Condensed milk is a delightful and versatile ingredient that adds a dash of decadent sweetness to balance the bold, bitter edges of Vietnamese coffee. The best sweetened condensed milk is truly a matter of opinion.
Brands use a variety of ingredients, resulting in different textures and levels of sweetness. That said, let’s take a look at some of the best brands of sweetened condensed milk and what makes them so special.
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Don’t overlook the importance of high-quality sweetened condensed milk when brewing Vietnamese coffee. Here are the best brands to check out for authentic flavor.
The Top Brands of Sweetened Condensed Milk
Not all condensed milk brands are the same. This isn’t just in terms of quality or personal preference, but the ingredients that go into it. Some are higher in sugar, while others may not even use dairy. These details make a big difference in taste.
The following brands of sweetened condensed milk are high-quality and worthy of being added to Vietnamese coffee.
1. Longevity
Longevity is perhaps the most iconic brand when it comes to Vietnamese coffee. The condensed milk actually comes from Vietnam and brings authenticity to every cup. It has a reputation for being creamy and sweet, with a hint of saltiness.
Longevity has a slightly grainy texture, which may be off-putting to some but makes it perfect for colder treats. As such, it’s frequently used as a topping for desserts like flan and shaved ice and goes perfectly with a Vietnamese iced coffee made with our HaNoi beans.
2. Carnation
Nestlé was one of the first brands to produce condensed milk on a global scale, and it can be found in most countries. Carnation is made with whole milk and sugar and provides a balanced flavor with caramel notes. It’s a good choice for flavor, though one of its biggest draws is its wide availability.
3. Eagle Brand & Magnolia
Both condensed milks are produced by Borden and are a popular choice throughout the country. While the labels are different, the tastes are quite similar. Both have a rich, smooth, buttery taste and are slightly sweeter than the average condensed milk. Its hints of caramel go perfectly with the rich arabica flavors of our DaLat beans.
Eagle and Magnolia are well-established and have been around for decades in the U.S. They also have variations, with cans that have more sweetness or less fat.
4. Parrot
Like Longevity, Parrot condensed milk is distributed throughout the U.S. by Sun Hing Foods. As a product, it differs substantially from its counterpart. Parrot is made from nonfat milk, sugar, soybean oil, riboflavin, and added Vitamin A Palmitate. The oil gives the milk a different texture and can come across as greasy and processed to some. Nevertheless, it’s still a popular addition to Vietnamese coffee.
5. Santini
This condensed milk is gluten-free, certified kosher, and halal-friendly. Taste-wise, Santini leans in heavily towards the sweetness, giving a sugar kick that may be too overpowering for some but can be perfect for those drinking stronger coffee, like BanMe.
6. California Farms
This condensed milk is a West Coast product and is made with sugar and whole milk solids. It’s produced by Santini and is quite popular as a topping for desserts. Perhaps the biggest benefit is the resealable lid, which allows for easy use and storage.
7. Nature’s Charm
What’s condensed milk without the milk? Quite delicious, actually. Nature’s Charm is a newer product that provides plant-based alternatives to traditional condensed milk recipes. It’s perfect for vegans, the health-conscious, and coffee enthusiasts with lactose intolerance.
Nature’s Charm comes in both soy and oat milk varieties. While they may not be as thick as other brands, they are still sweet and free from animal ingredients.
The History of Condensed Milk & Coffee
To say something has aged like milk is never a compliment, and for good reason. For most of history, milk has had a short lifespan without refrigeration or extra processing. Condensed milk arose as a response to this problem. In the 1850s, French scientist Nicolas Appert devised a method for reducing the liquid in milk, concentrating it without any scorching or burning.
Alongside this discovery arose another method of food preservation: canning. Food and liquids could now be stored for a much longer time without risk of contamination or spoiling. Canned food made better nutrition possible on long voyages, served as rations for armies in the field, and enabled local ingredients to be taken anywhere in the world.
At the turn of the 20th century, many colonial powers had established dairy industries that their colonies didn’t have. This, combined with the humidity and heat of colonies like French Indo-China (Vietnam), meant that condensed milk was incredibly popular. The French would add sweetened condensed milk to their coffee, a habit that spread to the native Vietnamese over time.
This sweet and condensed goodness, combined with the introduction of the robusta coffee bean, made for a magic combination that is still inseparable today. The bold and deep flavor of the robusta bean is perfectly complemented by the sweetness and rich creaminess of condensed milk.
Related: The Rich History of Vietnamese Coffee.
FAQs: Condensed Milk & Vietnamese Coffee
If you’re new to Vietnamese coffee, you might have unanswered questions. We’ll try to answer them here.
1. Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk for something else?
Sweetened condensed milk is a staple in traditional Vietnamese coffee. Using anything else will alter the taste and overall experience. However, you can use alternatives if you need or want to — good options include cream, non-dairy milk or creamers, honey, sugar substitutes, and coconut cream.
2. Is Vietnamese coffee often served iced?
Iced Vietnamese coffee is very popular — there’s no better way to beat the heat. The bold coffee and sweet milk are already a perfect pair, and ice makes the drink even more welcoming on hot, sweltering days.
3. Can I make vegan Vietnamese coffee?
You can make vegan Vietnamese coffee by using dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. You can buy this at the store or make your own using full-fat coconut milk and sugar. Simply simmer the ingredients until thick, and add to your coffee.
4. Is Vietnamese coffee healthy?
Some people worry that adding sweetened condensed milk to their coffee might be a dietary disaster. However, a 2-ounce serving of Vietnamese coffee has 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk, which adds 40-60 calories. That’s not bad, considering the high calories in a standard latte or blended coffee drink from a coffee shop.
The calories can add up over multiple cups, so if you’re concerned about it, simply use less sweetened condensed milk or limit how often you drink Vietnamese coffee.
