If you want to keep several unopened cartons in reserve for lunches at home, look for the words “UHT sterilised” and check the date and storage instructions. If you specifically want microfiltered milk, check that the product is labelled as such and make sure you can follow its storage instructions. “Microfiltered” on its own does not mean it can be stored unrefrigerated for a long time.
If you use milk for several lunches, coffees or bowls of cereal, start by checking the treatment shown on the pack, the date and the size of the unopened cartons. Auchan and Carrefour both offer ranges that include semi-skimmed milk clearly labelled as UHT.
If the process matters more to you than cupboard storage, check the exact product description and storage instructions. Carrefour lists a 1 L bottle of microfiltered semi-skimmed milk; Auchan’s 1 L organic microfiltered option is also described as “fresh milk”.
For regular lunchtime use, compare the size of each carton and the total pack size with the space you have available. Candia’s GrandLait semi-skimmed range includes formats from 25 cL to 1.5 L, while other ranges include packs of six 1 L cartons.
For working-from-home lunches, first decide whether you need a stock of unopened cartons or specifically want milk labelled “microfiltered”. Then choose a size that suits how much you drink.
Worth considering: if you want to keep unopened cartons in reserve, following the instructions on each pack.
Bear in mind: UHT does not mean the milk is microfiltered. Check the date separately, along with the instructions for after opening.
Worth considering: if you’re looking for this specific process and can follow the storage instructions for the product you choose.
Bear in mind: Auchan describes its 1 L organic microfiltered option as fresh milk. Don’t assume that an unopened carton can be stored unrefrigerated just because it says “microfiltered”.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage before opening | The “UHT sterilised” label, the date and the storage instructions on the pack. | When I’m planning several lunches at home, I want to store unopened cartons as directed on the label. Around 46% of consumers prioritise keeping a stock of milk. |
| Microfiltration | The “microfiltered” label, the milk description and its storage instructions. | If this is the process I’m looking for, I don’t want to choose a UHT option simply because it’s easier to store. For around 36% of consumers, microfiltration is the main requirement. |
| Pack size and quantity | The volume per carton, the number of cartons and the instructions to follow after opening. | I prefer to match the quantity to my lunches so I don’t open more milk than I’ll use. Getting the pack size right comes first for around 18% of consumers. |
These labels answer different questions when you’re choosing milk. Carrefour lists a semi-skimmed option as “microfiltered”, while Auchan describes its organic microfiltered option as “fresh milk”. The ranges also list UHT semi-skimmed milk separately.
If you want to store milk unrefrigerated before opening, check the treatment and storage instructions on the pack rather than relying on the word “filtered” alone.
A multipack takes up more room, and the size of each carton matters once it’s opened.
Compare the number and size of the cartons with how much you usually drink, then follow the product’s own storage instructions.
If the pack size isn’t right, you could end up with opened milk left unused.
The DGCCRF distinguishes between a use-by date (DLC), which must not be exceeded, and a best-before date (DDM), which relates to product quality. A best-before date passing does not have the same implications if the pack is intact, although the taste may change over time.
Check which type of date is shown on the product you buy and follow its storage instructions, particularly after opening.
The ranges mentioned include UHT, fresh and microfiltered options. Always check the exact description on the pack you choose.
Auchan’s range includes UHT semi-skimmed Lactel milk. Lactel also offers pasteurised semi-skimmed milk in the chilled section.
Candia’s GrandLait semi-skimmed milk comes in 25 cL, 50 cL, 1 L and 1.5 L formats. Auchan’s range also includes a UHT semi-skimmed GrandLait option.
Carrefour offers a 1 L Carrefour Extra bottle labelled “Microfiltered Semi-Skimmed Milk”, as well as separate cartons of UHT-sterilised semi-skimmed milk.
Auchan describes a 1 L organic bottle as “fresh microfiltered semi-skimmed milk”. Its range also includes UHT semi-skimmed milk.
E.Leclerc offers Eco+ semi-skimmed milk in 1 L cartons or packs of 6 × 1 L, as well as Marque Repère packs of 6 × 1 L.
These two packs of semi-skimmed milk suit different drinking habits for lunches at home. To decide how to store them, follow the treatment and storage instructions on each pack.
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The 50 cl cartons may suit you if you prefer to open a smaller amount each time. The pack contains 3 L in total; check the date and storage instructions on the cartons.
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This pack is suited to regular use if you have room to store six 1 L cartons. Before and after opening, check the product’s treatment, date and storage instructions.
No. The word “microfiltered” alone doesn’t tell you how the milk should be stored. Auchan, for example, describes its 1 L organic microfiltered option as fresh milk. If you want to stock up on milk that can be kept out of the fridge, check the instructions on the pack.
Check whether each carton has a use-by date (DLC) or a best-before date (DDM), then choose an amount that suits how much you drink. According to the DGCCRF, a use-by date must be followed, while a best-before date may pass if the pack is intact, although the taste may change. You should also follow the product’s storage instructions.
Choose each carton size based on how much milk you use after opening, and the total pack size based on your storage space and how much you drink. Candia’s GrandLait semi-skimmed milk comes in sizes from 25 cL to 1.5 L; Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc also offer packs of 6 × 1 L.