Why does organic milk always seem to have a longer shelf life than regular milk? The International Dairy Foods Association says:
- The pasteurization temperature is what determines the shelf life of a dairy product.
- Milk needs to be pasteurized to destroy bacteria for safety reasons, and can be regularly pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized, which involves a higher heat treatment.
- Ultra-pasteurization results in a longer shelf life and is commonly used in organic milks.
- The length of the shelf life is only valid while the package is unopened.
