Does fresh milk have any preservatives added to it to extend its shelf life?

Last updated 30/01/2025

Fresh, plain milk on the supermarket shelves has nothing added that doesn’t naturally come from milk—including preservatives. All dairy products start with one natural ingredient: milk. 

Fresh, plain milk on the supermarket shelves has nothing added that doesn’t come from milk, including preservatives. To ensure a safe, quality product, a range of processing techniques has been developed over time. These include pasteurisation which kills any harmful bacteria which may be present and also extends shelf life.  

While some other dairy products may contain additives like sugar, flavours, or preservatives, these must always be listed on the ingredients label. All additives go through a rigorous government approval process to ensure they are safe for use.