Study: packaging affects the taste of milk

We most often choose milk in convenient packaging. But a new study has shown that the material of the container can affect the taste of the drink.

Study conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina (USA). As part of the experiment, samples of pasteurized whole and skimmed milk were stored in six containers in complete darkness at a temperature of 4 ºC. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, three types of plastic jugs and glass bottles were used.

Trained tasters evaluated the taste of the drink on the first day of testing, and then after 5, 10 and 15 days of storage. All this time, scientists also analyzed the samples for particles of packaging in the milk. Additionally, after 10 days, a blind test was conducted among consumers.

According to the results of all tests, the cardboard packaging showed the worst results. As it turned out, she absorbs the aroma of milk. And the drink itself, in turn, absorbs the smell of paper. Moreover, the analysis showed that after long-term storage, particles of such containers enter the milk. It was also noted that defatted is stored in cardboard worse than whole.

Milk in plastic bags also lost its original taste. True, not as much as in cardboard boxes.

The best results were shown by milk stored in three types of plastic jugs and glass containers. These samples retained their freshness the longest.