Do you like your milk in a pouch or a box? Is Tetra Pak or UHT milk safer than ordinary pouch milk, even though we know it may be kept for months?
When was the first time you traveled outside of India? Even though the tetra pak milk didn’t taste exactly like the pouch milk we’re used to, the preparation must have involved packing ready-to-eat meals and tetra paks of milk because we weren’t sure about the local milk.
In addition to being used seldom, these tetra paks saw a notable resurgence during the lockdown, when everyone was preparing to deal with the uncertainty by stockpiling groceries.
Have you ever observed that we almost never choose carton milk first? It never has the same sensation as the actual thing. But is it really any safer than the pouched milk? Ask the professionals.
What’s the deal with tetra pak milk?
According to Veena V, chief clinical dietitian at Aster Whitefield Hospital in Bengaluru, “Tetra pak, or ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, is milk that has been treated by ultra-high temperature processing in order to be stored for a long time under normal conditions without requiring refrigeration until the package is opened.”
In addition, she informs The Ultimate News that when UHT treatment is used, the milk is heated for a few seconds to temperatures between 135°C and around 150°C in order to eradicate all disease-causing organisms and keep it fresh for several months.
“The milk’s nutritional value and flavor are also improved by heating it to such a high temperature. After the procedure is finished, the milk is quickly cooled before being aseptically sealed into Tetra-pak containers to prevent contamination, the expert continues.
Tetra Pak is the name of the packaging used for UHT milk. The milk is protected from contamination and spoiling by this aseptic packing.
Furthermore, nutritionist Shivani Rathee of Sharda Care, NCR, emphasizes the advantages of UHT milk. It is convenient because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated until it is opened, and it has a long shelf life, remaining fresh for several months. Additionally, it has low nutrient loss during processing and maintains nutritional value comparable to fresh milk.
UHT milk vs packet milk
Veena V claims that there are significant variations between UHT milk and milk that is often marketed in pouches with regard to processing, shelf life, storage conditions, and marketing.
The ultra-high temperature procedure is used to process UHT milk. Through the removal of microorganisms, this process sterilizes the milk, enabling months of storage. To prevent recontamination of the UHT milk, airtight packaging comes next.
Conversely, milk in pouches is cooked for approximately 15 seconds at lower temperatures of roughly 72°C. This method effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms, but it leaves some heat-resistant bacterial spores behind, resulting in a shortened shelf life of two to three days when stored in a cold environment. Typically, this kind of milk doesn’t contain any additional preservatives.
Additionally, because more natural enzymes and flavors are preserved, milk from a pouch has a rich flavor that makes it a highly enjoyable experience for many individuals.
Which is safer?
General practitioner Dr. Nimra Choudhary of Prakash Hospital in the National Capital Region believes that pouch milk and UHT are both safe and nutritionally comparable. The high heat eliminates bacteria, therefore even though UHT milk is processed more, it is still safe. Both are healthy choices, yet pouch milk can be favored due to its fresher flavor.
Veena V informs us that some individuals think milk from a pouch is healthier because it is less pasteurized due to its shorter shelf life, allowing it to keep more of its natural enzymes, vitamins, and flavors.
Rich in vital nutrients, UHT milk is generally thought to be good for long-term storage. To ensure its longevity and safety, it is treated to get rid of any infections and other active microorganisms.
“The decision is based on personal preferences, health, and storage facility accessibility. But both have a healthy composition,” she continues.
Let’s talk nutrition
According to studies, proteins primarily undergo two modifications during UHT treatment: denaturation, or unfolding, and aggregation, or sticking together. Additionally, their building blocks, amino acids, undergo minor chemical alterations. Our bodies’ ability to digest these proteins and their effects on our health may be impacted by these alterations.
According to research, processing and storage alter the milk proteins in UHT milk and milk products. The degree of the treatment determines how much of an impact thermal treatments have on milk components. Nevertheless, they frequently result in unintended alterations to the product’s color, texture, and nutritional value.
According to Dr. Choudhary, UHT milk keeps the majority of its protein and fat, but the high heat may cause some sensitive vitamins, including B12, to slowly degrade.
Meanwhile, because the high heat changes the milk’s natural flavor, UHT milk also has a cooked, “burnt,” or caramelized taste.
Because only specific vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin C, are impacted by the high heat treatment, which causes milk to deteriorate over time, research indicates that the protein levels in UHT milk are mostly unaffected. Furthermore, a significant amount of the elements, including other macrominerals like calcium and phosphorus, are still present in UHT milk even after processing, which is why some people recommend it as a nutritionally advantageous choice, Veena adds.
Which one to choose?
Your taste and preferences will ultimately determine whether you choose fresh milk or Tetra-Pak milk.
UHT milk is perfect for folks on the go who might not have a refrigerator and want to stock up for emergencies because it can be kept for a long time without refrigeration. Additionally, the danger of milk-borne illnesses is decreased by its heat treatment.
On the other hand, pouch milk is the best option if you value freshness and flavor. Because it is less processed, more natural enzymes and flavor are preserved, giving it a richer, creamier texture that many people like.
It’s up to you which option works best for you because each has unique nutritional advantages.