Sweetened Condensed Milk is Not Milk, Is that True?

Kapanlagi.com - Sweetened Condensed Milk has been known by many people. In fact, people from different generations have known it for a long time. This ingredient is usually used as a topping for food, making its taste more appetizing. However, many still believe that sweetened condensed milk is not milk.

However, according to Regulation No. 21/2016 from the Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), sweetened condensed milk is a milk product obtained by removing some of the water from a mixture of milk and sugar, until it reaches a certain concentration level. That is why BPOM includes sweetened condensed milk as a subcategory of condensed milk and as a category of milk.

In addition, BPOM also mentions that Codex or international food safety standards have included sweetened condensed milk as a milk-containing product to complement various dishes. So, the issue of whether sweetened condensed milk is not milk should not be debated anymore, as BPOM has revealed its truth.

Well, to understand it better, let's get to know more about sweetened condensed milk below!

1. Difference between Condensed Milk and Other Milk

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The first thing to understand in order not to mistake condensed milk for regular milk is to know the difference between condensed milk and regular milk itself. In terms of the manufacturing process, condensed milk is made by heating cow's milk at low pressure until half of the water evaporates, then sugar is added.

On the other hand, regular milk or pure milk does not undergo the heating process and the addition of sugar like condensed milk. Pure milk is truly fresh milk produced from cows without the addition of other ingredients.

Then in terms of texture and taste, they also have differences. Condensed milk has a thicker and sweeter texture compared to regular milk. While regular milk has a more liquid texture.

2. Understanding the History of Condensed Milk

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To avoid thinking that condensed milk is not milk, it is also important to understand its history. Condensed milk has a quite long history. It is known that condensed milk has existed since the 19th century, but the initial idea was only conceived in 1852 by a businessman named Gail Borden.

At that time, Borden was sailing from London to New York. He realized that fresh milk is easily spoiled, making it difficult to store during long journeys. Borden then tried to develop a method to remove some of the water from the milk while adding sugar. The goal was to extend the shelf life of the milk.

As for the consumption of condensed milk itself, it is known to have started in 1873. However, in Indonesia, condensed milk products only entered for the first time during the Dutch colonial period. Specifically, in 1922 under the brand name Friesche Vlag, which later changed and is now better known as Frisian Flag condensed milk.

3. Peeking into the Content of Sweetened Condensed Milk

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Generally, sweetened condensed milk contains several macronutrients, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as well as micronutrients, such as multivitamins and minerals. These nutritional components help complete the nutritional intake and support daily activities.

Detailed information regarding the nutritional content can be found on the product packaging label. It should be noted that the nutritional content of sweetened condensed milk may vary among different brands and types of products. However, it is certain that this fact can strengthen the notion that sweetened condensed milk is not just milk.

4. Exploring the Benefits of Sweetened Condensed Milk

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When combined with various dishes or specific recipes, sweetened condensed milk can provide its own benefits, such as being a good source of energy for the body. Additionally, its benefits can also support an active lifestyle while fulfilling daily nutritional needs.

This is because sweetened condensed milk also contains macronutrients and micronutrients, as explained earlier. For those who are undergoing a weight gain program, the calorie content of sweetened condensed milk, when combined with various culinary creations, is also quite high. Therefore, it can be utilized to help increase body weight.

5. Practical Menu Creations with Sweetened Condensed Milk

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1.Chocochips Milk Cookies

First, there is a creation of chocochips milk cookies menu that is easy to try. Prepare flour, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and margarine. Mix margarine, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Add flour and chocochips, then mix well.

Put the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Take out the dough, then shape and arrange it on a greased baking sheet. After that, bake with low heat for 15 minutes. When it is cooked, this practical menu is delicious to eat when you are relaxing at home or eaten together with family.

2.White Milk Pudding

The next menu that can also be created with sweetened condensed milk is white milk pudding. To make it, prepare 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 packet of plain agar-agar powder, and 6 cups of water. Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan, then boil while stirring constantly until boiling.

After that, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature until the hot steam is gone. Let it sit for a while until the pudding slightly hardens, then put it in the refrigerator to make it taste fresher. Serve with sweetened condensed milk on top as a topping, to make the taste even more delicious and able to indulge the taste buds.

3.Coconut Chocolate Balls

No less delicious to try is the creation of coconut chocolate balls. To make it, prepare a bowl, mix margarine, powdered sugar, condensed milk, and grated coconut that has been toasted beforehand. Stir well until thick, then shape into balls. After that, freeze the coconut balls in the freezer for 1 hour until solid.

While waiting, melt chocolate with margarine. Stir until well combined. Then, remove the coconut balls. Next, use toothpicks to dip the coconut balls into the chocolate. Not only is the recipe practical, but it also presents a special combination of sweet and savory flavors from the grated coconut.

So, now you understand that the assumption that condensed milk is not milk is incorrect. According to BPOM's explanation, condensed milk is still categorized as milk because the product does contain milk. The nutritional content and benefits behind it are clear, so there is no need to hesitate in using condensed milk to serve various creative dishes.

(kly/tmi)