# Nestle Carnation Evaporated Milk > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Carnation - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Beverages - **Size:** 12 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/carnation-nestle-evaporated-milk-12-oz - **Slug:** `carnation-nestle-evaporated-milk-12-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial additives (dipotassium phosphate, carrageenan), added dextrose, and is a formulated, shelf-stable product rather than a minimally processed single-ingredient food, fitting NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed). ## Review Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk is a pantry-friendly, shelf-stable can of concentrated milk that sits in the grocery store’s baking and canned milk aisle, typically shelved near sweetened condensed milk, shelf-stable creamers, and other baking staples. Shoppers reach for it when assembling holiday baking supplies, stocking a storm-prep pantry, or picking ingredients for comfort-food weeknight dinners. The brand reads as classic and dependable — Carnation has long marketed itself as a timeless American pantry staple appealing to home cooks who value convenience and consistent results; its visual identity and messaging skew family-oriented and nostalgic rather than trendy. The label leans into a simple “milk with added vitamin D” claim and the heritage Carnation logo rather than organic or “all-natural” certifications; there’s no kid-specific branding. In plain terms, this is canned milk with about half the water removed and a few stabilizers and added sugar to preserve texture and flavor. Sensory-wise it pours as a smooth, slightly viscous, creamy liquid with a mild cooked-dairy sweetness from the concentration; it blends into sauces and custards to add body and silkiness. Packaged in a recyclable metal can, the ritual is straightforward: shake, open, pour into a recipe or coffee, and refrigerate leftovers in a separate container. In American grocery culture Carnation evaporated milk occupies a practical, slightly nostalgic niche — the reliable ingredient you reach for when you want richer mashed potatoes, creamier mac-and-cheese, or the proper base for flan and tres leches. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.0 - **Servings per container:** 12 - **Calories:** 40 - **Total fat:** 2g (3% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 1.5g (8% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 10mg (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 30mg (1% DV) - **Total carbs:** 3g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Protein:** 2g ## Ingredients MILK, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CARRAGEENAN, DEXTROSE, VITAMIN D3. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** holiday-baking, storm-prep, weekend-brunch - **Vibes:** nostalgic, convenient, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is Carnation Evaporated Milk healthy? Carnation Evaporated Milk can fit into a balanced diet, especially if you're looking for a creamy texture without a ton of calories—just 40 per serving! It’s lower in sugar, but keep in mind that 'healthy' can mean different things depending on your dietary needs and goals. If you’re watching your fat intake or looking for higher protein options, you might want to consider other alternatives. ### Is it vegan? Nope! Carnation Evaporated Milk is made from milk, so it’s definitely not vegan. If you’re seeking plant-based alternatives, consider options like almond or soy milk that can mimic the creaminess in recipes without the dairy. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes! Carnation Evaporated Milk is gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without worrying about gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It’s a great option for creamy soups, sauces, or desserts for those avoiding gluten. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, there are no seed oils in Carnation Evaporated Milk. It’s primarily made from milk, with a few added ingredients for stability and texture, so you can feel good about that aspect! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! Carnation Evaporated Milk has a touch of dextrose, which is a form of sugar, but it doesn’t contain any of those tricky artificial sweeteners that some people prefer to avoid. ### Is it high in sugar? Carnation Evaporated Milk is low in sugar, with only 3 grams per serving. This makes it a nice option for recipes where you want to keep the sweetness in check, especially compared to other creamers or sweetened milk alternatives. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, which can offer a similar creamy texture with fewer calories and no dairy. Greek yogurt could also work in some recipes for added protein and creaminess, but it won’t be a direct substitute for all uses. ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Carnation Evaporated Milk can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D for kids, making it a fine addition to their diets. Just keep an eye on how it fits into their overall nutrition, especially if they’re lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. ### Is it good for weight loss? In moderation, Carnation Evaporated Milk can be part of a weight loss plan since it's relatively low in calories. Just remember, it’s important to balance it with other nutrient-dense foods and watch portion sizes, especially if you’re using it in recipes that add extra calories. ### Is it ultra-processed? Carnation Evaporated Milk does go through processing, but it’s not considered ultra-processed like some snack foods or sugary drinks. The ingredient list is pretty straightforward, mainly consisting of milk and a few stabilizers, so it’s more of a middle-ground option. ## Related products - [Eight O' Clock Coffee K-Cups Orginal 10ct](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/eight-oclock-coffee-o-clock-coffee-k-cups-orginal-10ct-350-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/eight-oclock-coffee-o-clock-coffee-k-cups-orginal-10ct-350-oz - [Snapple Orangeade, 16 Fl Oz Plastic Bottle](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/snapple-orangeade-16-fl-oz-plastic-bottle-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/snapple-orangeade-16-fl-oz-plastic-bottle-16-oz - [Gatorade Zero, Berry](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gatorade-zero-berry-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gatorade-zero-berry-28-oz - [Powerade Lemon Lime](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/powerade-lemon-lime-28-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/powerade-lemon-lime-28-oz - [Glaceau Vitamin Water Refresh, Tropical Mango](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/vitaminwater-glaceau-vitamin-water-refresh-tropical-mango-20-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/vitaminwater-glaceau-vitamin-water-refresh-tropical-mango-20-oz - [Glaceau Smart Water, 1.5 L](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/smartwater-glaceau-smart-water-15-l-5070-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/smartwater-glaceau-smart-water-15-l-5070-oz - [Lipton Pure Leaf Unsweetened Green Tea](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/pure-leaf-lipton-unsweetened-green-tea-1850-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/pure-leaf-lipton-unsweetened-green-tea-1850-oz - [Diet Coke](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/diet-coke-96-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/diet-coke-96-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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