ESL is a whole different beast than pasteurization. It comes in two major versions: Microfiltration or a heating akin to UHT but shorter and at a lower temperat

ESL is a whole different beast than pasteurization. It comes in two major versions: Microfiltration or a heating akin to UHT but shorter and at a lower temperature (127 °C vs 150 °C). Microfiltration won't change the taste, heating will. Microfiltration may be combined with pasteurization (heating to around 72 °C) to inactivate enzymes which may affect shelf life. Pasteurized milk will keep for 5 to 7 days, while ESL milk can keep for 12 to 21 days in the unopened container.