expiry dates difference between milk cartons (several weeks) and tiny sealed milk “cups” for coffees (several months)

Question

The same 2% milk has much longer shelf life in the tiny milk cups, why is that?

In: 1

Answer 1

The tiny cups contain additives (preservatives) which prevent the milk from spoiling. Since the cups are much smaller than a quart, the amount of additive is negligible and does not affect the taste. If a larger container had the same proportion of additive, it would be noticeable when drinking a glass of milk or when added to cereal. The total amount of additive consumed would also exceed recommended limits.