Out of Sweetened condensed milk, one case
Dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut cream + sugar
1 cup coconut cream + ½ cup sugar for every cup of sweetened condensed milk
The best dairy-free substitutes for sweetened condensed milk are coconut cream with sugar, oat milk with sugar and cornstarch, or almond milk with sugar and coconut oil. These provide the same sweetness and creaminess without dairy.
- Best for —
- dairy-free baking
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 cup sweetened condensed milk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut cream + sugardairy-free baking | 1 cup coconut cream + ½ cup sugar |
| 2 | Oat milk + sugar + cornstarchdairy-free baking | 1 cup oat milk + ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp cornstarchWorks |
| 3 | Almond milk + sugar + coconut oildairy-free baking | 1 cup almond milk + ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp coconut oil |
| 4 | Rice milk + sugar + arrowroot powderdairy-free baking | 1 cup rice milk + ½ cup sugar + 1 tbsp arrowroot powderWorks |
| 5 | Soy milk + sugar + soy creamerdairy-free baking | 1 cup soy milk + ½ cup sugar + 2 tbsp soy creamer |
Coconut cream + sugar
slightly different · similar texture
Coconut cream with sugar is the closest dairy-free alternative to sweetened condensed milk. It provides the same thick, rich texture and sweetness without any dairy products.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, dairy-free ice cream, dairy-free fudge, coffee creamer
Use full-fat coconut cream for best results. Mix with sugar and heat gently until sugar dissolves completely. This creates the same consistency as traditional sweetened condensed milk.
Oat milk + sugar + cornstarch
similar taste and texture
Oat milk with sugar and cornstarch creates a thick, sweet dairy-free alternative. The cornstarch helps achieve the proper condensed milk consistency without dairy.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, dairy-free beverages, quick dairy-free substitutes
Heat oat milk with sugar and cornstarch while whisking constantly until thickened. This method works well for those who prefer a neutral flavor over coconut.
Almond milk + sugar + coconut oil
slightly different · similar texture
Almond milk with sugar and coconut oil provides a dairy-free alternative with good richness. The coconut oil adds the necessary fat content to mimic sweetened condensed milk.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, dairy-free sauces, nutty-flavored recipes
Heat almond milk with sugar and coconut oil until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly. This works well for those who can't have coconut cream.
Rice milk + sugar + arrowroot powder
similar taste and texture
Rice milk with sugar and arrowroot powder creates a smooth, dairy-free alternative. Arrowroot powder provides a cleaner thickening than cornstarch.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, allergy-friendly recipes, smooth-textured desserts
Heat rice milk with sugar and arrowroot powder while whisking until thickened. This is ideal for those with multiple food allergies or sensitivities.
Soy milk + sugar + soy creamer
slightly different · similar texture
Soy milk with sugar and soy creamer provides a dairy-free alternative with good protein content. This works well for those who prefer soy-based products.
- Best for
- dairy-free baking, lactose-free desserts, high-protein dairy-free recipes, soy-based diets
Heat soy milk with sugar and soy creamer until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens. This provides a good protein content similar to dairy milk.
How it behaves in this recipe
Dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitutes are essential for those with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or dairy-free dietary preferences. The best substitutes provide the same thick, sweet consistency and richness as traditional condensed milk while being completely free of dairy products.
Tips for substituting sweetened condensed milk
8 tips- Always use full-fat dairy-free alternatives for the best texture and richness
- Heat dairy-free substitutes gently to avoid curdling or separation
- Store homemade dairy-free condensed milk in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- For baking, ensure your dairy-free substitute is at room temperature before using
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness in dairy-free condensed milk substitutes
- For coffee creamer, coconut cream + sugar works exceptionally well
- Dairy-free condensed milk substitutes work great in fudge, ice cream, and caramel recipes
- If using nut-based milks, ensure they're well-strained for smooth texture
Notes on sweetened condensed milk
- Use coconut cream + sugar for the closest taste and texture to traditional condensed milk
- Use oat milk + sugar + cornstarch for a neutral-flavored, accessible alternative
- Use almond milk + sugar + coconut oil for nutty-flavored recipes
- Use rice milk + sugar + arrowroot powder for allergy-friendly options
- Use soy milk + sugar + soy creamer for high-protein dairy-free alternatives
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the difference between dairy-free and vegan condensed milk substitutes?
Dairy-free substitutes avoid all dairy products but may still contain other animal products. Vegan substitutes avoid all animal products. For most people, they're the same, but vegans also avoid honey and other animal-derived ingredients.
Can I use dairy-free condensed milk in all the same recipes?
Yes, dairy-free condensed milk substitutes work in most recipes that call for traditional sweetened condensed milk, including baking, desserts, and beverages.
Which dairy-free substitute tastes most like real condensed milk?
Coconut cream + sugar is the closest in taste and texture to traditional sweetened condensed milk, though it has a subtle coconut flavor.
How do I make dairy-free condensed milk thicker?
Add more cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or reduce the liquid by simmering longer. You can also use less liquid milk and more cream or oil for thickness.
Can I freeze dairy-free condensed milk substitutes?
Yes, you can freeze dairy-free condensed milk substitutes for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before using, as some separation may occur.