
“Foods Alive – How Many Ounces in a Can of Evaporated Milk?” Foods Alive, https://www.foodsalive.com/how-many-ounces-in-a-can-of-evaporated-milk/
“Evaporated Milk: Nutrition and Benefits.” Reviewed by Duygu Ekin-TV, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326466
“Evaporated Milk Substitutes in Cooking.” The Spruce Eats, https://www.thespruceeats.com/evaporated-milk-substitute-4152909