What is A2 Milk? The Trending Dairy Choice Explained

Milk is one of the most essential items in our daily diet. It is a complete nourisher that contains many nutrients essential to humans. Ayurveda advocates the regular consumption of milk at all ages and stages of life. But today there is a growing sect of the population who is lactose intolerant. That means their body struggles to digest milk. As such, experts are advising the intake of A2 instead of regular milk. This rise of A2 in the global market has raised the big question. So, in this blog, I bring you trends and research that answer ‘Is A2 milk good for you?’.

The global A2 market stood at a value of US$ 8.24 Billion in 2020. 

Thus, we can say that A2 milk is one of the most trending foods of this century. Not only in India but people from all over the world are switching to A2. But what exactly is A2? Is A2 really good for health or is it just another marketing hoax? 

I will answer all these questions in this blog. So, read on!

What is A2 milk?

A2 is a type of cow milk characterized by the absence of A1 β-casein proteins. This makes this milk suitable for people with lactose intolerance. It can prevent symptoms of stomach discomfort such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 

In addition to that, A2 contains all the goodness of your regular milk. From boosting growth to preventing osteoporosis, A2 benefits your entire family. Researchers also say that A2 contains A2 β-casein proteins which are closest to mother’s milk.

Also Read: When is the best time to drink milk?

Is A2 milk natural?

A2 is 100% natural and pure. Indian desi cows produce A2. So, that’s what we have been using for generations. And that’s why the cases of lactose intolerance are low in India. Milk from sheep, goat, donkeys, yaks, camel, buffalo, sheep, etc. also contains mostly A2 beta-casein.

But today the market is filled with packaged milk from hybrid cows. This results in problems in digestion and other stomach troubles. That’s why experts are raising awareness about A2.

Also Read: The 7 types of milk

5 Reasons Behind the Trend

1. The number of lactose-intolerant people is on the rise

In the last few decades, the problems related to milk digestion have spiked. Many people experience troubles like gas and bloating after consuming regular milk. This is because the regular milk available at many stores comes from hybrid cows. A2 from Indian cows is easy to digest and causes no trouble. 

2. A2 in Infant Formulae 

A2 can be used as an alternative milk for infants. Doctors say a newborn must only feed on mother’s milk for the first 6 months of their life. But many new mothers face trouble with breast-feeding. As such, A2 is a great alternative as the nutrient composition is quite similar to mother’s milk. Today, many infant milk manufacturers use A2.

3. A2 Reduces Inflammation and Heart Disease Risk

A paper published in NCBI quoted, populations, that consume milk A2 have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and type-1 diabetes. The same study also revealed that A1 milk is associated as a risk factor for type-1 diabetes, coronary heart disease, sudden infant death syndrome, autism, and schizophrenia. However, further research is needed to support these claims.

4. More Nutritional Value than Regular Milk 

One of the major nutrients in milk is fat, which is considered to be good fat. The fat content in A2 is higher as compared to regular milk. In regular milk, the fat content is around 3.6%, whereas, in A2, it is around 4.8% fat. And this is the good fat essential for the body’s protection and growth!

5. Growing Consumer Health Awareness 

Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of healthy choices. And milk is one complete food that every nutrition expert recommends. However there is an increasing number of people who are not able to digest milk. As such, A2 becomes a safe alternative. 

Is A2 milk good for you?

There is no doubt that A2 is good for your health. That’s the milk we have been using for generations, unknowingly. It’s natural, pure, and has ample health benefits minus the side effects. 

Also Read: Anti-viral properties of turmeric milk

Should you switch your regular milk?

It depends on which milk you are currently using. Because in most parts of India, people have always been using the A2 – the milk from the desi cow delivered fresh at home. Also, if you are not having trouble digesting your milk, then there is no need to change!

Most of the claims on diabetic effects or cardiological impacts of A1 milk need further research to substantiate. Though there are published research and studies on the effects of A1 milk, there is no solid evidence. 

But if you are using packaged milk and don’t know where the content is coming from, then you can probably switch. Also, if you are lactose intolerant and that’s keeping you from enjoying the amazing benefits of milk, then you can try using the A2. 

Where to buy A2 milk?

A2 is predominant in Indian cattle and that’s why there is no need for consumers to switch to branded and packaged A2. The fresh milk from the farm is already an A2. But if you are living in a city on packaged milk then here are some brands that offer A2 online and offline. 

Online

• Captains farm
• A2 milk basket
• Amul

Offline (Info Source Quora)

Bengaluru

• Satvic organics Rs90
• Vrindavan ( Ghee price is 2200 per kg)
• Indua Rs68
• Swarg Rs86
• Team Desi milk Rs100

Visakhapatnam

• Surabhi Farm Rs100 ( 9948227715)
• SV Naturals Rs70 ( 9000235236)
• Ramesh Rs100 (9505993857)
• Swadesi dairy Harish Kumar Rs 70 / Gowri Shankar 9704545084
• Prasad rao ( 9959039677)

Chennai

• Organic Tapovana Rs90 ( 99622 99398)

Delhi

• Back2Basics
• Dairylac Rs50
• Desi cow dairy
• Desigo Rs60 to Rs80 (western India and NCR)

Mumbai

• Vitafarms Rs 100
• Pathmeda Rs 60 to Rs 80 
• Madhav Gir cow
• Captain farm (in Navi Mumbai) Rs105
• Happy cows Rs 64
• Amul 
• Kesariya farm, Rs100

Hyderabad

• Klimom Rs200
• SVS farms Rs99
• Chakra Rs99

Pune

• Vedaaz 7517444777
• Shri Krishna 08657163268
• GoNiramay 99224 88019
• Gorasa 70282 91918
• GoSrushti – 7021909104 Rs70

For consumers abroad, there are many reputed companies selling verified A2 milk. Here are a few options you can try The a2 Milk company or A2milk.NZ

My Final Verdict

In conclusion, everyone should be drinking milk. It’s not something only for the babies or the elderly. Adults too need the energy, protein, fats, and vitamins in milk. So, don’t miss out on this complete food!