Vegan Condensed Milk: Your Secret Weapon to Dreamy Desserts

In the 1860s, the United States was in the grip of a civil war. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers fought in the Union Army, and to keep them nourished, the government turned to milk. But instead of raw cow’s milk, like most were drinking at the time, they were given rations of a safer, more shelf-stable version, which was sweetened and condensed.

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That was more than 160 years ago, but condensed milk is still consumed today—although more often than not, it’s used in recipes rather than consumed straight out of the can. And, like many products over the decades, condensed milk has evolved so that you can enjoy it without any animal products whatsoever. Today, you can find vegan condensed milk on the shelves. Or, if you have the desire, you can also make a dairy-free version at home. Here’s how.

What is condensed milk?

In the 1800s, milk was consumed by many across the US and Europe. But there was one, big problem: it spoiled quickly, and the bacteria often made people sick (which is why raw milk is now heavily regulated and even illegal in some states). Eventually, pasteurization was discovered, which would make cow’s milk safer to drink.

Nature’s Charm

But before that, an inventor called Gail Borden created condensed milk by vaporizing water from the milk without burning it, and the resulting liquid had a far longer shelf life than its raw counterpart. Today, condensed milk is made in the same way, with 60 percent of the water removed.

Not to be confused with evaporated milk, condensed milk is also sweetened with sugar, which is why it’s often added to desserts and baked goods.

What is vegan condensed milk?

Like dairy-based condensed milk, vegan condensed milk is made simply and requires just two ingredients: milk and sugar. Plant-based condensed milk calls for vegan milk and sugar—store-bought versions will vary minimally. Some brands opt for cane sugar while others may use coconut sugar in their formulations, for example. Coconut milk and oat milk are the most common plant milks used in vegan condensed milk. Stabilizers and oils are also not uncommon and are used to maintain texture and structure. 

Mementa

Just like the dairy version, vegan condensed milk can be used in cooking and baking to add a little extra sweetness to desserts and treats like vegan cheesecake, cupcakes, and fudge.

Vegan condensed milk benefits

Many choose to use vegan condensed milk in cooking because it isn’t associated with the same environmental and ethical issues as the cow-derived version. To fuel the dairy industry, female cows are kept in cramped, factory farm conditions. There, they are artificially inseminated so that they can give birth to a calf and, in turn, produce milk. Mothers and calves are often separated within a few hours, which, according to many animal-rights activists, causes the cows significant distress.

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This method of farming is also harmful to the planet, as beef and dairy cattle contribute roughly one-third of human-caused methane emissions. Over the course of one year, research indicates that just one cow will belch around 220 pounds of methane into the atmosphere.

How do you use vegan condensed milk?

You can use vegan condensed milk in much the same way as regular condensed milk. Depending on your preference, you can add it to coffee; bake it into something sweet, like fudge or caramel; use it in a milkshake or smoothie; or make a rich, indulgent vegan dulce de leche sauce.

How do you make vegan condensed milk?

If your recipe calls for vegan condensed milk, luckily, there are a handful of brands you can purchase online or at any major grocery store. But, if you’re in a pinch or would prefer to make your own, making vegan condensed milk at home requires a few ingredients you likely already have on hand. This recipe, for example, calls for coconut cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt, all of which are blended together and simmered to create a liquid that is almost identical to the real deal.

Where to buy vegan condensed milk

Reach for these brands whenever a recipe calls for vegan condensed milk. 

