Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk is America's #1 evaporated milk — made with 100% real milk, with about 60% of the water removed to create a rich, creamy, shelf-stable milk that has been a kitchen staple since 1899. At just 40 calories per 2-tablespoon serving with 0g added sugars and 2g of protein, it's the go-to ingredient for creamy soups, casseroles, pies, fudge, and coffee drinks.
Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk — 12 fl oz Can, 100% Real Milk, Shelf-Stable, America's #1, Since 1899
- Made with 100% real milk — no artificial milk substitutes
- About 60% of water removed — richer, creamier texture than regular milk
- Shelf-stable — no refrigeration needed until opened
- 0g added sugars — naturally occurring milk sugars only
- Per 2 Tbsp (30mL) serving (about 12 servings per can): 40 cal, 2g fat, 30mg sodium, 3g sugars (0g added), 2g protein, Calcium 4% DV, Vitamin D 4% DV
- America's #1 evaporated milk brand by total dollar sales
- Established 1899 — Nestle Carnation
How to Use
Add 1-2 Tbsp directly to hot coffee or tea as a creamer. Substitute for regular milk by mixing 1 part evaporated milk with 1 part water. Use undiluted as a lower-fat substitute for heavy cream in soups, sauces, and casseroles. Essential for pumpkin pie and custards — the classic Libby's Pumpkin Pie recipe on Libby's cans calls for Carnation Evaporated Milk. Creates smooth, creamy fudge and candy. Replaces regular milk in mac & cheese for extra creaminess. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate, and use within 3-5 days. Do not freeze — may separate upon thawing. Ingredient: Milk, Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Vitamin D3.
About Carnation
Carnation was established in 1899 and acquired by Nestle in 1985. It is the best-selling evaporated milk brand in the United States by total dollar sales. Carnation Evaporated Milk is made from fresh, Grade A milk with approximately 60% of the water content removed through a gentle evaporation process. The result is a concentrated, shelf-stable milk product with a slightly richer flavor and creamier texture than regular milk. It is a foundational ingredient in American baking and cooking, most famously used in the classic Libby's Pumpkin Pie recipe — which calls for Carnation Evaporated Milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk?
Both are concentrated canned milk products, but they differ in one key way: sweetened condensed milk has a large amount of sugar added (typically 40-45% sugar by weight), making it thick, sweet, and syrupy. Evaporated milk has no added sugar and is unsweetened — it is simply concentrated milk. They are not interchangeable in recipes. Carnation Evaporated Milk is unsweetened; Carnation also makes a sweetened condensed milk product sold separately.
Can I use evaporated milk as a substitute for regular milk?
Yes. To substitute evaporated milk for regular whole milk, mix one part evaporated milk with one part water. This restores the original water content and produces a liquid with a similar consistency to whole milk. Undiluted evaporated milk can also be used as a substitute for heavy cream in many recipes, providing richness with less fat.
Does evaporated milk need to be refrigerated?
Unopened cans of Carnation Evaporated Milk are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. Store in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer any unused evaporated milk to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3-5 days of opening. Do not freeze evaporated milk as it may separate upon thawing.
Browse more pantry staples in our Pantry collection.
Learn more about Carnation at nestleusa.com.