Factories have made packaging food and drink faster and much more easily available. With the steady rise in population, the rise in consumption of milk has also increased massively over the years. Very few places still follow the traditional method of rearing and milking their cows to get fresh milk. We’re all mostly dependent on the closest supermarkets and other stores to give us our milk, which saves our time, but is it really healthy? And why does organic milk last longer? We’ll explain the importance of organic dairy products clearly and concisely.

What Is Organic Milk?

When you get milk from a company or a well-known brand, they usually rear a huge number of cows on their dairy farms. Animals on these farms are injected with hormones to produce more milk and lessen the risk of any infections that might harm them. On the other hand, organic farmers get milk from cows without injecting them with growth hormones or antibiotics. This is the primary reason why organic milk differs from regular milk in taste and ability to last long.

According to studies, the expiration date of organic milk is almost a month before you open the bottle, while its conventional counterpart is more short-lived. Surprisingly, the main reason why organic milk lasts longer has nothing to do with hormones.

How Long Can Organic Milk Last?

Unopened organic milk has a shelf life of 40 to 60 days when properly refrigerated, while conventional milk lasts approximately 15 days. However, experts recommend using any milk within 7 days of opening. If several days go by, check if the color and smell of your organic milk have changed before drinking. Spoiled milk has a sharp sour smell, yellowish color, and granular texture.

Why Does Organic Milk Last Longer?

The reason why organic milk lasts longer is because of its preservation methods. Organic milk goes through a preserving process that includes Ultra High Temperature, and UHT-treated milk is boiled to 280 degrees Fahrenheit to kill all the tiny organisms in the liquid. This pasteurization process is highly intense and rather quick.

Normal milk, on the other hand, goes through a slightly less heated process: High-Temperature Short Time or HTST. In HTST, the milk heats up to 161 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds, which is not enough to destroy all microorganisms. For this reason, normal milk tends to go bad faster than organic milk.

Is Organic Milk Healthier Than Regular Milk?

Organic milk has a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than conventional milk. This is due to the fact that grass-fed cows produce milk with a better fatty acid profile. Cows fed a high-corn diet, on the other hand, produce milk with greater levels of omega-6 fatty acids. Omega acids are good for the body only if the ratio is followed.

Cows that feed exclusively on corn have a higher omega-6 fatty acid that upsets the balance required between omega-3 and omega-6 acids. This is why opting for organic milk will be healthier for you in the long run. It can be a little tight on the wallet, spending big bucks on a daily essential item, but it does have considerable health benefits such as less risk of heart disease, cancer, inflammation, etc.

Conclusion

Switching to organic is pricey but totally worth the cost! Organic milk gives you all the nutritional benefits of regular milk while keeping you away from chemical contaminants. It also allows you to support organic farms which encourage more sustainable and ethical production. Therefore, opting for organic products is good for your body and the animals, and this type of milk lasts longer! The Yes It’s Organic team recommends looking into organic bedding items and making your sleep environment healthy and safe, too!