UHT milk differs from fresh pasteurised milk primarily in the heat treatment process the milk undertakes in the production cycle. UHT stands for ultra-high temperature, and this tells us that this type of milk undergoes a flash heating process at 140 degrees C for a few seconds to kill off the pathogens and bacteria in the milk. This essentially sterilises the milk, and because it is then chilled and packaged immediately, the UHT milk is sterilised and remains in this state until it is opened. Only then does it need to be chilled.
Fresh milk, by comparison, does not go through this UHT process and hence, while pasteurisation kills off harmful pathogens, the milk still contains the microorganisms that will eventually ‘spoil’ the milk and turn it sour. While this is obviously a benefit for UHT milk, many people are unaware of how this affects the health qualities of UHT milk. It is widely understood that fresh milk contains calcium, proteins and vitamins A, D and B, which help to improve overall health but specifically teeth and bone health, but is this also true of UHT milk?
What are the health benefits of UHT milk?
The simple answer is ‘yes’, UHT milk is good for you. In fact, nutritionally, there is very little difference between fresh milk and UHT milk. Although some nutrients are slightly reduced by the heat treatment process, the losses are minimal and the key nutrients, including calcium, protein and vitamins A and B, are still high and are not meaningfully affected.
So this means the key health benefits of UHT milk are largely the same as fresh milk. This means:
- UHT milk maintains healthy teeth and bones mainly through rich calcium content
- It has protein content supporting good muscles in the body
- Skimmed UHT milk is low calorie
- The vitamins and minerals in UHT milk are good for overall health
- UHT milk can rehydrate the body as effectively as water and sports drinks
- UHT milk is 100% natural and doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives
- We can supply a lactose-free UHT milk which is suitable for people with a lactose intolerance. This ensures they can enjoy milk and its health benefits without the stomach pains and associated problems this may otherwise present.
Enjoy the health benefits of UHT milk
UHT milk is also known as long-life milk because the heat treatment process means it can be stored unopened for longer. This helps with the convenience and consistency of UHT milk, but the health benefits are also very important.
There is very little difference between the health benefits of fresh pasteurised milk and those of UHT milk, so check out our range of lactose-free, skimmed and semi-skimmed UHT milk and experience those health benefits for yourself.