
Condensed milk is a familiar type of milk packed with nutrients beneficial for health. Moreover, it plays a vital role in several beverages and dishes. So, let’s explore with AVAKids what condensed milk is made of, its role, and precautions for use in the article below!
What is Condensed Milk Made Of?
Condensed milk is fresh cow’s milk with reduced water content through evaporation. Specifically, fresh cow’s milk is heated at a high temperature of 85-90°C (185-194°F). Then, 60% of the water in the heated milk is removed by maintaining a temperature of 40-45°C (104-113°F). Finally, other necessary ingredients are added to create the final product.
Sugar is a crucial ingredient, not only for sweetening but also for reducing bacterial growth by increasing the osmotic pressure of the remaining milk. Condensed milk contains more calories and nutrients than fresh milk.
Nutritional Composition of Condensed Milk
Condensed milk contains various nutrients: fat, calcium, protein, etc. However, it doesn’t contain many minerals or a high vitamin content.
With sugar making up almost half of the composition of condensed milk, it needs to be diluted before consumption. Therefore, compared to a glass of fresh milk or breast milk, a glass of condensed milk is less nutritious. Experts consider condensed milk a source of empty calories.
Types of Condensed Milk
Consumers might categorize condensed milk by domestic or imported origin, metal cans or cartons, or other characteristics. However, condensed milk can generally be divided into two types: sweetened and unsweetened.
Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Contains a significant amount of sugar after water removal.
- Thick and smooth texture.
- Suitable for everyone who enjoys milk and regular sweetness, not for those avoiding sugar.
Unsweetened Condensed Milk:
- Concentrated pure milk.
- Less thick, only slightly thicker than regular milk.
- Suitable for people on diets, diabetics, etc.

Uses of Condensed Milk
Health Benefits
- Provides nutrients for sick individuals with low appetite, and postpartum women after 3 days.
- Increases milk supply in breastfeeding women.
- Promotes weight gain for underweight individuals.
- Supplements calcium for strong bones.
- Provides some essential nutrients like Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
Everyday Uses
Condensed milk is irreplaceable in creating delicious drinks and desserts.
- Coffee Preparation: An essential ingredient in milk coffee and Vietnamese iced coffee (bac xiu). Condensed milk, when combined with coffee, creates a smooth texture and a rich, sweet flavor.
- Smoothies and Fruit Salads: Creates rich and delicious smoothies that can’t be replicated with fresh milk or sugar.
- Milk Tea Preparation: Milk tea may contain other ingredients like sugar and creamer, but condensed milk is crucial. For Thai iced tea, it’s considered the main ingredient.
- Eating with Bread: Bread with condensed milk is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.
- Ingredient in Other Desserts: Yogurt cake, flan, ice cream, etc.

Proper Storage of Condensed Milk
- After opening and using, store the milk in a cool place or in the refrigerator.
- It’s best to consume condensed milk within 3-4 days of opening. Refrigerating can extend the shelf life to 7-10 days.
- Although the milk might still be usable, the nutrients will be significantly reduced or lost. Consider this factor.

Store milk in a cool place, use within a short period
Precautions When Using Condensed Milk
- Consider the frequency of condensed milk consumption due to its high nutrient and calorie content.
- Both sweetened and unsweetened condensed milk are as nutritious as whole milk. However, the color and flavor will differ. Dilute with water to achieve a consistency similar to whole milk.
- Avoid storing milk for more than a week, even if refrigerated, as it can spoil and lose its original flavor.
- Choose reputable and quality brands. It’s recommended to mix the milk with warm water.

We hope the information above helps you understand more about the composition of condensed milk, as well as tips for using it to achieve the best quality. If you have any questions, please visit avakids.com or contact our hotline 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30) for detailed guidance and consultation!