Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Expert Says: No Need to Boil Pasteurized Milk
You don't have to boil milk that has already been heated to kill germs (pasteurized).
Boiling it again can make it lose some of its good stuff like vitamins.
It also may change the way your body digests the milk, potentially causing tummy troubles.
If you're allergic to milk, have trouble with lactose, or a doctor told you to avoid milk, then you shouldn't drink pasteurized milk.
Otherwise, if it is stored correctly, it is safe to drink straight from the container.
Pasteurized milk does not need to be boiled before consumption.
Boiling pasteurized milk can reduce its nutritional value, potentially losing vitamins B12 and C.
Boiling may alter milk's protein structure, causing digestive issues or inflammation.
Individuals with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or certain health conditions should avoid pasteurized milk.
Pasteurized milk can be consumed directly from the container before its expiry date, if stored properly.
- Who
- G Sushma, clinical dietician at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, answers questions about milk.
- What
- The necessity of boiling pasteurized milk before consumption.
- When
- N/A
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- To address concerns about the safety and nutritional value of pasteurized milk.
Potential Concerns
Expert Recommendation
Impact of Boiling on Digestion and Health
Potential Concerns
Boiling milk may alter the protein structure leading to possible digestive issues, inflammation, and potential kidney stone risks.
Expert Recommendation
Direct consumption of pasteurized milk is safe and maintains nutritional value; Boiling is unnecessary.
- Expert
- G Sushma, Clinical Dietician
- Milk Type
- Pasteurized
- Boiling Necessity
- Not required
- Nutritional Impact
- May lose vitamins
- Health Risks
- Digestive issues for some