Milk is a familiar source of nutrition, yet not everyone fully understands the difference between pasteurized milk and UHT (ultra-high-temperature) milk. In this article, let’s go with Annam Gourmet and explore what each type of milk is, their advantages and disadvantages, a detailed comparison, and guidance on which option might be best suited for your lifestyle.

1. What Is Pasteurized Milk?

Pasteurized milk (also known as HTST – High-Temperature Short-Time) is made from 100% fresh cow’s milk. Immediately after milking, it is heated to 72–90°C for about 15–30 seconds. This process kills harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial enzymes, vitamins, and the fresh, natural flavor of milk. The milk is then rapidly cooled to around 4°C and packaged under refrigerated conditions.

Pasteurized fresh milk usually has a fresh taste because it is processed at a temperature of 75-90°C.

Advantages:

• Contains no additives or artificial coloring.
• Retains nearly all natural nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
• Offers a fresh, pure taste close to raw milk.

Disadvantages:

• Short shelf life of less than 10 days, even unopened.
• Requires continuous refrigeration, which increases transportation and storage costs.
• Higher retail price compared to UHT milk.
• Risk of reduced safety if sourced from unreliable brands or purchased without proper cold-chain storage.

2. What Is UHT Milk?

UHT milk (Ultra-High-Temperature) also begins as fresh milk but is treated at 135–143°C for 2–6 seconds. This destroys all bacteria, including beneficial ones. The milk is then cooled and packaged in sterile, airtight cartons, allowing for a much longer shelf life without refrigeration until opened. 

UHT milk is more commonly used because of its convenience and ease of storage

Advantages:

• Extended shelf life (6–12 months) without the need for cold storage before opening.
• Convenient for storage and transport.
• Generally more affordable due to large-scale production and lower refrigeration costs.

Disadvantages:

• Some products may contain additives or be made from reconstituted milk powder, which can cause confusion with real fresh milk.
• Heat treatment reduces certain vitamins (such as B1, B9, and C) and slightly alters flavor.

3. Key Differences Between Pasteurized and UHT Milk

Although both products are considered “fresh milk,” they differ significantly in processing, nutrition retention, storage, and suitability. The table below provides a clear comparison:

Criteria	Pasteurized Milk	UHT Milk
Purity ratio	Usually 100% fresh milk, not diluted, not reconstituted	Can be 100% fresh milk, or reconstituted milk (powdered milk mixed with water), depending on the brand
Processing method	Heated at 72–90 °C for 15–30 seconds, then rapidly cooled	Heated at 135–143 °C for 2–6 seconds, then aseptically packaged
Nutritional content	Retains almost all natural vitamins, enzymes, and minerals	Some vitamins (B1, B9, C) are reduced, flavor slightly altered
Shelf life	7–10 days if continuously refrigerated	6–12 months, no refrigeration needed before opening
Storage	Must always be kept refrigerated (2–6 °C)	Can be stored at room temperature (before opening) Must be refrigerated after opening
Target consumers	Consumers who prioritize nutrition and fresh taste, families with reliable refrigeration. Commonly used for direct drinking, coffee, yogurt making, or premium desserts	Suitable for children, students, office workers who value convenience Often used for mixing drinks, cooking, baking, or long-term household/restaurant storage
Price	Usually higher than UHT milk due to storage and transport costs	Usually cheaper than pasteurized milk, widely available and consumed

4. Which Milk Should You Choose?

This depends on your needs and lifestyle. If you prioritize optimal nutrition, the original taste of fresh milk, and always have a refrigerator to store it, pasteurized milk will be the ideal choice. This is also the type of milk that is favored by many urban families, especially for young children and adults who want to improve their health naturally every day. 

On the contrary, if you are often busy, travel a lot, or want to have milk at home to use when needed, sterilized milk is more suitable thanks to its convenience and long shelf life. Just open the lid and you can enjoy or prepare it right away, without worrying about it spoiling quickly like pasteurized milk.

5. Which One Is Better?

There is no absolute answer because both types have their own advantages. Pasteurized milk is considered “better” in terms of preserving nutrients and fresh flavor, suitable for those who value original quality and have the conditions to refrigerate. Meanwhile, sterilized milk is “better” in terms of convenience, hygiene and easy long-term preservation, helping you always have milk on hand without worrying about short shelf life. 

Therefore, instead of focusing on the comparison of “which type is better”, you can consider using them in parallel: drinking pasteurized milk every day to supplement natural nutrition, and storing sterilized milk at home for busy times, traveling or needing quick processing.

6. Annam Gourmet – Your Trusted Source for Premium Milk

Annam Gourmet is a trusted supplier of foreign ingredients and foods in Vietnam. Always putting consumers' health first, our team of food experts carefully selects reliable suppliers with quality certificates (HACCP, GAP, Organic...), international standard preservation methods, ensuring to bring fresh and safe experiences to every member of the family.

Annam Gourmet - a reputable destination for genuine pasteurized and sterilized fresh milk

6.1. DalatMilk Pasteurized Milk (950ml)

Produced from pure fresh cow's milk in the Dalat plateau, DalatMilk Pasteurized Milk stands out with its sweet and fresh taste. Thanks to the modern pasteurization process, the product retains all its natural nutrients, suitable for drinking directly in the morning or for mixing light desserts.

DalatMilk Pasteurized Milk 950ml – Pasteurized fresh milk in Dalat plateau

6.2. Meiji Premium Pasteurized Milk 4.3% (946ml)

As a famous milk brand from Japan, Meiji Premium Pasteurized Milk has a fat content of 4.3%, giving the milk a rich, fragrant taste. This is the perfect choice for families who want to supplement energy and high-quality nutrients, while enjoying the full flavor of standard Japanese fresh milk.

Meiji Premium Pasteurized Milk 946ml brings a natural fatty and fragrant flavor

6.3. Meiji Pasteurized Milk Lactose Free (946ml)

Specially designed for those who are sensitive to lactose, Meiji Pasteurized Milk Lactose Free retains the delicious, nutritious taste of fresh milk but is easier to digest. This product is suitable for both children and adults, making drinking milk every day more comfortable and easier.

Meiji Pasteurized Milk Lactose Free 946ml suitable for lactose intolerant people

6.4. Meadow Fresh UHT Low Fat Milk (1L)

Meadow Fresh UHT Low Fat Milk from New Zealand is a low-fat sterilized milk, ideal for those pursuing a healthy lifestyle. With the modern UHT process, the milk can be preserved for a long time while still retaining its delicious flavor, easy to use for mixing or as a cooking ingredient.

Meadow Fresh UHT Low Fat Milk 1L is a healthy low fat sterilized milk option.

6.5. Emmi Premium Milk UHT 3.5% Fat (250ml)

Coming from Switzerland, Emmi Premium Milk UHT has a natural fatty taste with a fat content of 3.5%. The compact 250ml box design makes it easy to carry to work, school or travel, ensuring a quick and convenient source of nutrition at any time.

Emmi Premium Milk UHT 250ml is sterilized milk imported from Switzerland with guaranteed quality.

With 14 stores across Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Annam Gourmet makes it easy for you to shop premium milk products in person or online.

Annam Gourmet hopes this article helps you understand the key differences between pasteurized and UHT milk, so you can make the right choice for your health and your family’s needs.

 

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• Website: https://shop.annam-gourmet.com/
• Hotline: 1900 636431
• Email: [email protected]