You might find it strange, but isn't a drink just a drink? Why is there a distinction between room temperature and chilled? In fact, there's a lot to it!
In the beverage category, besides classifying them by their contents, they can also be divided into two main categories based on their distribution model: room temperature and chilled (refrigerated). Room temperature beverages, as the name implies, are drinks that can be stored at room temperature. These are mostly filled in highly sealed packaging, such as foil pouches or PET bottles. Due to stricter sterilization conditions and near-vacuum packaging, these beverages typically have a longer shelf life, which can range from three months to two years. Chilled beverages, on the other hand, are packaged drinks that must be stored, transported, and sold at a temperature below 7°C. During their production, the sterilization conditions are often different from those for room temperature drinks; the sterilization temperature might be lower or the time shorter, to preserve more nutrients or flavor. After sterilization, the contents are rapidly cooled to below 7°C, immediately filled, and then sent to a refrigerator for chilling. Subsequent transportation and sales must be maintained at low temperatures. This means that chilled beverages must absolutely be sold in a refrigerator, and their packaging currently includes fresh cartons, cups, and plastic bottles.
How can you tell the difference between room temperature and chilled beverages? There are many ways to distinguish them, but for consumers, the best method is to check the shelf life. The shelf life of chilled beverages usually does not exceed one month; 14 or 21 days is very common, with very few chilled products having a shelf life of over a month. Additionally, you can check if the product is being sold in a refrigerator, whether it's an open cooler in a convenience store or a closed-door one in a grocery store. Chilled beverages must be sold in a refrigerator; otherwise, the product can easily spoil.
Furthermore, it's important to inform consumers that for packaged beverages, whether they are room temperature or chilled, they all undergo a sterilization process and numerous safety tests before being released on the market. As long as you choose a reputable brand, you can be confident in their safety. Another very important point is that both room temperature and chilled beverages must be consumed quickly after opening. If you can't finish it, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Especially for chilled beverages, we generally recommend that they be consumed within half an hour of being taken out of the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. There are many ready-to-drink 500cc or 700cc freshly mixed beverages available outside. Since they do not go through a sterilization process like regular beverages, their safety is more of a concern. Moreover, these types of beverages must be treated as chilled drinks and consumed as soon as possible. I often see many friends buy a fresh carton of tea or a freshly mixed drink from a roadside stall, open it, and leave it out, sipping on it all afternoon. Even with the best sterilization equipment, this is a risky way to drink. If you end up with a stomach ache, you can't blame the manufacturer!