Substitutes for Evaporated Milk

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Concentrated canned milk with 60% water removed. Used in custards, soups, and baking.

Can't find Evaporated Milk in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Heavy Cream 1:1 replacement soups, custards, baking
Vegetarian
Half-and-Half 1:1 replacement soups, sauces, custards
Vegetarian
Whole Milk (reduced) 2.25 cups milk simmered down to 1 cup baking, custards
Vegetarian
Coconut Milk (canned) 1:1 replacement soups, curries, baking
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

Richer and higher fat, but works in most recipes calling for evaporated milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Evaporated Milk?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Heavy Cream is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Evaporated Milk?
Coconut Milk (canned) is an excellent vegan option. Use 1:1 replacement.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.