shelf stable milk vs refrigerated

Shelf-stable vs. refrigerated milk Horizon shelf-stable and refrigerated milk are both organic. Both are real milk. Both are delicious. What makes shelf-stable different is how it’s pasteurized

and packaged. With higher temperature pasteurization and special packaging, shelf-stable milk can be stored safely without refrigeration.

Full Answer

What is the difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated milk?

Horizon shelf-stable and refrigerated milk are both organic. Both are real milk. Both are delicious. What makes shelf-stable different is how it’s pasteurized and packaged. With higher temperature pasteurization and special packaging, shelf-stable milk can be stored safely without refrigeration.

How is milk made shelf stable?

Milk is made shelf-stable (refrigeration not require for storage) by pasteurizing it at a higher temperature. They call this Ultra High Temperature pasteurization, or UHT pasteurization. Traditional milk is heated up to at least 161 degrees for 15 seconds to kill any bacteria in the milk. With UHT, it is heated up to 275 degrees for 3 seconds.

Does milk need to be refrigerated?

However, once you open it, it must be refrigerated immediately. Aseptic milk is best enjoyed within seven days of opening. The important thing to remember for making any milk last longer is to keep it refrigerated – don’t ever leave milk out on the counter and try to finish individual servings of milk within an hour of serving.

Does Maple Hill Shelf stable milk need to be refrigerated?

In fact, Maple Hill Creamery's shelf-stable milk is made with the same milk found in their half-gallon refrigerated milk. Many customers prefer to refrigerate shelf-stable milk before drinking because they are used to drinking cold milk, but refrigeration is not required, explains Joseph.

Does shelf-stable milk need to be refrigerated?

You may have heard shelf-stable milk also called “aseptic” milk, but the most important thing to know is shelf-stable milk doesn't need to be kept refrigerated.

Is shelf-stable milk healthy?

Because we follow the strict safety protocols through pasteurization and the processing of milk in a sterile environment, drinking shelf-stable milk is just as safe as drinking milk from the refrigerator.

Does shelf-stable milk taste the same?

While shelf-stable milk won't outright ruin a dish, some people might notice differences in the flavor, which could come across as a subtle hint caramelization or burning. When working with shelf-stable milk, it's best to keep this reaction in mind, read the label, and of course, correct by tasting as you go.

Can you take shelf-stable milk in and out of the fridge?

Can aseptic milk, otherwise known as “shelf stable” milk, be taken in and out of the refrigerator multiple times, without spoilage? As long as the Tetra Pak® Aseptic package has not been opened, you can move the shelf stable milk carton in and out of the refrigerator without worry of spoilage.

Why is French milk not refrigerated?

In order to keep, the milk must be kept refrigerated. In France, the land of Pasteur himself, milk is pasteurized using a method called “ultra-high temperature” processing, or “UHT,” that heats the liquid to above 275 degrees for a few seconds.

Why is milk in Mexico not refrigerated?

The boxed milk in Mexico is heated by way of the Ultra-High Temperature Pasteurization (UHT) method. This is why the milk is safe to keep at room temperature when it is in an airtight and light-sealed container.

Why is boxed milk not refrigerated?

Secondly, the milk packaged in those bottles is in a sterile environment so that no bacteria or pathogens can contaminate the product. The combination of UHT pasteurization and bottling sterilization ensures that the milk lasts up to six months on the shelf without refrigeration.

Why is milk not refrigerated in Europe?

You may not have realized that Europeans actually buy and store their milk outside of the fridge. The reason is a simple one: Europeans rely on a completely different pasteurization method. Canadian and American milk manufacturers utilize high-temperature, short-time pasteurization.

Why does Kroger milk last so long?

One way Kroger assures freshness is by keeping the milk cold. It flows through cooling units that maintain temperatures between 34F and 35F.

What kind of milk does not need to be refrigerated?

shelf-stable milkWith higher temperature pasteurization and special packaging, shelf-stable milk can be stored safely without refrigeration. Never run out of Horizon again—just stock the pantry with shelf-stable.

What is the difference between shelf-stable almond milk and refrigerated?

