Is UHT milk as nutritious as chilled milk?

Like chilled milk, long life or UHT milk is a rich source of essential nutrients and provides the same great health benefits!

First, what does UHT stand for? Ultra-heat treatment. This process heats milk to 140°C for two seconds, destroying harmful bacteria and micro-organisms while significantly extending the milk's shelf life. It’s a physical process, meaning nothing is added or removed from the milk. After heating, the milk is packaged aseptically to ensure no bacteria are introduced.

Nutritionally, UHT milk is very similar to chilled milk. It contains key nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, zinc, vitamins A and B12, magnesium, carbohydrate, and protein. While some nutrients—like thiamine, vitamins B12 and B6, and folate—are slightly reduced during the UHT process, the losses are minimal and don’t meaningfully affect its overall health benefits.

Both fresh and UHT milk have a similar nutrient profile and are produced to the highest safety and quality standards. UHT milk has a longer shelf life, but some people prefer the taste of fresh milk. Ultimately, the type of milk you choose is a matter of preference and convenience.

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