This study shows that the type of packaging used for milk can have a significant effect on its sensory and chemical properties. Led by MaryAnne Drake from the North Carolina State University, researchers poured milk into six different types of packaging and conducted a sensory properties and volatile compound analysis. Results showed that cardboard and plastic pouches had the least ability to preserve milk freshness, with cardboard-packaged milk having a stronger paper taste and plastic-packaged milk having a refrigerator taste. Consumer trials found that participants could detect differences between milk filled into cartons and glass, but not between PET and glass, or HDPE and glass. The study also suggests that new packaging types should be introduced for school meal fluid milk as the current packaging may be contributing to negative perceptions.