how is this milk preserved so it can be on a shelf?

Science! :)Ok so there are primarily three things that make milk go "bad" (which is actually just a chemical change with some unsavory smells and flavor)- sunlight, airborne microorganisms, and bacteria present in the milk.Sunlight breaks down vitamin A and D when the electromagnetic energy is transformed into kinetic energy causing the large molecules to break apart or change shape. The way around this is to use a package which contains a layer of foil that light can't penetrate. Normal milk containers don't do this which is one reason why milk in the fridge has a shorter shelf life.Secondly airborne microorganisms and contaminates are eliminated by packaging the milk in a completely sterile environment. This is commonly referred to as aseptic packaging. The most common form of aseptic packaging is a box made from layers of polyethylene (plastic), aluminum foil, and cardboard. The plastic keeps the package airtight, the foil keeps out light, and the cardboard makes it easier to transport (gives it shape.)But before you can put it in the box for storage of 6-9 months which many European countries have been doing for decades you have to sterilize the milk. This is done by a process of pasteurization which was invited by French scientist Louis Pasteur during the nineteenth century. "Regular" milk is pasteurized by heating it to a temperature hot enough to kill all or most of the pathogens aka bacteria. This technique ranges in temperature and time of exposure but is usually completed between 140-163°F with shorter times at higher temperatures to make sure the milk is not harmed, however, there is a process called UHT pasteurization. UHT or Ultra High Temperature pasteurization works the same way but the milk is only heated for 2 seconds as opposed to some longer times like 30 minutes at 140°F. UHT pasteurization temperatures range around 275°F and then rapidly cooled but the brilliant thing about this is that it not only kills all of the bacteria it also kills spores so nothing starts growing.So long story short... Sterilize the milk using UHT pasteurization, package it in a completely sterile box layered to keep out air and light, and viola you can store milk for at room temperature for 6-9 months! Horizon's chocolate milk is great!

Does this need to be refrigerated and how long is shelf life?

Shelf stable milk lasts up to 6 to 9 months, unopened in a cool, dark, dry storage pantry. Once opened, it needs refrigeration and should be consumed within 7 days.

Why is the price so highf, almost double compare to local stores around the area? I'm specifically looking for plain milk.

I keep watch between amazon and the local stores, they alternate who has it on sale and I buy when the cost is less than $1 each milk. I’ve gotten the 18 pack around 13.99 from amazon and can’t beat that in a store, just keep checking.

Horizon Organic Shelf Stable 1% Lowfat Milk Boxes, 8 fl oz, 12 Count - 8g Protein per Serving, USDA Organic UHT from Pasture-Raised Cows, Ready to Drink for Lunchbox, Travel, or On-the-Go, No Refrigeration Needed

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