Category: Shelf stable

Food scientists can process and package milk in a way that allows it to be stored safely at room temperature for months or even years. The main types of milk that don't need to be refrigerated include UHT milk, evaporated milk, and powdered milk, each with a unique shelf-stable process. This longevity is achieved by eliminating bacteria and sealing the product in sterile, airtight containers until opened.

According to the U.S. Dairy, ultra-pasteurized (UP) milk is heated to a higher temperature than traditional milk, extending its shelf life. However, the answer to whether you have to refrigerate ultra pasteurized milk depends entirely on whether the package has been opened. Unopened, it's shelf-stable; once opened, it requires refrigeration immediately.