Can milk taste a bit burnt when heated

Milk with a slight burnt taste when heated is usually drinkable, but if the burnt taste is obvious or accompanied by a color change, it is not recommended to continue drinking. Local protein and lactose caramelization during milk heating may result in a burnt taste, but excessive heating can cause nutrient loss and may produce harmful substances. Improper temperature control during milk heating may cause local overheating of the pot bottom or container, leading to Maillard reaction of milk components exposed to high temperatures and producing a slight burnt taste. This situation usually does not affect overall safety, but there may be some loss of thermosensitive nutrients such as vitamin B. Using low heat and slow heating, choosing thick bottomed cookware, and continuous stirring can effectively reduce the risk of bottom sticking. Lactose intolerant individuals should be aware that high temperatures may exacerbate digestive discomfort. When milk shows brown sediment, pungent burnt taste, or layered clumps, it indicates that the protein has undergone severe denaturation and may generate potentially harmful substances such as acrylamide. Repeatedly heated milk is more prone to such changes, especially when using a microwave due to uneven heating. Patients with diabetes and infants should avoid drinking such milk. Hyperthermic denatured protein may cause allergic reaction. Stainless steel pots are less likely to cause severe burning than aluminum containers.

For daily heating of milk, it is recommended to heat it over water to around 60 degrees Celsius to avoid direct boiling at high temperatures. After opening, the milk should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days. After heating, it should be consumed as soon as possible. Choose pure milk with moderate protein content, which is less likely to get burnt than high calcium milk. Organic milk is also more heat-resistant due to its stable fat structure. If symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea occur after drinking, seek medical attention promptly.