The only difference is in the process: Milk packaged in shelf-stable boxes is held at high heat for longer. Both refrigerated and shelf-stable versions of unsweetened almond milk were included in this taste-off. Nearly without exception, refrigerated milks taste significantly fresher and more flavorful.

Why does boxed milk last longer?

UHT stands for Ultra High-Temperature Pasteurization (also referred to as Ultra Pasteurization or UP) and means that milk is heated to about 280 degrees F for 2 seconds, which kills more bacteria (both good and bad) than traditional pasteurization therefore giving the milk a much longer shelf life before it spoils.

What makes shelf stable milk different?

What makes shelf-stable different is how it’s pasteurized and packaged. With higher temperature pasteurization and special packaging, shelf-stable milk can be stored safely without refrigeration. Never run out of Horizon again—just stock the pantry with shelf-stable.

Is Horizon milk box shelf stable?

Single-serves. Our single-serve milk boxes are also shelf-stable, so you can store them in the pantry and take them anywhere—for lunches, for travel, at sports practice or to the park. A Horizon milk box delivers 8 grams of protein and a good source of calcium, along with the goodness of real organic milk.

How long does milk last in the refrigerator?

The milk remains at high heat for at least 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling. It then has a shelf life of five to 15 days.

What is pasteurization in food?

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, pasteurization is a process that applies heat to destroy pathogens in foods (similarly to the way white blood cells destroy pathogens like bacteria and viruses in your body). For refrigerated dairy products, high-temperature short-time ...

Is non-refrigerated milk room temperature?

While non-refrigerated milk flavor may vary slightly due to the heating process, Moskovitz claims that "when you finally open up the carton, it is room temperature versus cold, refrigerated milk.". So have some patience and place your shelf-stable milk in the refrigerator for an hour or so before you drink it.

Is pasteurized milk shelf stable?

Here's the deal with shelf-stable milk. The heat is on when it comes to non-refrigerated milk. Truly: That’s how it’s pasteurized and made shelf-stable . According to the International Dairy Foods Association, pasteurization is a process that applies heat to destroy pathogens in foods (similarly to the way white blood cells destroy pathogens like ...

Does Silk milk have shelf stable milk?

The shelf-stable stuff comes in aseptic carton packaging that, according to Blue Diamond, is "designed for shelf stability of the unopened product for an extended period.". Silk says the same of their soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk. Still, all brands suggest refrigerating shelf-stable milk before drinking it.

How is milk made shelf stable?

Milk is made shelf-stable (refrigeration not required for storage) by pasteurizing it at a higher temperature. Which is called ultra-high temperature pasteurization, or UHT pasteurization. Traditional milk is heated up to at least 161 degrees for 15 seconds to kill harmful bacteria in the milk.

Why is aseptic milk made in smaller packages?

Aseptic milk is being made in smaller packages to help prevent food waste.

How long does aseptic milk last?

Aseptic milk is best enjoyed within seven days of opening. The important thing to remember for making any milk last longer is to keep it refrigerated – don’t ever leave milk out on the counter and try to finish individual servings of milk within an hour of serving.

Why are milk bottles sterilized?

Secondly, the milk packaged in those bottles is in a sterile environment so that no bacteria or pathogens can contaminate the product.

Does pasteurization change the nutritional value of milk?

In fact, there are no meaningful changes to the nutrient package of milk as a result of pasteurization. When it comes to milk’s nutrients, all of milk’s minerals remain after pasteurization; there is, however, one small change when it comes to vitamins.

Is aseptic milk real?

Is it still real milk? Yes! The aseptic milk is made with the same delicious, fresh and high-quality milk from local dairy farms. While pasteurization has helped provide safe, nutrient-rich milk for over 150 years, some people continue to believe that pasteurization negatively affects the nutritional profile of milk.

Why are probiotics not as good as refrigerated?

The other reason so many people believe is shelf-stable probiotics are not as good as refrigerated ones is a failure to keep up with the times. At the beginning of the century, when the probiotic industry was still in its infancy, it was difficult to sustain Bifidobacterium and Lactobacilli bacteria strains in capsules and supplements.

How long can probiotics last at room temperature?

