Many think that lactose free milk and regular cows milk are pretty similar. After all, they both come from a cow. This leaves people asking, “why does lactose free milk last longer”, when there is no real difference in taste. The difference is in the way the two milks are processed and how much bacteria they contain. Lactose free milk is actually made to not contain any bacteria. Meaning that it can last for a very long time.
In this article we will explore exactly why lactose free milk lasts longer than regular cows’ milk. How long can you keep your lactose free milk compared to regular cows milk?
Table of Contents
- How Long Will Lactose-Free Milk Last?
- Is Lactose-Free Milk Healthier Than Regular Milk?
- FAQs
- Lactose Free Milk Can Last Up To 90 Days And Is Still A Healthy Choice Of Milk
How Long Will Lactose-Free Milk Last?
Lactose free milk lasts a lot longer than regular cows milk as it has to go through a process called ultra-pasteurization. Ultra-pasteurization is a technique which can kill almost 99.9% of the bacteria that is in the milk. Therefore, with all the bacteria that is killed, it prolongs the shelf life of the lactose free milk. This process does not affect the taste or the nutritional benefits of lactose free milk.
As part of the ultra-pasteurization process, the lactose free milk is heated to 280 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 seconds. Afterwards, the milk is cooled down rapidly.
Lactose free milk can have a shelf life date of up to 60 days and possibly as long as 90 days, depending on how you store the milk.
How Long Does Lactose-Free Milk Last Once Opened
If you have opened a carton and want to know if you can store it after opening, the answer is yes you can. Once you have opened a carton of lactose free milk, it will last for up to 7 days to 10 days if you store it in the fridge. If you store your lactose free milk at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it will keep for at least 10 days before spoiling or turning bad.
We would recommend that you use up your lactose free milk within one week of it being opened. That is when it will keep its flavor and quality.
Does Lactose-Free Milk Spoil Faster
Lactose-free milk does not spoil faster than regular cows’ milks. Since lactose-free milk is pasteurized at a higher temperature than regular cows milk. The pasteurization means that lactose-free milk can have a shelf-life of 60 to 90 days. Regular cows milk can only last up to a week before the bacteria starts to rapidly grow and it starts to turn bad.
Therefore, if you want milk that can last a long time, it’s best to buy lactose-free milk.
Why Does Lactose Free Milk Last Longer Than Regular Milk
Lactose-free milk has been pasteurized at a higher temperature than regular milk that comes from a cow. The pasteurized process is meant to work to stop and remove the bacteria from lactose-free milk completely. This gives the milk a shelf life of between 60 days and 90 days.
Milk that has not been pasteurized contains bacteria and will last up to a week. Cows’ milk is also very fresh and can spoil very quickly because of this.
How To Tell If Lactose-Free Milk Is Bad
Lactose free milk will start to show signs that it has turned bad by changing its appearance and smell.
The lactose-free milk will begin to smell sour. The color may change to a slightly off yellow shade compared to the white shade it should be. The texture of the lactose-free milk will also turn thick or clumpy.
You should not consume the milk if you see any signs that it has turned bad or you could experience food poisoning.
Is Lactose-Free Milk Healthier Than Regular Milk?
Lactose free milk is as healthy as drinking normal regular cows milk. Lactose free milk still proves key nutrients that regular cows milk provides. These nutrients include being a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin D. These vitamins and minerals are all key to keeping the body healthy.
What Is The Advantage Of Lactose Free Milk?
Lactose free milk is the perfect alternative to regular cows milk if you have a lactose allergy or intolerance. Lactose free milk means you can still consume milk but not face the consequences of feeling unwell from the lactose. A lactose intolerance can show in many sorts of symptoms, from vomiting and nausea to stomach cramp and digestive issues. Lactose can even lead to skin conditions like worsening or triggering acne.
Lactose free milk also contains the same amount of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D and protein as regular cow milk. The health benefits of drinking lactose-free milk can also include keeping the bones and teeth strong, along with keeping the gut healthy.
FAQs
Why Does Lactose-Free Milk Taste Sweeter?
Lactose-free milk contains an enzyme called lactase which is added to the liquid. The lactase breaks the lactose down into two sugars which are glucose and galactose. When we drink lactose free milk, our taste buds detect these two sugars as sweeter than other sugars that are in regular milk. Therefore lactose-free milk has a perceived sweeter flavor than regular cows milk.
Does Lactose-Free Milk Taste Different?
Lactose-free milk tastes sweeter than regular milk and has a noticeable different flavor to it. This is because there are more sugars to sweeten the lactose-free milk compared to regular cows milk.
Lactose Free Milk Can Last Up To 90 Days And Is Still A Healthy Choice Of Milk
Lactose free milk has all the health benefits that regular cows milk has. It can last up to 90 days when stored correctly. Lactose free milk has a maximum shelf life of 90 days if not opened. If opened, it will stay good for up to 10 days. Which is still significantly longer than regular cows milk. Lactose free milk lasts so long as it has been made to contain no bacteria.
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