One thing many people might not realize is that there are several different types of pasteurization. While unpasteurized milk is still far superior to pasteurized milk, many of us don’t have access to or can’t afford raw milk. So, I thought it was important that people know what the different kinds of pasteurization are. There are three methods that are most commonly used.
1. High Temperature, Short Time (HTST) method – This method requires that the milk be held at 161 degrees for 16 seconds. This process, also refereed to as continuous flow pasteurization, requires the milk to be forced through metal pipes that are heated from the outside.
2. Ultra-Pasteurization (UP) – This is the type of pasteurization that you will most commonly see on cartons of milk, half-and-half and heavy cream. It produces a product that has a stable shelf life of up to two months! The UP method requires that the milk be held at 280 degrees for 2 seconds. Most commercial milk brands use this form of pasteurization since it is the quickest and cheapest.
3. Vat Pasteurization – Vat Pasteurization is the most gentle type of pasteurization. If you can find milk products that have been processed using this type of pasteurization, they will be your best bet if you can’t get raw milk. The vat process requires that the milk to be held in a heated vat at 145 degrees for 30 minutes. It is then quickly cooled to 39 degrees. This type of pasteurization is more expensive, which is why products that have been produced using it are difficult to find. The only one I have been able to find in Denver is at Vitamin Cottage and it is called Kolona Organics. There might be other brands that are carried at small specialty shops, but I am not aware of any. The other nice thing about the milk from Kolona Organics is that it is non-homogenized.
Does your local health food store sell a brand of milk that is Vat pasteurized? I’d love to hear what other brands are out there.
Delicious Obsessions was founded by Jessica Espinoza in 2010. Jessica is passionate about real food, natural living, and more. She helps people see how to eat nourishing food, without breaking the bank. Her motto is "baby steps" -- making small, lasting changes, one at a time, is the best way to ensure long-term success. This website contains "affiliate links" where appropriate, on which, I may earn a small commission or referral fee on your purchase. This has no effect on your price. The monies earned help maintain and support this website's hosting, maintenance, and the development of free content. The content shared on this site is for informational and educational purposes only. Statements/products discussed have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult your own health care practitioner before making changes to your current diet or before beginning any herbal or vitamin supplement regimen or exercise program.
I know there is vat pasteurized, non-homogenized milk in Fairfield, Iowa. I do not live there but I know it is sold in a few stores. If you want me to get the name of the store or milk, I can do that.
Hi Elle – Looks like there are three different dairies in Iowa that do vat pasteurization and don’t homogenize – Kalona Organics (which I am able to buy at my health food store), Radiance Dairy, and Picket Fence Creamery. http://www.realmilk.com/where03.html#ia. I wish I could get the Picket Fence milk since it’s Jersey. But, it’s not available in CO! Thanks for stopping by and commenting
[...] for $5.99. I use the Kolona SuperNatural brand of dairy products because they are grass-fed and VAT pasteruized. So, I can save myself $18 and get four times as much crème fraîche. What’s not to [...]