Is Pouch Milk Safer than Tetra Pak Milk?

Milk Tetra Paks saw a significant resurgence during the lockdown when people stocked up on groceries to cope with uncertainty.

Have you noticed that carton milk is rarely our first choice? It never feels quite the same. But is it actually safer than pouch milk?

What’s the Deal with Tetra Pak Milk?

Tetra Pak, or ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, undergoes ultra-high-temperature processing, allowing it to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration until the package is opened. The treatment heats the milk to temperatures of 135°C to 150°C for a few seconds, effectively eliminating disease-causing organisms and allowing it to remain unspoiled for several months.

Once the process is complete, the milk is rapidly cooled and sealed in Tetra Pak containers under aseptic conditions to prevent contamination. This specialised packaging is what helps keep UHT milk safe.

Advantages of UHT milk: it has a long shelf life, remains fresh for several months, doesn't require refrigeration until opened, and retains nutritional value comparable to fresh milk with minimal nutrient loss during processing.

UHT Milk vs. Pouch Milk

There are significant differences between UHT milk and the milk sold in pouches in terms of processing, shelf life, storage conditions, and selling methods.

UHT milk undergoes ultra-high temperature treatment, which sterilises it by eliminating pathogens, allowing for long-term storage. It is then packaged in airtight containers to avoid re-contamination.

In contrast, pouch milk is heated to around 72°C for about fifteen seconds. This method effectively destroys pathogenic microorganisms but allows some heat-resistant bacteria spores to survive, resulting in a shelf life of only 2 to 3 days in a chilled environment. Additionally, pouch milk typically contains no additive preservatives.

For many, drinking milk from a pouch is a more enjoyable experience due to its rich taste, which retains more natural enzymes and flavours.

Which Is Safer?

Both UHT and pouch milk are safe and nutritionally similar. While UHT milk undergoes more processing, it remains safe due to the high heat that kills bacteria. Pouch milk may be preferred for its fresher taste, but both are healthy options. Some people believe pouch milk is healthier due to its shorter shelf life and lower levels of pasteurisation, which help preserve more natural enzymes, vitamins, and flavours.

UHT milk is rich in essential nutrients and is suitable for long-term storage. It undergoes treatment to eliminate all active microorganisms, including pathogens, ensuring its safety.

The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, health conditions, and storage capabilities. However, both types are healthy.

Let's Talk Nutrition

Research indicates that during UHT treatment, proteins undergo two main changes: they unfold (denaturation) and stick together (aggregation), alongside some chemical changes to their building blocks (amino acids). These alterations can influence how our bodies digest these proteins and their impact on health.

Studies have shown that milk proteins in UHT milk and related products change during processing and storage. The intensity of thermal treatments can significantly affect milk components, often leading to undesirable changes in colour, texture, and nutritional quality.

UHT milk retains most of its protein and fat, but sensitive vitamins like B12 may slightly decrease due to the high heat. Additionally, UHT milk often has a cooked or caramelised taste due to the heat altering its natural flavour. Research shows that UHT milk’s protein levels remain mostly intact, as the high heat treatment primarily affects certain vitamins like B12 and C, which contribute to spoilage over time. UHT milk can also be a nutritionally beneficial option, as it retains a large portion of nutrients, including macro minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Which One to Choose?

Choosing between fresh milk and Tetra Pak milk ultimately depends on your taste and preferences.

UHT milk, which can be stored without refrigeration for long periods, is perfect for people on the go who may not have access to a fridge and want to stock up for emergencies. Its heat treatment also helps reduce the risk of milk-borne infections.

On the other hand, if you prioritise taste and freshness, pouch milk is the way to go. It’s less processed, preserving more natural enzymes and flavour, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture that many find more enjoyable.

Both options offer distinct nutritional benefits, so it’s all about what suits you best.