Condensed Milk, Why Is It Not Real Milk? Here's the Explanation!

Kapanlagi.com - Condensed Milk (SKM) is one of the processed milk products that is widely loved around the world, including Indonesia. Although its name contains the word "milk," SKM is actually not real milk in the common sense. SKM is made from milk that has been processed by removing most of its water content, resulting in a thicker and sweeter consistency.

This process also involves the addition of a significant amount of sugar, making SKM more similar to a sugar product than fresh milk. With the continuous improvement of the manufacturing process, SKM began to spread worldwide, including Indonesia. In this country, SKM is often used as an additive in various food and beverage recipes, providing a distinctive sweet flavor.

However, it is important to remember that SKM does not contain all the nutrients found in fresh milk, such as protein, calcium, and vitamins in balanced proportions. Therefore, although SKM can be a practical and delicious alternative, its use needs to be considered so as not to overlook the more complete nutritional intake from more natural milk sources, reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Tuesday(21/1/2025).

1. Interesting History Behind Sweetened Condensed Milk

Did you know that sweetened condensed milk has quite a long history? Quoted from various sources, sweetened condensed milk was created as a solution to the problem of fresh milk spoiling quickly, especially in the past when refrigeration technology did not exist. Since the Stone Age, humans have utilized milk for various purposes, and archaeologists have even found traces of milk in ancient pottery dating back to 5000 BC in Poland!

In 1820, Nicholas Appert from France successfully preserved sweetened condensed milk in bottles. An American innovator, Gail Borden Jr., was inspired to find a way to make milk last longer after experiencing the tragedy of losing his children due to spoiled milk.

With the invention of the low-pressure evaporation technique in 1853, Borden revolutionized the dairy processing industry. He created a device that allowed milk to remain tasty and preserved without changing its original color. After years of research, Borden obtained a patent for his invention in 1856.

His sweetened condensed milk factory in Elgin, Illinois, even produced hundreds of thousands of gallons of SCM for the army supply during the American Civil War in 1861. Then, two brothers from Switzerland, George and Charles Page, established the Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Co. in 1866, and John B. Meyenberg discovered a new way to sterilize sweetened condensed milk in cans in 1884.

2. Sweetened Condensed Milk: Between Myths and Facts!

Many still wonder, "Is sweetened condensed milk really milk?" This question seems never to fade, haunting the minds of many people from the past to the present.

Now, to satisfy that curiosity, let’s delve deeper into this delicious sweetened condensed milk (SKM)! Sweetened condensed milk is a product made by evaporating most of the water from fresh milk, then adding sugar to provide a distinctive sweet taste. The result?

A thick and creamy texture that makes it the perfect complement to various dishes, especially during breakfast. Not only does it enhance enjoyment, but SKM can also help meet our energy needs in the morning.

3. Composition of SKM That You Need to Know

According to the BPOM Food Standards Guidelines, Sweetened Condensed Milk (SKM) is a thick milk product produced by removing some water from a mixture of fresh milk and sugar. Sugar serves to prevent product spoilage, while SKM has a minimum milk fat content of 8% and a minimum protein content of 6.5%.

There are various types of SKM on the market, such as Full Cream Sweetened Condensed Milk, Vegetable Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk, and Thick Creamer. Although they look similar, these three types have different characteristics based on their composition.

Generally, the composition of SKM consists of cow's milk, vegetable oil, whey powder, buttermilk powder, maltodextrin, water, skim milk powder, sugar, and other additives.

So, is sweetened condensed milk milk? Now you know the answer! With all its interesting history and composition, SKM remains a favorite for many as a delicious food complement. Enjoy!

(kpl/rao)