Nature’s Charm

1Nature’s Charm

Founded by two vegan sisters, Nature’s Charm is a go-to brand for most plant-based baking needs, including dairy-free condensed milk. The brand currently offers three varieties available in retail stores: Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, Sugar-Free Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, and Sweetened Condensed Oat Milk. A fourth variety, Ube Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, is also on the horizon.
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Let’s Do Organic

2Let’s Do Organic

Made with just organic coconut milk and organic cane sugar, this sweetened condensed milk by Let’s Do Organic is best enjoyed in baked treats, drizzled atop fresh berries, or stirred into hot chocolate or coffee. In addition to its Original Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, the brand also offers Caramel Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk. The latter is made with organic coconut milk, organic coconut syrup, and is akin to dulce de leche. 
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3Thai Coco

It’s no surprise sweet, succulent Thai coconuts form the basis of Thai Coco’s sweetened condensed milk. Stock up and use it to make dairy-free Thai tea, Brazilian lemonade, or enjoy with strawberries. With summer here, the possibilities are endless when it comes to sweetened condensed milk.
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4Biona

Like most brands making vegan condensed milk, UK-based Biona uses coconut milk for its base. The brand combines organic coconut milk with organic cane sugar to create this creamy, sweet, milky go-to that’s perfect for baking. If you’re outside of the UK, you can get your hands on Biona through Amazon.
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Mementa

5Mementa

Mementa is all in on coconut. The brand’s vegan condensed milk relies on organic coconut milk and organic coconut sugar. The smooth, thick texture make this a perfect topper for drizzling atop pancakes, baked goods, and fresh fruit. Currently, Mementa offers a handful of flavors of its vegan condensed milk including Plain, Vanilla, Coffee, and Strawberry. 
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Real Naturals

6Real Naturals

Coconut milk, coconut syrup, sugar, and a dash of salt come together to make Real Naturals vegan condensed milk. Made in Thailand, this brand is readily available on Amazon, making it an easy go-to for any and all baking and cooking needs.
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7Keto Naturals

Keto-friendly sweetened condensed milk?! Yes, it’s possible. While dairy-based sweetened condensed milk is not keto due to its high carb and sugar content, Keto Naturals’ vegan alternative is free of sugar and packs just five grams of carbs per serving.
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8Chef’s Choice

Made by Thailand’s “first canned coconut milk manufacturer,” Chef’s Choice offers a variety of coconut milk products, including vegan condensed milk. Use it in your morning coffee, chocolatey brownies, atop ripe strawberries, and more. 
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Vegan condensed milk recipes

Vegan condensed milk can help to create many delicious sweet treats. So, next time you have a dessert craving, here are some of our favorite recipes to try.

Ginny Kay McMeans

1 World-Famous Vegan Magic Cookie Bars

These magic cookie bars are the perfect balance of crunchy graham crackers, delicious chocolate chips, slightly sweet coconuts, and chopped walnuts. If you’ve got time, whip up some sweetened condensed milk for the coating, or just grab a store-bought version instead.
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2Vegan Copycat Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty

The taste of Wendy’s Frosty is iconic. But sadly, they’re not vegan. However, it’s easy to make your own dairy-free version at home. All you need to do is make your own condensed milk using coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, and blend it together with frozen vegan chocolate milk, alongside milk cubes, cream, sugar, and more vanilla. It’s delicious and way more rewarding than just jumping in the car and driving to Wendy’s!
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Shanika Graham-White

3 Creamy Vegan Espresso Martini Mocktail

Espresso martinis are the drink of the moment, but you don’t need alcohol to make this indulgent bev. This dairy-free, mocktail twist on the cult-favorite drink combines homemade, zero-proof vegan Kahlua with cold brew, dairy-free condensed milk, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. The result is rich in flavor and incredibly smooth.
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Top With Cinnamon

4 Vegan Banoffee Pie

Planning a dinner party? This vegan banoffee pie is the ultimate showstopper. Seriously, it’s guaranteed your guests will be looking at you in awe and asking for seconds. This recipe calls for vegan condensed milk to make the delicious dulce de leche filling. 
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Rainbow Nourishments

5 Caramel Shortbread Bars

Is there anything more indulgent than biting down through all the layers of a caramel shortbread slice? We’ll answer for you: there isn’t. Treat yourself to this ultra-gooey, crumbly, chocolatey dessert, which features, you guessed it, vegan condensed milk.
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