Condensed milk is made by evaporating most of the water from milk and adding sugar as a preservative and is a common ingredient in traditional kopi and teh recipes . It is made by boiling down milk while adding sugar creates a sweetener that can be used to make desserts, cakes, and most importantly, a balanced cup of kopi. We’ve received comments and messages about substitutes from customers so, in this article, we’ll explore the substitutes for sweetened condensed milk in your kopi (and teh).
I cover the following in this article:
- Best alternatives to condensed milk for kopi and teh
- What are the benefits of using substitutes for condensed milk?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s jump right in
What are the best alternatives to condensed milk?
Depending on the purpose you’re using the condensed milk for, “best” is often subjective.
Alliance Coffee is a coffee company hence we’ll only focus on:
3 best condensed milk substitutes for kopi and teh?
There are several alternatives you can consider, depending on your objective.
- Fresh Milk
Fresh milk is usually the most direct condensed milk alternative for kopi or teh. However, due to the concentration of fresh milk, do note that you may require more fresh milk for it to cut through the kopi or teh. This would often lead to a diluted cup of kopi.
If you’re using fresh milk as a substitute for condensed milk, I would encourage starting with a stronger kopi concentrate.
- Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is made by removing most of the water from the milk, it does not include any added sugar. Compared to fresh milk, it is more concentrated. However, there are often artificial additives and stabilisers in store-bought evaporated milk.
Compared to condensed milk, evaporated milk is less thick and is unlikely to provide the same body or ‘gao’-ness in a kopi. Likewise, start with a stronger kopi concentrate if you’re using evaporated milk as a substitute.
- Coconut Milk
Coconut condensed milk has the same consistency as regular condensed milk and is the best alternative for those who are lactose intolerant. However, the sugar level in coconut condensed milk is on par with regular condensed milk.
If you want a non-dairy alternative with less sugar, try:
- Oat Milk
Or any other milk alternatives like soy milk or almond milk. Personally, I think oat milk is the most tolerable substitute for condensed milk. Soy and almond milk tends to funk up the taste of my kopi.
What are the benefits of using substitutes for condensed milk?
There are several reasons to do so.
- Healthier option
Condensed milk is made by evaporating most of the water from milk and adding sugar as a preservative. It therefore does contain a good amount of sugar.
Ever since the government has launched the “war on diabetes”, consumers have been more aware about their consumption options. It is little wonder why coffee lovers are searching for condensed milk substitutes.
Is condensed milk bad for you?
Condensed milk is a thick milk that has been made by evaporating the liquid milk’s water and adding sugar.
Due to its high sugar content, condensed milk should be taken in moderation. It’s okay to have it in your daily cup of coffee, although you may want to reduce your intake if you are worried about the high sugar content.
- Lactose intolerance
Condensed milk is made from…well you guessed it, milk.
Hence, those who are lactose intolerant might not be able to consume it. In such cases, there would be a need for an alternative.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a suitable alternative to condensed milk in your kopi (or tea) recipe, I listed some options in this article.
tl;dr They are:
- Fresh milk: a lower sugar, less processed substitute
- Evaporated milk: a low sugar substitute
- Coconut condensed milk: a non-dairy substitute
- Alternative milk products like oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc: non-dairy and lower sugar substitute
I hope this article gave you the answer to the questions that led you here. If not, just DM us on Instagram or Facebook and I’ll try my best to answer your question.
If you’re looking to brew kopi at home, stock up on fresh kopi with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of condensed milk?
Yes, you can. However, your kopi may not have the body and creaminess from the lack of milk/dairy components.
Can I use cream instead of condensed milk?
Yes, you can. But I don’t know why would you want to do that.
Can I use fresh milk instead of condensed milk?
Yes, you can. If you’re using fresh milk as a substitute for condensed milk, I would encourage starting with a stronger kopi concentrate. Read more above.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?
Yes, you can. Likewise, start with a stronger kopi concentrate if you’re using evaporated milk as a substitute. Read more above.
If you’re looking to brew kopi at home, stock up on fresh kopi with us.
