Having gluten sensitivity can be such a pain. You have to be cautious of everything you are eating, and that includes condensed milk too. Most celiacs ask if condensed milk is safe for them. Or if condensed milk is gluten free or not?
Condensed milk is gluten free as it’s made just by boiling milk and sugar, so there is no wheat in them.
But whether it is completely gluten safe, that’s not enough information. Gluten may get added not just through the ingredients but also during the cooking procedure and packaging. So let’s find out if all packaged condensed milk is gluten free or not.
Table of Contents
Is Condensed Milk Gluten Free?
Condensed milk is just two ingredients- whole milk and sugar. There are no harmful ingredients like- wheat, rye, or barley to make it unsafe for celiacs or gluten allergic people.
But I would always recommend you to check the ingredient label to find out gluten presence through added flavorings or preservatives. Besides, gluten may get added if makers prepare condensed milk in a shared facility.
To be safe for celiacs, foods have to adhere to a few FDA rules. Firstly and obviously, it should not have any gluten ingredients. Secondly, producers have to prepare them in a dedicated gluten free facility.
Finally, the product will undergo a gluten free test. To be celiac safe, Condensed milk has to contain less than 20ppw of gluten, making it safe for all. So, checking the ingredient label is vital when you pick a can of condensed milk.
Related Posts:- Is Licorice Gluten Free?
How is Condensed Milk Made?
Condensed milk is made by reducing almost 60% water from whole cow milk. The milk is clarified, standardized, and heated to 185 to 194°F for several minutes. Condensed milk mostly comes sweetened because sugar is added in the boiling procedure.
The milk is boiled until its quantity decreases to half. Once the milk reaches the desired consistency, it’s cooled and then packaged into cans.
Is Condensed Milk Healthy?
Condensed milk has quite a few health benefits, but the only drawback is it’s quite high in sugar content. Since condensed milk is a more concentrated version of regular milk, it’s a rich source of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, phosphorus, riboflavin, and protein.
Such essential nutrients may help with stronger bones and teeth. Additionally, the sugar in condensed milk gives you an instant boost of energy and aids in muscle growth as well.
Even though condensed milk is a good source of essential nutrients, it’s high in calories and contains added sugar as well. If you’re on a weight loss track, you can’t use condensed milk as a substitute for regular milk.
Besides, condensed milk isn’t a healthy option for people with type 2 diabetes patents again for the added sugar it contains. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should consume condensed milk in limits to not go overboard with your sugar intake.
Here are the nutritional facts per 100ml of condensed milk
- Calories- 333
- Protein- 7.69g
- Carbs- 56.4g
- Fat- 7.69g
- Sugars- 53.8g
- Added sugars- 46.2g
- Calcium- 205 mg
- Potassium- 179 mg
- Sodium- 90 mg
- Fatty acids- 3.85g
- Cholesterol- 26mg
What Is The Difference Between Condensed Milk & Evaporated Milk?
Condensed milk and evaporated milk are almost the same as both are highly concentrated shelf-stable milk with reduced water. The key difference between the two is that condensed milk has added sugar while evaporated milk does not.
You can also notice a color difference between the two. Evaporated milk turns tan due to the concentration of protein and lactose, but condensed milk is lighter in color. Since evaporated milk has no added sugar, it’s a healthier alternative to condensed milk.
Gluten Free Condensed Milk Brands Celiacs Can Try
Here is a list of some of the best gluten free condensed milk brands that are safe for celiacs.
Eagle Brand is one of the oldest and most trusted brands of condensed milk. It’s made from concentrated whole milk and sugar; hence there is no added gluten in it.
The California Farmers condensed milk is gluten free and safe to include in your no gluten diet. It’s made from organic cane sugar and organic milk.
Manufactured by Nestle, La Lechera is another gluten free condensed milk company. But this one has higher fat content and sodium, so it isn’t as healthy as the other options.
Try These Finger Licking Recipes With Condensed Milk
You can make some delicious finger licking recipes with condensed milk. Here are a few of my favorites which I’m sure you can’t resist. Let’s check out the ingredients and cooking methods.
1. Lemon Meringue Slice
Ingredients
- 359g condensed milk
- 1 ½ cup plain flour
- 150g butter
- ½ cup icing sugar
- 1 tsp cold water
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp grated lemon rind
- ⅓ cup caster sugar
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup coconut flakes
Method
Step one
Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a lamington tray. Now mix flour, water, icing sugar, and butter together. Make a nice dough, and now press it in the greased tray evenly. Bake it for 15-20 minutes until it turns brown.
Step two
In a separate bowl, combine egg yolks, condensed milk, lemon juice, and lemon rind. Pour this mixture over the cooked base and bake for ten minutes again.
Step three
Beat egg whites until it turns foamy. Gradually add caster sugar while you continue beating until sugar dissolves. Now spread this over the cooked base again. Sprinkle coconut flakes and bake for ten more minutes. Let it cool for some time before serving.
2. Condensed Milk Biscuits
Ingredients
- 400g condensed milk
- 500g margarine
- 240 g white choc bits
- 250g choc bits
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 5 cups flour
Method
Step one
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray and line with parchment paper. Using an electric mixer, mix sugar, condensed milk, and margarine until it gets creamy. Now add the flour and both white and dark choc bits and mix using your hands.
Step two
Make small balls of the batter, place them on the lined baking tray, and press lightly. Bake for about 15 minutes until it turns golden. Let it cool for some time before having it.
Summing up
Condensed milk is gluten free with no barley or wheat; therefore, it is safe for gluten sensitive people. But for better safety, always check the ingredient label. Don’t forget to check the fantastic condensed milk recipes I mentioned and try your hands at them.
FAQs
Is Carnation condensed milk gluten free?
Yes, Carnation condensed milk is gluten free. It’s pure milk and sugar with no gluten ingredients.
Is evaporated and condensed milk the same?
The cooking procedure for evaporated and condensed milk is the same. The only difference is that condensed milk has added sugar while evaporated milk does not.
Is condensed milk celiac safe?
Yes, condensed milk is celiac safe as there is no wheat, barley, or rye to induce gluten allergy.
Is evaporated milk gluten free?
Yes, evaporated milk is also gluten free. It’s just more concentrated milk with reduced water.