Although the bacteria may be dead in certain poor-quality shelf-stable products, all the best manufacturers are capable of producing probiotics that can retain their potency. Often for two years or longer at room temperature (70F°/21C°).

Is shelf stable probiotics better than refrigeration?

Although shelf-stable probiotics have become very advanced, they are not superior to probiotics that require refrigeration. Nor are they inferior. They merely provide two different routes you can take to achieve the same aim.

Do you need to worry about shipping temperature?

The fact that you don’t need to worry about shipping temperatures is one of them. The products that arrive at your door should have the same potency they did when they were dispatched. Again, this is presuming you chose a reputable supplier. Shelf-stable probiotics are also more convenient to use.

Can you store probiotics in the refrigerator?

There are a couple of reasons people believe non-refrigerated probiotics are not as good as the probiotics you store in a refrigerator. The first reason may not come as a surprise.

Is shelf stable probiotic good?

There’s a popular myth that shelf-stable probiotics are not as good as refrigerated probiotics. In fact, many people will tell you all the probiotic bacteria in shelf-stable products are likely to be dead. What nonsense!

What happens to milk when frozen?

Once the shelf-stable milk is frozen, it will begin to deteriorate and separate into components, such as water and fat. Most shelf-stable milk products come in smaller or single-serve containers, making them an especially good option for households that don't consume a lot of milk to reduce their food waste.

How long is Maple Hill milk good for?

The shelf life of shelf-stable milk varies by product and package, says Joseph. Maple Hill Creamery guarantees that its shelf-stable milk will last for 50 days if stored at a room temperature of 75°F. Organic Valley's site states shelf-stable milk can last six to nine months (that's about 270 days).

How long does it take for milk to pasteurize?

Milk is pasteurized between 280°F to 302°F for two to six seconds.

Is it safe to drink milk from the refrigerator?

Shelf-stable milk is absolutely safe for all ages, says Joseph. Because we follow the strict safety protocols through pasteurization and the processing of milk in a sterile environment, drinking shelf-stable milk is just as safe as drinking milk from the refrigerator.

Does Maple Hill have shelf stable milk?

In fact, Maple Hill Creamery's shelf-stable milk is made with the same milk found in their half-gallon refrigerated milk. Many customers prefer to refrigerate shelf-stable milk before drinking because they are used to drinking cold milk, but refrigeration is not required, explains Joseph.

Why is shelf stable milk so good?

Because shelf-stable milks have been heated to a higher temperature, they’ve lost some of the good bacteria and protein found in refrigerated milk. To compensate, many vendors will add vitamins (like vitamin D or A) or stabilizers.

How long does aseptic milk last?

And, since the product won’t go bad as quickly, less is wasted: Whereas typical unopened dairy milk expires within a matter of weeks under refrigeration, the unopened shelf stable stuff lasts up to 6 months at room temp. Once you’ve opened the aseptic milk, however, treat it like normal milk—refrigerate it and try to use it up within one ...

How to make evaporated milk?

It requires the addition of water to get the right amount of moisture. To create evaporated milk, producers simmer pasteurized milk until it ’s reduced . This consistent heat lightly cooks the milk and draws out the moisture, creating a thicker creamier texture.

What is aseptic milk?

Aseptic milks also can occasionally take on a slightly sweeter, cooked taste and a slightly thicker texture as the amino acids break down and sugars in the milk caramelize. Be careful when using it in recipes that require that the dairy be cooked for additional time, like milk-braised pork or seafood chowder.

What is milk powder?

Wait, So What’s Milk Powder? Essentially, milk powder is just milk that has been dehydrated to the point where only the milk solids remain. These milk solids are then powdered and packaged. With the addition of water, the milk powder rehydrates into normal milk that you can use just as you would the standard stuff.

How long does it take for milk to pasteurize?

Instead of stopping at the 160° mark, this alternate process requires heating raw milk to between 270–280° F for about two seconds before it’s quickly chilled.

Can you stock up on aseptic milk?

When you’re not sure about the next time you’ll be able to return to the grocery store, you can stock up on aseptic or canned milks, which will last in your pantry. While every product has its strengths and weaknesses, they’ll keep you stocked and satisfied until your next ingredient run.