'People want to understand food — but only to a point'

Cartons of milk are seen on a store shelf in New York.

Americans are 'enthralled by some enduring myths about milk'

(Image credit: Scott Eells / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

published 11 October 2024

'Shelf-stable milk is a miracle. Why don't Americans drink it?'

Ellen Cushing at The Atlantic

Shelf-stable milk is a "miracle of food science — and a product that Americans just can't learn to love," says Ellen Cushing. Americans are "particularly enthralled by some enduring myths about milk," as "here, milk is supposed to be fresh and natural. And for that reason, it also needs to be refrigerated." Shelf-stable milk is a "reminder of all that's artificial about what we eat. It's not a reminder that most Americans want."

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Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.