Vegan Condensed Milk: Best Brands, Recipes, and Dairy-Free Alternatives

Why Go Dairy-Free?

Whether you follow a vegan diet, are lactose intolerant, or simply want to reduce dairy consumption, there is no need to give up the recipes you love. Vegan condensed milk works as a 1:1 swap in fudge, no-churn ice cream, key lime pie, and every other recipe that calls for the traditional tinned stuff.

Best Vegan Condensed Milk Brands

Homemade Vegan Condensed Milk (Coconut Base)

1. Pour 1 tin (400 ml) of full-fat coconut milk and 100 g sugar into a saucepan.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30–40 minutes until reduced by roughly half.
4. Remove from heat. It will thicken further as it cools.
5. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Cost: About $2 for a full 400 ml batch, versus $3.50–$5 for a 200–300 ml store-bought tin.

Other Dairy-Free Bases

• Oat milk: Simmer with sugar on the stovetop. Adds subtle malty notes. Neutral enough for most recipes.
• Soy milk: The most neutral-tasting option. Use soy milk powder for a quick blender version.
• Almond milk: Use double the quantity as it is thinner. Reduce by half with sweetener.
• Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water and sweetener for a rich, nut-based alternative with earthy undertones.

Nutrition Comparison (per ¼ cup)

Coconut-based versions are higher in fat but significantly lower in sugar and contain zero cholesterol — a worthwhile trade-off for many.