Have you ever seen milk at the grocery store that’s not refrigerated and wondered why? It’s probably UHT milk, which stands for Ultra High Temperature milk, meaning it’s not pasteurized like regular milk.
Allow me to explain what that means, and what all the buzz is about…
Comparing UHT milk vs milk
| UHT milk (ultra-high temperature) | Cow milk (including whole, 2%, skim, etc.) | |
| Type | Animal or plant-based | Animal-based |
| Allergens | Varies | Milk |
| Vegan? | Varies | No |
| Paleo? | Varies | No |
| Keto? | Varies | No |
Differences between UHT milk and milk
First things first, what exactly is UHT milk? Well, UHT stands for Ultra High Temperature, and it refers to any milk that has been treated with higher temperatures than regular pasteurization – that’s the process of killing harmful bacteria in milk.
Regular milk gets heated to a lower temperature for a short time, but UHT milk is blasted with much higher heat (280°F) for a few seconds. This super-heating makes UHT milk last a lot longer – you can keep it outside the fridge for months until you open it. Yes, you heard that right, months!
One of the reasons UHT milk stays fresh for so long is its aseptic packaging. It comes in specially designed cartons or containers that protect it from contamination and spoilage.
Regular milk, on the other hand, needs to stay in the fridge and only lasts a few days. Some people say UHT milk tastes a bit different like it’s been cooked a bit. UHT milk is typically made from dairy milk, but you can also get UHT/shelf-stable plant-based milk, such as oat milk.
Shelf-stable, UHT milk is more common in Europe, but it is becoming more widely available in stores in North America.
Types of cow’s milk
Before we move on, let’s take a quick look at the different types of cow’s milk available in the market:
Whole milk: With a rich and creamy texture, it boasts a fat content of about 3.5%.
2% milk (reduced-fat): Slightly lighter in fat at 2%, it still maintains a pleasant creaminess.
1% milk (low-fat): Further reducing the fat content to 1%, offering a lighter option without compromising too much on taste.
Skim milk (non-fat): Contains 0% milkfat, perfect for those aiming to cut back on calories and fat.
Lactose-free milk: A great option for those with lactose intolerance, it provides the same nutrients as regular milk without the lactose.
Raw cow milk (whole): Unpasteurized and unprocessed, this milk is straight from the cow.
Flavored milk: Infused with flavors like chocolate or strawberry and more sugar than unflavored milk.
How to use UHT milk vs milk
UHT milk is perfect for those on the go or in situations where refrigeration isn’t readily available. Since it can stay unrefrigerated for an extended period, it’s great for camping trips or emergency situations.
On the other hand, regular milk is perfect for everyday use, whether it’s pouring a glass to enjoy with cookies or adding it to your favorite recipes.
If you intend to froth the milk for coffee or other beverages, regular milk (especially whole milk) tends to froth better than UHT milk.
Can you substitute UTH for milk?
The answer is a cautious yes. While UHT milk can work as a substitute in most recipes, it might have a slightly different taste and texture due to the high-temperature treatment. It’s best suited for cold applications like cereal and coffee, but if you’re planning to use it in recipes that require heating or cooking, you might notice a slight difference.
Nutrition: UHT milk vs milk
Both UHT (cow’s) milk and regular milk offer essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein. But UHT milk, due to high heat, might have slightly less vitamins than regular milk.
Remember, the nutrition can also differ based on the type of milk, such as whole milk, skim milk, or plant-based options like oat milk. Always check the labels to know the exact nutrients in each type.
| Per cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
| UHT milk (ultra-high temperature) | Varies; UHT can be any type of milk. | ||||||
| Whole milk | 160 | 8 g (4.5 g) | 11 g | 10 g (0 g) | 8 g | 25% DV | 10% DV |
| 2% milk | 130 | 5 g (3 g) | 12 g | 12 g (0 g) | 8 g | 25% DV | 10% DV |
| 1% milk | 110 | 2.5 g (1.4 g) | 13 g | 12 g (0g) | 8 g | 25% DV | 10% DV |
| Skim milk (nonfat milk) | 90 | 0 g | 13 g | 12 g (0 g) | 8 g | 30% DV | 25% DV |
How to store UHT milk and milk
UHT milk has been treated with heat in a way that makes it shelf-stable for a long time. If you choose UHT milk in aseptic packaging, you can stock up on UHT milk and keep it at room temperature for months without hogging valuable space in the refrigerator. Once opened, it needs to be refrigerated and consumed within a few days, just like regular milk.
On the other hand, regular milk needs immediate refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life, typically lasting around a week or so after the “sell-by” date.
UHT milk vs milk: Which is better
So, which one is better overall? Well, it all depends on your lifestyle and preferences. UHT milk is handy if you don’t have a fridge or need milk that won’t go bad quickly. On the other hand, if you love the taste and creaminess of regular milk and frequently use it in cooking and baking, I would stick with the regular stuff!
FAQs:
While UHT milk offers the convenience of a longer shelf life, the high-temperature treatment can affect its taste and nutritional value slightly. Some people might find the taste of UHT milk slightly different from regular milk.
No, UHT milk and regular milk are not the same. UHT milk goes through a higher temperature treatment to make it shelf-stable at room temperature, while regular milk is typically pasteurized at lower temperatures and requires refrigeration.
UHT milk is safe to consume, but some studies suggest that it may have slightly lower levels of certain nutrients compared to fresh milk due to the high-temperature processing.
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