UHT vs Fresh Milk

Each year in June, we celebrate dairy month. Let us give you some insights at the difference between UHT milk  versus Fresh Milk.

 What is UHT Milk? (How does it compare to Fresh Milk?)

UHT is defined as Ultra-High Temperature. This is a heat treatment method used in milk preservation by killing/eliminating pathogenic bacteria Chavan, R.S., Chavan, S.R., Khedkar, C.D. and Jana, A.H. (2011).  Hence, UHT Milk is milk that has been treated using the UHT technique. UHT milk is often compared with Fresh Milk.

 Fresh milk on the other hand is milk that has been pasteurized directly from raw milk. This process is mainly aimed at reducing harmful/pathogenic bacteria to ensure the fresh milk is kept safe.

 UHT Milk and Fresh Milk are different kinds of products that are produced from milk with the same nutritive composition. However, even though they both are from cow’s milk the main difference that contributes to other differences in how the milk has been heat treated.

Fresh Milk is treated by using High-Temperature Short Time (HTST) in simpler terms, pasteurisation. Raw milk is heated to a high temperature of about 74°C for 15 seconds. This method is aimed at the destruction of some pathogenic bacteria to a safer and more consumable level. In comparison to UHT milk, UHT (long-life) milk is treated at about 135°C for 1 to 2 seconds. This heat is almost double compared to the HTST treatment. This results in shelf-stable milk that can store with ease at room temperature.

 Fresh milk is stored in refrigerated facilities at 5°C and lower. This is before and after opening the packaged fresh milk. UHT milk may be stored at ambient temperatures and is only refrigerated once opened. UHT milk is packed in sterile environments controlling the presence of any contaminants to avoid the UHT milk exposure.

The UHT milk demand has grown to surge especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The convenience tied to UHT milk is what makes it sell even more lately. UHT milk is easy to store, lasts longer and the UHT treatment means both good and bad bacteria have been eliminated.

 The bad bacteria are the disease-causing bacteria, and the good bacteria are the ones that aid in digestion or have anti-ageing properties. This is one of the reasons that drive the misconception that only Fresh Milk is nutritious as it is considered whole. This is a myth, the composition of milk for both micro and macronutrients (proteins, fat, and carbohydrates) will not be impacted. However, consumers with a great sensory perception may pick up the difference between UHT milk and Fresh milk due to a reaction known as the Maillard Reaction caused by protein degeneration causing a slight change in colour and milk of the UHT milk.

 UHT milk is also reported to have a lower carbon footprint is it does not only last longer but because it does not require refrigerated transportation. So, sit back and enjoy a cup of UHT milk!

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