What is the fundamental difference between fresh soy milk and standard boxed soy beverages?
Fresh soy milk is fundamentally defined by its minimal processing and short shelf life (typically 7-10 days under refrigeration), distinguishing it from conventional boxed soy beverages that rely on Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) treatment and often contain added preservatives, stabilizers, and sugars for extended preservation. The core difference lies in the process: fresh milk undergoes gentle High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization to preserve its natural taste and nutrient profile, while UHT processing prioritizes months of shelf stability over flavor complexity.