Long-life Milk

What is long-life milk?

The name "long-life milk" is used to describe milk that’s been treated in special ways to help it last longer outside a refrigerator or cooled environment.

Long life milk benefits are the same as any other type of milk, as it contains the same essential nutrients.

The difference between fresh and long-life milk is the method of processing. Fresh (pasteurised) milk is heated to 74°C for 15 seconds. Long-life milk is heated to 140°C for two seconds and then packaged aseptically.

The increased temperature at which long-life milk is treated results in a greater reduction in bacteria and heat-resistant enzymes in comparison to milk that undergoes regular pasteurisation – giving it an extended shelf life.

Long life milk can be stored for up to six months in a pantry, but once opened it needs to be refrigerated. Then it can be used normally like fresh milk within seven days.

You might also see long life milk referred to as "ultra heat treatment (UHT)" milk. Long life or UHT milk is available in forms like full-fat, reduced-fat, low-fat, modified and skim.