The difference between raw and pasteurised milk comes down to one thing: heat. Pasteurised milk is heated to kill bacteria; raw milk is not. That single step changes the taste, the processing and the shelf life.
What is pasteurisation?
Pasteurisation heats milk to a set temperature for a set time — typically around 72°C for 15 seconds — then rapidly cools it. The goal is to kill potentially harmful bacteria and extend shelf life. It was a genuine public-health breakthrough in an era of poor hygiene and long, unrefrigerated supply chains.
The trade-off is that heat also alters the milk: it changes the flavour and denatures some of the natural enzymes and proteins present in fresh milk.
What makes raw milk different?
Raw milk is never heated, so it remains a living food with its natural enzymes and cultures intact. Most of ours is also unhomogenised, so the cream rises to the top. The result is a fuller, sweeter, creamier taste that changes with the seasons.
Side by side
| Raw milk | Pasteurised milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat-treated | No | Yes (~72°C) |
| Natural enzymes | Intact | Partly denatured |
| Cream line | Yes (if unhomogenised) | Usually homogenised |
| Taste | Full, seasonal, creamy | Uniform, standardised |
| Shelf life | Shorter — keep cold | Longer |
| How it's sold | Direct from producer only | Shops & supermarkets |
| Safety warning | FSA warning required | Not required |
Which should you choose?
That's a personal choice, and we believe it should be an informed one. Pasteurised milk offers convenience and a long shelf life. Raw milk offers flavour, provenance and a connection to a single farm — alongside the inherent risk of an unpasteurised food, which is why it carries the FSA warning. Many of our customers simply prefer the taste and want to know exactly where their food comes from.
A note on safety
Because raw milk is not heat-treated, it carries a risk that pasteurised milk does not — particularly for those more vulnerable to infection. Always store it cold and use it by the date on the bottle. See how to store raw milk.
Try ours
Our raw whole milk and raw skimmed milk are delivered fresh in glass. See delivery options.
Taste real raw milk
We deliver living, grass-fed organic raw milk across East Sussex and UK-wide.