Long shelf life might be desireable, but the UHT process has a really bad effect on taste. I prefer buying fresh, short expiration date milk.

I also really don't like the taste of UHT milk (called "H-Milch" in German). For me it's undrinkable. I can also taste the difference in a cappuccino. Interestingly, like the_mitshuiko already said, UHT milk is not very common in Austria but extremely common in Germany. When I'm in Germany, I have a hard time finding a coffee shop that doesn't serve coffee with UHT milk. It is basically impossible and to be honest, it says a lot about the German food culture. In Austria, not even McDonald's uses UHT milk in its McCafes but in Germany, even the most expensive coffee shop with coffees for 4 € and up cheap out on the milk.

check this out..

https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-05-01/fresh-milk-brea...

It’s a preference thing. UHT milk is not very common in Austria for normal consumption but it accounts for almost all milk sales in Austria. I’m sure some recipes take this into account. I found some pastries that explicitly called out to use UHT milk.

I don’t think either has a better taste. Lots if people also love lactose free milk which has a completely different taste.

The UHT process destroys milk proteins. I'd rather eat maturated cheese than drink UHT milk any day.

It doesn't destroy them - it denatures them meaning they have different form and size etc. You still have the same amino acids in there which is, if we believe in digestive science, all that we need (your body will also break the protein).

I am sure things are more complex then that simple explanation. While I expect less nutrition from UHT milk (vitamins are degraded on higher temperatures, fat globules change their structure etc) its probably safest option out there.

I prefer goat milk. Goats usually eat more diverse food, their milk is more similar to human milk than that of cow, is less industrialized etc.

I grew to love the UHT milk in France. It does tastes a bit different, but has some upsides too.

I loved the milk but then again it was chocolate. Maybe plain tastes different. I know i despise powdered milk.

Haha it’s an awful lot better than powdered milk :)