Nowadays, many friends have one or two cartons of milk at home, and it is a nutritious drink when it is hot in the morning, and it is also very delicious with other bread or breakfast.
Moreover, milk can also make a variety of delicious dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, cream, ice cream, etc., to enrich our diet.
However, milk on the market is not static, and depending on the packaging method, milk can be divided into two types: "bag" and "box".
Although these two types of milk may seem to be white liquids, they are not small differences, and if you are not careful, you may buy the wrong milk, which is not only a waste of money, but also may affect your health.
So, what's the difference between "bagged" and "cartoned" milk? Let's take a look!
1. Boxed milk is stored for a longer time
Cartons of milk are processed by ultra-high temperature sterilization (UHT), which heats the milk to 135-140°C in a short period of time and then cools it quickly, killing all microorganisms in the milk and extending the shelf life of the milk.
In general, carton milk can have a shelf life of up to 6 months or more, and it does not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature.
The advantage of this milk is that it is easy to store and transport, and there is no need to worry about spoilage, so it is suitable for long-term stockpiling or carrying when traveling.
However, UHT can also destroy some nutrients in milk, such as vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, etc., reducing the nutritional value of milk.
Also, UHT can change the flavor of the milk, making it a somewhat burnt flavor that some people may not like.
2. Bagged milk tastes better
Bagged milk is processed by pasteurization (HTST), which heats the milk to 72-75°C, holds it for 15-20 seconds, and then cools it rapidly to kill most of the pathogenic bacteria in the milk and preserve the freshness of the milk.
In general, the shelf life of bagged milk is around 30-45 days and needs to be stored at a low temperature of 2-6°C.
The advantage of this milk is that it tastes better, closer to the original taste of fresh milk, and retains most of the nutrients in the milk, which is a good choice for consumers who pursue quality.
However, pasteurization does not completely kill all microorganisms in the milk, and if it is not stored properly, the milk may still spoil, so be careful to keep it refrigerated and drink it as soon as possible.
3. Bagged milk is fresher
Another difference between bagged milk and carton milk is that they have different production cycles.
Due to the long shelf life of boxed milk, manufacturers can produce it in advance, and then transport it in bulk to supermarkets or convenience stores around the country, waiting for consumers to buy it.
Due to the short shelf life of bagged milk, manufacturers need to produce and distribute it regularly according to market demand to ensure the freshness of the milk.
This means that the time between the milk being milked from the cow and the time you buy it is shorter, and it is relatively fresher and closer to the state of fresh milk.
Cartons of milk, on the other hand, may have been on the shelf for a long time, and although they will not spoil, they will not be as fresh as bagged milk.
4. Boxed milk can be stored at room temperature
The storage conditions for carton milk and bagged milk are also different.
Because it has been UHT sterilized, carton milk can be stored at room temperature and does not require refrigeration equipment, which is convenient for some families who do not have a refrigerator or who are traveling.
In addition, the packaging material of boxed milk is relatively strong, which is not easy to break, so you can carry it with confidence.
Packaged milk, on the other hand, needs to be stored at low temperatures, usually in the refrigerator at 2-6°C, otherwise it will easily spoil.
Moreover, the packaging material of the bagged milk is a single-layer plastic film, which can be easily punctured by sharp objects and cause milk leakage, so be careful when carrying it.
5. Cartons of milk are more convenient to carry
Cartons and bags also have different shapes. Cartons of milk are generally square or rectangular, with different capacities of 200ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1000ml, etc., and some also have straws or switch lids for easy drinking.
As a result, cartons of milk are more suitable for carrying, whether in a school bag, handbag or pocket, without taking up much space and not affecting aesthetics.
Bags of milk, on the other hand, are more troublesome, not only to be careful not to be punctured, but also to carry scissors or straws with you, and it is not very hygienic to drink.
Through the above introduction, we can see that boxed milk and bagged milk have their own advantages and disadvantages, there is no absolute good or bad, only the difference between suitable and unsuitable.
Therefore, when we buy milk, we should choose the right milk according to our own needs and preferences.
If you want milk that is easy to store, easy to carry, and has a long shelf life, then carton milk is your first choice.
If you want better-tasting, fresher, and more nutritious milk, then pouched milk is your first choice.
No matter which milk you choose, pay attention to the storage conditions and expiration date to avoid drinking spoiled milk that can affect your health.