Is Condensed Milk Gluten Free? Here’s Why + Recipes

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Is Condensed Milk Gluten Free? Here’s Why + Recipes

One common ingredient in many dessert recipes is sweetened condensed milk, but Is Condensed Milk Gluten Free?

It is so very important to read ingredient labels to make sure, so I will go over the gluten-free status of sweetened condensed milk, and share with you how to make it yourself easily!

This way you know exactly what is in your sweetened condensed milk and be able to make it healthier without sugar.

I even have tested and explored a dairy free alternative that is just as delicious as the fresh milk version.

Keto sweetened condensed milk? It’s actually possible! All you need are 5 ingredients and a few minutes!

Keep reading as I give you tips, substitutions, and answer frequently asked questions about the best gluten free low carb sweetened condensed milk.

​So is condensed milk ok for those with Celiac Disease?

Sweetened condensed milk, a staple ingredient in desserts like ice cream, fudge, and pie, is essentially milk with the water content removed and replaced with cane sugar.

Regular sweetened condensed milk contains both milk, added sugar, and sometimes corn syrup making it a concentrated and sweet dairy product. 

Some popular brands found in most grocery stores like Eagle Brand and Nestle La Lechera sweetened condensed milk, do not include any gluten ingredients, or artificial ingredients, they are just not certified gluten free.

Being Certified Gluten Free ensures you that the facility and machinery is not contaminated with any gluten particles.

This may cause some concerns about cross-contamination during manufacturing or the presence of additives like artificial flavors, stabilizers, or thickeners.

Even when the product information states its only ingredients are milk and sugar, I want to be on the safe side and make my own.

I can then control the milk brands I use in it as well as choosing to go with lower grams of carbs by using sugar free sweeteners.

The process involves gently simmering regular milk, whole milk, or even alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk until it thickens into a very dense liquid. 

I have chosen to go with a higher fat content heavy cream paired with allulose or monkfruit erithrytol. 

This is a great way to get in some healthy fats which help your body absorb the vitamin D, and provides a good source of calcium.

What you will need to make some Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Monfruit Sweetener or Erythritol
• Allulose sweetener or additional erythritol
• Stevia
• Egg yolk
• A small saucepan
• A whisk
• An empty jar to store it in

How to make my Sugar Free Sweetened Condensed Milk

In a small saucepan melt cream and butter over medium heat while whisking constantly.

It is important to not leave it unattended as it will scorch and burn.

This will result in little brown, scorched bits in your final sugar free sweetened condensed milk.

Once the butter is melted and incorporated with the heavy cream, add in sweeteners.

Whisk well and bring to a boil.

Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 8-10 min stirring occasionally.

While it is simmering, put your egg yolk in a small bowl and set aside.

Once the cream mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, slowly pour a tablespoon at a time into the egg yolk while whisking.

You are essentially tempering the egg yolk by bringing it to a warm temperature slowly so it does not cook.

The heat from the cream mixture is enough to pasterize the yolk for consumption.

Once at least half of the mixture has been tempered into the egg yolk, you can then combine both mixtures in the saucepan.

Let cool 10 min before using OR storing in a jar for later.

It may form a thin crust on the top which you can easily whisk back in before using or putting into the jar.

Store in the fridge up to 3 months. 

It may thicken, if so, thin by gently heating in a saucepan for use in your favorite recipes.

What about a dairy free sweetened condensed milk recipe?

It is possible to make this condensed milk recipe not only gluten free, and sugar free but also dairy free!

I use my dairy free sweetened condensed milk in my recipe for Seven Layer Magic Bars so I also know it bakes up well!

Coconut milk is the main milk used in this recipe as it is naturally dairy free.

Coconut milk, including coconut cream, is not only a fantastic gluten-free alternative but also a good source of healthy fats.

It provides a unique flavor and a touch of tropical flair to your recipes.

Moreover, it’s rich in essential nutrients like manganese, copper, and iron. 

Always check the ingredient list and nutritional information to ensure that the product aligns with your dietary preferences and requirements as traditional brands of coconut milk contain gums.

Here is what you will need to make a dairy free version of my condensed milk:

• Full fat coconut milk
• Vegan ghee; melted
• Monkfruit or Erythritol
• Keto brown sugar
• Stevia
• Egg yolk

In a small saucepan melt coconut milk and vegan ghee while whisking.

Add in sweeteners.

Bring to a boil.

Turn heat down to a simmer and cook for 10-12 min stirring occasionally.

Put your egg yolk in a small bowl.

Slowly whisk 1/4 cup of the warm mixture into the egg yolk.

Now add this small amount mixed with egg yolk back to the main pot and whisk until smooth.

Let cool 10 min.

Store in the fridge up to 3 months.

Usually it can be kept at room temperature but because we used egg yolk it will not keep on the counter.

It will thicken as it is cooled, so gently warm over low heat to thin for recipes.

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Tips, Substitutions, and FAQs

• If you choose to use an alternative variety of milk beyond coconut milk, it may take longer for the thickening to happen due to the high water content.
• My favorite brand of coconut milk is Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk. Other coconut milks may work fine, even if they do not have any guar gum added.
• Add some extra flavor to the sweetened condensed milk when you incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Nature’s Charm Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk is an excellent option if you need a dairy free condensed milk and do not want to make it. It is crafted from coconut cream and natural sugars offering a rich and creamy texture, making it a great substitute.
• Low fat milk such as skim milk could possibly work but will have a hard time thickening as it has little to no grams of fat. Fat is what blends with the sweetener to make it thickened. You want a creamy milk to make your sweetened condensed milk with.

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Can I use alternative milk in the recipe instead of cream?

Yes! I recommend using full fat coconut milk, if possible, as it contains the fat you need to blend with the sweetener.

Other alternative milks may work, I just have not tried them.

What can I use in the recipe instead of butter?

I used vegan ghee made with coconut oil and palm oil.

You can also use vegan butter. I would not recommend using any oil that is liquid at room temperature, it will not firm up and not taste right.

Can I use this sweetened condensed milk in any recipe calling for it?

Yes! It bakes up well and also makes great ice cream!

Check out my The Best Keto Pistachio Protein Ice Cream Recipe where I use my sweetened condensed milk as the base for this quick ice cream!

I also use my sweetened condensed milk in these Easy Gluten Free Low Carb Gold Rush Bars Recipe where you combine with your favorite cereal and chocolate chips to create a great snack bar!

Whether you’re exploring milk alternatives due to gluten sensitivities or dietary choices, the market offers a plethora of options. 

From coconut milk to almond milk and traditional cow’s milk, the variety allows you to tailor your choices to your taste preferences and nutritional needs.

As with any food product, it’s essential to be an informed consumer. 

Always read the ingredient lists, nutritional information, and any gluten-free claims on product packaging.

If you’re uncertain about a product’s gluten-free status, consider reaching out to the manufacturer.

Making your own 0 grams of sugar sweetened condensed milk or opting for dairy free alternatives like coconut milk, opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

As with all of my recipes, gluten-free living doesn’t mean compromising on taste or creativity in the kitchen.

What will you use this Keto Sweetened Condensed Milk in?

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If you love cast iron as much as I do, then you would absolutely LOVE my 2nd cookbook “Chaffles Cast Iron and The Crock” !!

You will also love these other recipes using sweetened condensed milk

Gluten Free Strawberry Tres Leches Cake Recipe (Keto)

Keto Strawberry Ice Cream (No Churn Option)

Seven Layer Magic Bars Recipe (Keto and Dairy Free)