# 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:** 5 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/carnation-nestle-evaporated-milk-5-oz - **Slug:** `carnation-nestle-evaporated-milk-5-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Although based on milk, the product is industrially processed and contains additives (dipotassium phosphate, carrageenan, dextrose, vitamin D3) used to stabilize texture and shelf life, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultraprocessed). ## Review Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk (5 foz) is a small, pantry-ready can of concentrated milk designed to lend instant creaminess to both everyday and celebratory recipes. On the shelf you’ll typically find it in the baking/canned goods aisle or near shelf-stable dairy and coffee additives, sitting beside sweetened condensed milk, powdered milk, and shelf-stable creamers. Shoppers grab it for holiday baking, weekend brunches and storm-prep pantry fills—any trip where long-shelf-life versatility matters. The brand positions itself as a trusted, nostalgia-tinged kitchen staple: Carnation evokes mid-century home cooking, aimed at home cooks who value reliability and convenience rather than artisanal or organic cues. The label leans into practical claims—“rich,” “creamy,” and “fortified with vitamin D3”—without kid-oriented characters or organic certification; it reads like a cooking ingredient more than a health product. In plain terms the product is milk with roughly half the water removed and then heat-treated and stabilized for shelf life, with added emulsifiers and thickeners to maintain texture. Sensory-wise it pours thicker than regular milk, giving a silky, slightly viscous mouthfeel and a mellow, milky sweetness (dextrose contributes a touch of sugar). The metal can, marked with usage tips like “shake well” and “refrigerate after opening,” supports the ritual of measuring into batters, stirring into mashed potatoes, or rounding out coffee and desserts. Overall, Carnation Evaporated Milk is a pragmatic, comforting pantry ingredient that signals old-fashioned cooking ease and dependable richness in American grocery culture. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 5 - **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, weekend-brunch, storm-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, indulgent, convenient ## 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. 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