Are Horizon products pasteurized?

Yes. Pasteurization is the process of heating milk to make it bacteriologically safe and to increase its keeping quality. Horizon milk uses two types of pasteurization processes: high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization, referred to simply as pasteurization, and ultra-high temperature pasteurization (UHT), also called ultra-pasteurization. UHT pasteurization also provides milk with an extended shelf life.

Horizon Organic offers whole, reduced fat (2%), lowfat (1%) and fat free milk in both HTST and UP varieties. You can look on the carton to see if the milk you are buying is pasteurized or ultra-pasteurized.

How long can I keep Horizon products after the date on the carton?

The date on the package is called the sell-by date, which means that the product will stay fresh for approximately seven days beyond this date provided that it has been refrigerated properly and remains unopened.

Is milk still considered 'organic', even if it is homogenized? Why do you homogenize your milk?

Yes. Homogenization is simply the process of breaking up and dispersing the milkfat throughout the milk, resulting in a smooth, uniform texture. Homogenization does not impact the organic qualities of milk. We homogenize our milk so that the butterfat, or cream, does not rest at the top of the milk. Homogenization provides smooth, drinkable milk, and the process also allows us to offer you a variety of choices of fat levels.

How is Horizon milk packaged?

Our half-gallon and quart milk cartons are constructed out of an earth-friendly, recyclable opaque paperboard. Horizon uses the safest packaging possible which is why our milk cartons do not contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, and are colored using food-safe water-based inks. The state-of-the-art, chlorine-free process used to whiten our paperboard results in no harmful residues, including dioxins. Gallon containers are made of recyclable #2 HDPE plastic. Their opaque-white color serves as a barrier to the ultra-violet rays of store lights, thus protecting milk's freshness and nutritional value.

Does Horizon single serve milk need refrigeration?

Single serve milks are packaged in aseptic containers and unopened will keep at room temperature up to seven months or until the date code. The milk is pasteurized using UHT or ultra-high temperature process and packaged in a sterile environment, thus extending its shelf life. Aseptic packaging is durable, lightweight, convenient for transport, and uses low energy and few materials.

What is the best way to store Horizon milk?

To preserve freshness, milk should be stored between 33° F and 40° F, which is typical for a household refrigerator. Milk will spoil more rapidly if un-refrigerated for even a short amount of time. Every hour that milk is above 40° F it will decrease its life by one day. To prevent this heat shock, we suggest making the grocery store your final stop before traveling home, placing milk in your grocery cart last, and carrying a cooler in your car to help maintain milk's cool temperature.

Can I freeze Horizon milk?

Freezing is not recommended for fluid milk, half-and-half or cream, although it does not tend to alter its nutrition. Freezing will change milk's uniform consistency. However, milk that has been frozen can be used in baking and cooking.

What is DHA?

Also known as Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA belongs to a category of healthy fatty acids known as Omega-3's. Found in high concentrations in the tissues of the brain and eye, Omega-3 DHA is thought to help support healthy function in these areas. ¹Horizon uses life'sDHA, a 100% vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA. Visit Horizon Organic DHA to learn more about DHA.

1. Ohta, et al, J. Nutritional Food, 2, 37-43, 1999

Is the DHA Omega-3 in Horizon products vegetarian?

Yes! Beneficial DHA Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly derived from coldwater fish such as mackerel and salmon. Researchers looking for a vegetarian source of DHA established that the fish actually obtain these important omega-3 fatty acids from a diet of algae. The result? Scientists are now able to obtain rich, nutritional DHA directly from aquatic plants. Horizon uses life'sDHA algal oil, a 100% vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA omega-3 fatty acids. Visit Horizon Organic DHA to learn more about DHA.

Are Horizon products okay for people with wheat and gluten allergies?

We make every effort to ensure that Horizon products are free of wheat, wheat gluten, rye, oats, barley or malt. While it is virtually impossible to ascertain that each carton is 100% free of all gluten, Horizon products are suitable for most people with wheat and gluten allergies. Consult your health professional prior to using Horizon products to be sure.

Is animal rennet used in any Horizon Organic cheeses?

No. All of our cheeses are 100% vegetarian because we are able to use organic-approved microbial enzymes rather than rennet to help form the curds that turn into cheese.

How can I recycle milk cartons and single serves?

Both cartons and aseptic single serve containers are recyclable. However, consumers, retailers and packaging companies need to work together to increase demand and market support for recyclable materials.

Is Horizon still going to offer organic products?

The majority of the Horizon line is and will remain organic – we are dedicated to continuing to provide consumers with high quality, great-tasting organic dairy products.

Why is Horizon offering natural products?

Horizon is dedicated to providing a variety of products to satisfy a broad range of consumer demands. While the majority of Horizon's products are certified organic, we are offering new, innovative natural products to meet parents' needs. These natural products offer multiple functional benefits and are consistent with our commitment to provide more healthy options for moms and kids.

What makes Horizon Natural products "natural"?

Horizon Natural products are produced without the use of artificial flavors, preservatives, colors and sweeteners, including no high fructose corn syrup, and are made using milk from cows not given artificial growth hormones (rbST).¹ We search out wholesome natural ingredients for optimum flavor and nutrition.

1. No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST treated and non-rbST treated cows.

Will the packaging be different for Horizon's natural products?

The natural products will be clearly labeled as natural and the organic products will be clearly labeled as organic, making it easy to know which kind of product you are purchasing. Both will share the Horizon red packaging and happy cow.

Your brand name is Horizon Organic®. What will your natural products be called?

Moving forward, Horizon will be the umbrella name for both organic and natural products, both of which will be clearly labeled.

We remain dedicated to providing the same high quality, great-tasting organic dairy products we always have. Our new, natural product offerings expand on our commitment to make nutritious, great-tasting products that make it easy for parents to provide wholesome choices for their kids.