Why do some countries prefer UHT milk and cream?

Fresh vs UHT whole milk for babies?

• I'm obviously not transitioning my 8 month old off her formula yet, but I've been wondering about this for when I do- is there any sort of benefit of fresh milk vs UHT milk? Personally, I prefer UHT milk (which I hadn't had until I came to the UK)- I think the taste is better and it keeps longer. Does anyone know?

• Answer:

  I doubt you are getting "fresh" milk in the UK unless you buy direct from a farm. There is basically regular pasteurized homogenized milk, UHT homogenized pasteurized milk, and possibly fine-filtered milk. Homogenized just means the fat is broken up so it won't separate back out. Unhomogenized milk is basically not sold anymore. Pasteurizing, UHT, and fine-filter are just ways of removing the bacteria. UHT is the same as pasteurization except the it is heated much faster and to a much higher temperature. It doesn't really matter which method is used, if you prefer the taste of one over the other then you can use that for your child. There may be minor differences in nutrition, but all are equally safe. True "raw" milk that is not treated in any way to remove the bacteria may or may not be safe. Some places consider it safe for children over 1 some don't think children or the elderly should use it. The primary worry is Listeria. It used to also spread TB but most cow's are immunized and tested for that now.