If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a recipe calling for evaporated milk and wondered, “How big is a can of evaporated milk exactly?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, understanding the size of evaporated milk cans is essential for getting your recipes just right. Let’s dive into the details and clear up all your questions about evaporated milk can sizes, measurements, and how to use this creamy pantry staple.
What Is Evaporated Milk?
Before we talk size, a quick refresher: evaporated milk is a shelf-stable canned milk product with about 60% of its water content removed. This process makes it thicker and creamier than regular milk, giving dishes a rich texture without the fat of cream. It’s perfect for everything from soups and sauces to desserts and baked goods.
Standard Can Sizes of Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk cans come in several sizes, but the most common ones you’ll find in grocery stores are:
– Small Can: Typically 5 to 6 ounces (about 150 to 180 ml)
– Standard Can: Usually 12 fluid ounces (about 354 ml)
– Larger Can: Around 14.5 ounces (about 430 ml)
These sizes cover most home cooking needs, while larger cans (ranging from 22 ounces up to 96 ounces) are often reserved for commercial kitchens or bulk buyers.
What Does a 12-Ounce Can Mean in Cooking?
The 12-ounce can is the most commonly referenced size in recipes. It contains about 1.5 cups of evaporated milk, making it easy to measure and substitute in cooking and baking. This size is versatile enough to be used in a wide range of dishes, from creamy soups to luscious pumpkin pies.
If a recipe calls for a cup of evaporated milk, one 12-ounce can will give you slightly more than you need, so you can measure out exactly what’s required and save the rest for later.
Smaller and Larger Can Uses
– Small 5-6 Ounce Cans: These are handy when you only need a little evaporated milk, such as for sauces or small dessert recipes. They’re also great for single servings or when you want to avoid leftovers.
– Larger 14.5-Ounce Cans: These cans are close to 2 cups and are perfect for recipes that require more evaporated milk without opening multiple cans. They are less common but still widely available.
– Bulk Sizes: For food service or heavy users, evaporated milk comes in cans as large as 96 ounces. These are not typical for home use but excellent for large batches or commercial cooking.
Understanding Can Dimensions
If you’re curious about the physical size of the cans, a typical 12-ounce can of evaporated milk is about 4 3/8 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter. This size is compact enough to fit comfortably in your pantry or refrigerator door.
How to Store and Use Evaporated Milk
– Shelf Life: Unopened cans can last 12 to 18 months when stored in a cool, dry place.
– After Opening: Transfer leftover evaporated milk to a non-metal container, refrigerate, and use within 5 days. Avoid freezing, as it can alter texture and flavor.
– Substitution Tip: Because evaporated milk is concentrated, you can dilute it with an equal amount of water to substitute for regular milk in recipes.
Why Knowing the Can Size Matters
Accurate measurements are crucial in cooking and baking. Using too much or too little evaporated milk can affect the texture, flavor, and consistency of your dish. Knowing the exact size of your can helps you follow recipes precisely and avoid any kitchen mishaps.
Quick Reference Chart for Evaporated Milk Can Sizes
| Can Size | Fluid Ounces | Approximate Cups | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Can | 5-6 oz | 0.6 – 0.75 cups | Small recipes, sauces, single use |
| Standard Can | 12 oz | 1.5 cups | Most home recipes |
| Larger Can | 14.5 oz | 1.8 cups | Larger recipes, multiple servings |
Final Thoughts
A standard can of evaporated milk is usually 12 ounces, perfect for most recipes. Smaller 5-6 ounce cans are great for small quantities, while larger cans provide more volume for bigger dishes. Understanding these sizes will make your cooking and baking smoother and more enjoyable.
Keep a few cans in your pantry-they’re a versatile, long-lasting ingredient that adds creamy richness to countless dishes!