One can of evaporated milk typically contains 12 ounces or 354 ml of milk. The exact price will vary depending on the brand, fat content, whether it’s organic, and where it’s purchased. However, on average, one can of evaporated milk costs between $1.50 and $3.00 in the United States.
Details on Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is milk that has had about 60% of its water content removed through evaporation. This makes it more concentrated and shelf-stable. It can be stored unopened at room temperature for months. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within a week.
There are a few key things to know about evaporated milk:
- It contains slightly caramelized milk solids from the heating process.
- It has a creamy, velvety texture.
- It is available in whole, reduced fat (2%), and fat free varieties.
- It is not the same as sweetened condensed milk, which has added sugar.
Evaporated milk is commonly used in recipes for desserts, casseroles, sauces, and more. It provides a rich, creamy flavor.
Typical Prices for Evaporated Milk
Here are some typical prices for a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk from major brands:
| Brand | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Carnation | Fat Free | $1.59 |
| Nestle | Whole | $2.19 |
| Pet | 2% Reduced Fat | $1.99 |
| Organic Valley | Organic Whole | $2.69 |
As you can see, prices range from about $1.50 for generic or store brands, up to $2.69 or more for premium organic varieties. The fat content affects the price somewhat, with whole milk tending to cost more than lower fat versions.
In general, buying larger packages with multiple cans will provide the lowest cost per can. But for a single 12 ounce can, $1.50-$3.00 is typical.
Buying Evaporated Milk Online
Evaporated milk can easily be purchased online from grocery delivery services like Instacart and Walmart Grocery at the same prices you would pay in stores.
Some other online options include:
- Amazon: $14.99 for pack of 12 cans Carnation fat free evaporated milk
- Jet.com: $2.79 for 1 can Nestle original evaporated milk
- Boxed.com: $23.99 for pack of 15 cans Wild Harvest organic evaporated milk
- Thrive Market: $2.29 for 1 can Native Forest organic evaporated milk
The main benefits of buying evaporated milk online are the convenience of home delivery and the ability to easily find bulk packs and generic brands to save money. Make sure to factor in the shipping costs when comparing prices.
Prices at Grocery Stores
At most large grocery chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, etc., the prices typically range from:
- $1.29 – $1.79 for store brand evaporated milk
- $1.79 – $2.49 for national brands like Carnation, Nestle, and Pet
- $2.49 – $3.29 for premium/organic brands
The specific prices will vary by location. But in general, you can expect to pay between $1.50 on the low end, up to about $3.00 on the high end for a 12 oz can. Watch for sales, coupons, and club store bulk pricing to get the best deals.
Some ways to save on evaporated milk include:
- Buy store brands instead of national brands
- Choose lower fat versions which are typically cheaper
- Buy in bulk packs vs. single cans
- Use digital coupons from grocery store apps
- Look for sales and promotions like 10 for $10 deals
Other Ways to Buy Evaporated Milk
In addition to grocery stores and online, here are some other places you may be able to purchase evaporated milk:
- Warehouse clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often sell large multi-pack cases at a discounted per-unit price.
- Convenience stores – Evaporated milk is sometimes sold at places like 7-Eleven, although usually at a higher price per can.
- Dollar stores – Stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar may carry off-brand evaporated milk at a discount.
- Ethnic markets – Asian and Latino markets commonly stock evaporated milk for use in cuisine.
- Restaurant supply – Foodservice packs of evaporated milk are available at Gordon Food Service, Smart & Final, etc.
The convenience and bulk pricing at some of these outlets can make them worthwhile places to purchase evaporated milk.
Price Per Ounce Comparison
To determine which option provides the best deal, let’s compare the price per ounce:
| Source | Price | Ounces | Price Per Ounce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery store brand | $1.29 | 12 oz | $0.11 |
| Carnation on Amazon | $14.99 | 12 cans x 12 oz = 144 oz | $0.10 |
| Organic on Boxed.com | $23.99 | 15 cans x 12 oz = 180 oz | $0.13 |
This shows that in terms of per ounce pricing, buying larger packs online provides the most value. The best deal is getting Carnation evaporated milk in a 12-pack on Amazon at $0.10 per ounce.
Conclusion
The cost for a can of evaporated milk ranges from about $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the brand, fat content, organic variety, and where you shop. While single cans are convenient, the best value usually comes from buying larger packs of 6 to 12 cans online or at warehouse clubs. To save the most money, compare prices and buy store brands, lower fat versions, and bulk cases when possible. With the right strategies, you can get evaporated milk for as little as $0.10 per ounce.