May 01, 2025

Pasteurized vs raw milk: Know when to boil!

Siddhartha Jana

Boiling milk - A common practice

Due to tradition, many people still boil bottled milk, but pasteurized and UHT choices may make this unnecessary.

Source: Canva

What pasteurization means

Pasteurized milk is safe to consume straight from a sealed, chilled pack after being heat-treated to eradicate dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

Source: Canva

When boiling is required

Boil milk only if it is broken, leaky, or incorrectly stored to eliminate the risk of contamination.

Source: Canva

No nutritional benefit

Boiling pasteurized milk will lower folic acid, B vitamins B1, B2, and B6, and it adds no safety benefits.

Source: Canva

No impact on shelf life

Pasteurized milk's shelf life is not increased by boiling it. Always keep opened milk chilled and use it right away.

Source: Canva

UHT milk does not require boiling

Tetra packs of UHT milk are already sterile and superheated, making it safe to consume straight away; boiling is not necessary unless desired.

Source: Canva

Pasteurized milk guidelines

If the packet is sealed and stored correctly, pasteurized milk is safe to consume without boiling. Simply keep it chilled and consume it when you're ready.

Source: Canva

Raw milk must be boiled

Raw milk, unlike processed milk, is not heat-treated and may contain germs, hence boiling is required before consumption.

Source: Canva

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