Pasteurized milk and sterilized milk: what's the difference?

Based on different sterilization methods, liquid milk can be divided into two types: pasteurized milk and sterilized milk. Pasteurized milk refers to a liquid product made solely from raw cow's (or goat's) milk as the raw material, processed through pasteurization and other procedures. Sterilized milk is a liquid product made from raw cow's (or goat's) milk as the raw material, with or without the addition of reconstituted milk, sterilized by heating to at least 132°C in a continuous flow state and held for a very short time, and then processed through aseptic filling and other procedures. How significant are the differences between them in terms of flavor, safety, and nutrition?

Sterilized milk refers to milk that has been sterilized by instant heat treatment at least 132°C for 4–15 seconds. This treatment method is abbreviated as UHT. After UHT, it is basically impossible for any bacteria to survive. Therefore, under sealed conditions, sterilized milk can be kept for several months or even longer without refrigeration. However, after UHT treatment, the degree of protein damage in the milk will be greater.

Pasteurized milk is also a kind of "low-temperature sterilized milk." Although harmful microorganisms in the raw milk are generally killed, some other microorganisms remain. Therefore, this kind of milk requires refrigeration at around 4°C throughout all stages from leaving the production line to transportation, sales, and storage, in order to prevent the remaining microorganisms from becoming "active." That is why pasteurized milk is also called "refrigerated milk." It can be seen that there are certain differences between pasteurized milk and sterilized milk, from production conditions to flavor, but these differences are not the main factors determining the quality of the dairy products themselves. Consumers should consider their own needs and conditions, such as storage conditions and drinking frequency, when choosing suitable milk products.

The pasteurization production line is made of high-quality SUS304 stainless steel, and the sterilization temperature and speed can be set according to process requirements. The pasteurization production line runs smoothly with low noise, and the stainless steel mesh belt has high strength, low stretchability, is not easily deformed, and is easy to maintain. The pasteurization production line thoroughly solves the problem of "randomness" caused by low automation during the sterilization process, strengthens "consistency," and greatly improves the success rate of sterilization.