UHT Milk: A hot topic

Ultra high temperature milk is pasturizerd by the milk passing rapidly through a high temperature zone which is way above boiling temperature.  We are talking about one to two seconds.

This happens to be good news.  It surely means that the volitiles are fully preserved as well which preserves the raw milk taste.  I grew up on raw milk and for sure know the difference.

We all have depended on refrigeration and that is clearly unnecessary although most will end up in the fridge when opened.

normally pasturized milk is sold without refrigeration in warm countries, so this is no problem.  UHT produces a shelf life of eight months though.  So time to check those best by dates.

UHT MILK: A HOT TOPIC

APRIL 24, 20202 MIN

Are you confused whenever you come across milk products in the unrefrigerated aisles of a grocery store? Well, this is made possible because of Ultra-High Temperature milk—keep reading to learn more!

BY DFC - PLC, NUTRITION TEAM

Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization and airtight sterilized containers allows milk to be kept at room temperature.

But how is this possible?

During the UHT process, the milk is pasteurized between 138°C and 158°C for a few seconds (eliminating pathogens and extending shelf life). Once it has cooled down, the milk is poured into a sterilized package without air contact.

The packaged milk can be found in a ‘tetra pak’ but also sealed plastic bottles. Note that in Canada, sealed plastic bottles of UHT milk are found in the refrigerated section of your store, alongside other fresh milk.

Those sealed bottles have a best before date that are a few months after the time they are packaged.

As long as the package remains closed, the milk does not have to be refrigerated. It can be stored at room temperature until the best before date (pretty neat, eh?). Once opened, UHT milk should be placed in the refrigerator and consumed within the next 3 days.