Does A2 Milk Contain Dairy? Understanding the Difference

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 70% of Guernsey cows naturally produce milk containing predominantly A2 protein, a variant distinct from the mix of A1 and A2 proteins found in most conventional milk. This leads to the common question: does A2 milk contain dairy? The answer is a clear yes, as it is real cow's milk, but its unique protein profile is the key differentiator for consumers with digestive sensitivities.

Quick Summary

A2 milk is real cow's milk that contains dairy, specifically only the A2 beta-casein protein, unlike conventional milk, which has both A1 and A2 proteins. This protein variation affects how it's digested, making it potentially easier on the stomach for some people, though it is not lactose-free and unsuitable for those with a cow's milk allergy.

Key Points

A2 Milk Is Dairy: It is real cow's milk and contains the same nutritional components, including lactose and all milk proteins, except for the A1 beta-casein variant.
Protein Difference is Key: Unlike regular milk, which has a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, A2 milk contains only the A2 protein.
Potential Digestive Benefits: The A2 protein is digested differently than the A1 protein, which may make A2 milk easier on the stomach for some individuals who experience non-lactose related digestive discomfort.
Not for Lactose Intolerance: A2 milk contains lactose, so it is not a suitable substitute for those with a medically diagnosed lactose intolerance unless it is specifically a lactose-free A2 milk product.
Not for Milk Allergies: As A2 milk is a cow's milk product, it is not a safe alternative for individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy.
Breeding and Testing: A2 milk comes from specially selected cows that have been genetically tested to produce only the A2 protein, ensuring the final product's specific protein profile.

Is A2 Milk a Dairy Product?

Yes, A2 milk is absolutely a dairy product. The source of A2 milk is the same as regular milk: dairy cows. The crucial difference is not its origin, but the genetic makeup of the cow that produces it. Specifically, A2 milk comes from a herd of cows that have been specifically selected through genetic testing to produce milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein, and no A1 beta-casein protein. Conventional milk, by contrast, comes from cows that produce a mixture of both A1 and A2 proteins. Therefore, for anyone with a true cow's milk protein allergy, A2 milk is not a safe alternative and should be avoided.

The Science Behind the A1 and A2 Protein Difference

The distinction between A1 and A2 milk is rooted in the structure of the beta-casein protein, which makes up about 30% of the total protein in cow's milk. This difference traces back thousands of years to a genetic mutation in some European cattle herds.

A1 Beta-Casein: This protein, found in many common dairy breeds, may release a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) during digestion, which some studies link to digestive issues.
A2 Beta-Casein: Similar to the beta-casein in human milk, the A2 protein produces less BCM-7 during digestion, which is why some people find A2 milk more tolerable.

A2 Milk vs. Other Dairy Products

A2 milk is a specific type of dairy milk distinguished by its protein content. It's important to understand how it compares to both regular dairy and non-dairy options.

Key Differences and Digestive Impact

The main appeal of A2 milk is its potential for easier digestion for those sensitive to the A1 protein. Here’s a comparison:


A2 Milk vs. Regular A1/A2 Milk	Feature	A2 Milk	Regular A1/A2 Milk
Dairy Content	Yes.	Yes.
Beta-Casein Protein	Only A2.	Mix of A1 and A2.
BCM-7 Production	Low.	Higher.
Lactose Content	Contains lactose.	Contains lactose.
Digestive Comfort	Potentially easier for A1 sensitivity.	May cause discomfort for A1 sensitivity.
Suitability for Allergies	Not suitable for cow's milk protein allergy.	Not suitable for cow's milk protein allergy.
Nutritional Value	Similar to regular milk.	Similar to A2 milk.

Comparison with Lactose-Free and Non-Dairy Alternatives

A2 milk is not a substitute for lactose-free products or non-dairy alternatives if you have lactose intolerance or a cow's milk allergy.

Lactose-Free Milk: Dairy milk with reduced or removed lactose. For lactose intolerance, A2 Milk® Australia offers a lactose-free A2 option.
Non-Dairy Milks: Plant-based drinks like soy, almond, and oat milk contain no dairy proteins or lactose and are suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies.

The Takeaway for Consumers

If you experience digestive issues with regular milk but have ruled out lactose intolerance, A2 milk might be worth trying. However, it's not a universal solution for all milk-related sensitivities, and consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A2 milk is a dairy product from specially selected cows. Its key difference from regular milk is the presence of only the A2 beta-casein protein, which some find easier to digest than the A1 protein. It contains lactose, making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance unless a lactose-free version is used. A2 milk is also not suitable for individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy. The benefits of A2 milk are specific to A1 protein sensitivity.

Can A2 milk cause digestive issues for some people?

Yes, A2 milk can still cause issues due to its lactose content, especially for those with lactose intolerance, or if a person has a milk protein allergy or other sensitivities.

How can you tell if a cow produces A2 milk?

A2 milk producers use genetic testing, often with hair samples, to identify cows that produce only the A2 protein and no A1 protein.

Is A2 milk more nutritious than regular milk?

No, A2 milk and regular milk have comparable nutritional profiles, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. The difference lies only in the type of beta-casein protein.

What if a person with lactose intolerance drinks A2 milk?

A person with lactose intolerance will likely experience typical symptoms like gas and bloating when drinking A2 milk because it contains lactose.

Is A2 milk suitable for people with a milk protein allergy?

No, A2 milk is not suitable for individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy as it is a cow's milk product and contains milk protein.

Are there any non-dairy milks that contain A2 protein?

No, A2 protein is a type of beta-casein found exclusively in cow's milk. Non-dairy plant-based milks do not contain dairy proteins.

Is A2 milk safe for babies and children?

Some research suggests A2 milk might be associated with fewer digestive issues in milk-sensitive children compared to milk with A1 protein, but it is not a replacement for infant formula in cases of diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy. Consult a pediatrician for dietary advice for children.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is the type of beta-casein protein they contain. Regular milk has a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, while A2 milk contains only the A2 type.

Yes, A2 milk contains lactose, the same amount as regular cow's milk, unless it is a special lactose-free version of A2 milk.

No, A2 milk is not suitable for people with a cow's milk protein allergy, as it is still a dairy product containing milk proteins.

For some people with sensitivity to the A1 protein, A2 milk may be easier to digest and cause less gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and gas.

Companies genetically test cows and select only those that naturally produce the A2 protein. These A2 cows are then separated from other dairy herds to avoid cross-contamination.

A person with lactose intolerance will likely experience the same symptoms from drinking A2 milk as they would from regular milk, unless they use a lactase supplement or choose a specific lactose-free A2 product.

No, A2 milk is not a safe alternative for babies with CMPA, as it contains milk proteins. In such cases, all cow's milk products, including A2 milk, should be avoided.