(BPT) - Have you ever bought milk and by the time you are ready to use it a few days or even a week later, it has expired? Your family can enjoy this delicious, nutrient-rich drink in a more convenient form. The next time you're at the grocery store, skip the refrigerated section and head to the shelves where you'll find shelf-stable milk.

Shelf-stable milk sounds like a contradiction, but thanks to a combination of ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile aseptic packaging, it can be stored unopened at room temperature for months at a time. Read on to discover a few benefits of buying and drinking shelf-stable milk and why this should be the year you make the switch.

Save space in your fridge

One of the most obvious but important benefits of buying shelf-stable milk is, well, its shelf stability! Once you buy the milk, you can store it in your pantry until you're ready to open and pour it or use it in a recipe. Not only can you save space in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it, shelf-stable milk means you can buy multiple cartons at once, saving you extra trips to the grocery store.

Reduce food waste

Have you ever bought milk, but had to throw it away because it expired before you were ready to use it? It's frustrating to say the least. However, with shelf-stable milk, it can stay safe and delicious for months before opening without the need for refrigeration or preservatives, reducing your food waste and saving you money.

You may not know it by name, but you've seen aseptic packaging at your grocery store. Many protein drinks, soups and broths come in aseptic cartons like those made by Tetra Pak. The unique packaging design protects the product inside from air and light, so the milk can be stored at room temperature for six months or more when unopened.

Pack and carry with ease

Whether you're going on a picnic, heading to a playdate or just need a drink on the go, shelf-stable milk's convenient packaging allows you to pack and carry it with ease. The aseptic cartons make it easy to pack into a lunchbox or your backpack, keeping the milk safe to transport without a cooler bag or special care.

Enjoy the same great nutrients in a different package

A common misconception about shelf-stable milk is that it doesn't have the same nutrients as other types of milk. However, shelf-stable milk is processed using a UHT method, which briefly pasteurizes the milk at 270-280 degrees Fahrenheit and is then immediately cooled, killing bacteria that can lead to spoiled milk. UHT does not change or degrade milk's main nutrients, so your family can enjoy the same amount of calcium and vitamin D as milk that must be kept refrigerated.

Choose from a variety of formulations

Whether you're lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based alternatives, you can pick from several types of shelf-stable milk products. They come in a variety of formulas, including lactose-free milk, oat milk and even chocolate milk. Buy one (or a few) and store them all in your pantry, cabinet, or travel bag.

Make the switch

Let 2026 be the year that you switch to shelf-stable milk. To learn more about how shelf-stable milk is processed and packaged, visit TetraPakusa.com.