New packaging improves UHT milk flavour

摘要

It's always exciting to feature students and the research they're doing in the pages of Food Review. This month, Alex Zabbia, who is currently finishing his master's degree at the University of Pretoria, writes about his research intoinnovative packaging for UHT milk in an attempt to banish off flavours. ULTRA high temperature (UHT) processed milk has an advantageous extended shelf life of six to nine months at ambient temperature, compared to pasteurised milk, which has a shelf-life of approximately 14 days in refrigerated conditions. However, it has been noted that some consumers find the flavour of UHT milk to be undesirable. This is attributed to the formation of 'off flavours in the product during processing and storage.