How do shelf-stable beverages like cow’s milk and other similar (nut milk, muscle milk) items stay fresh so long at room temperature?

Question

If it’s due to preservatives, is it really such a good idea to drink them?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Cow’s milk only stays fresh at room temp if it’s ultra-pasteurized and sealed. Open a container of shelf stable milk and leave in on the counter and it will most certainly go bad quickly.