UHT milk, powdered milk and dairy
Without a reliable cold chain, UHT and powdered milk remain the safest formats. Both store at room temperature and only need refrigeration once opened.
UHT milk is heated to 140 °C for a few seconds then packed sterile: it keeps for months unopened, against a few days for pasteurised milk. Powdered milk takes that further, keeping for years at a markedly lower cost per reconstituted litre.
The aisle also covers sweetened condensed milk, used in desserts and coffee, and butter in packaging suited to the climate.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does opened UHT milk keep?
- Three days refrigerated. Unopened, the carton keeps for months at room temperature, but opening breaks sterility and the milk becomes a fresh product again.
- Is UHT milk less nutritious than fresh milk?
- Protein, calcium and fat content are identical. Only some heat-sensitive vitamins such as B9 and C decrease slightly, a marginal gap in a normal diet.
- How is powdered milk reconstituted?
- Around 130 g of powder per litre of warm water, poured gradually while stirring to avoid lumps. Once reconstituted, it behaves like fresh milk and keeps for 24 hours refrigerated.
