It’s common among milk and food lovers to know how and why your food is processed, so you make healthier food choices. We’ve got you covered. After reading this post, you’ll understand precisely how your milk is processed and why. You’ll also be able to answer the all-important question, “is your milk pasteurized?”

Milk processing follows this step-by-step process:

Step 1: Superior animal care from family dairy farmers. 

Step 2: Cows are milked using modern milking techniques. Automation is used to speed up the milking process and make our employee’s tasks lighter.

Step 3: Milk travels through sanitized stainless pipes to on farm storage at 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Milk is transported to the processing plant for for testing, processing, and bottling.

Step 5: Milk is lab tested to adhere to federal regulations and quality. During this process, a2 Milk® also tests every batch of our milk to help ensure our milk comes from cows that produce only A2 protein, and no A1. That means high quality, great tasting, real milk that may be easier on digestion! Published research suggests a2 Milk® may help avoid stomach discomfort in some people.

Step 6: Milk is pasteurized and then filtered to reduce fat particle size, improve mouth feel, and separated to make milk creamier or reduce fat.

Pasteurization is a quick heating process designed to kill most germs or bacteria in raw milk. This procedure helps prevent the milk from developing a sour odor and lumpy texture from a buildup of lactic acid produced by bacteria. It also helps to kill any microorganisms like E.Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria that may be present. 

After being pasteurized, the milk requires refrigeration to stay fresh and delicious. The overall shelf-life of pasteurized milk is 10 to 21 days, and it remains fresh for 2 to 5 days after the sell-by date stamped on the container. Once opened, use pasteurized milk as soon as possible.

At a2 Milk®, our milk goes through a process called UHT or ultra-pasteurization. We heat the milk to 280 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 seconds and rapidly cool it to 39 degrees. The result is creamy, delicious milk that lasts longer in your fridge. Thanks to UHT, a2 Milk® stays fresh for 30 to 90 days. After opening the carton, please consume ultra-pasteurized milk for the freshest flavor within 7 to 10 days.

Pasteurized milk is typically clearly labeled as pasteurized. Most milk and milk products in the US sold in grocery stores are legally required to be pasteurized. The exception to this rule is cheese older than 60 days. At that point, the environment is inhospitable for bacteria. 

Milk purchased at farmers' markets or directly from farmers may not be clearly labeled. Feel free to ask the seller if the milk has been pasteurized. Consuming raw, unpasteurized milk is responsible for 96% of foodborne illnesses from milk. Read our blog to learn more about the dangers of drinking raw milk.

At a2 Milk®, we strive to provide the highest quality milk for you and your families. Why? Because we cherish our own families and the families of the farmers we work with to raise healthy, happy cows. Check out our variety of delicious and nutritious milk today at a grocery store near you.