Is A2 milk sold in stores, and is it widely available?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to The a2 Milk Company, its products are sold in over 29,000 retailers across the United States alone, confirming that yes, A2 milk is sold in stores and its availability continues to expand. Once a niche product, A2 milk is now a common sight in the dairy aisle, offering an alternative for those with milk sensitivities caused by the A1 protein.

Quick Summary

A2 milk is widely available in grocery stores and major retailers. Key brands like a2 Milk® and Braum's offer a variety of A2 dairy products, which are known for being easier on digestion for some people due to containing only the A2 beta-casein protein and no A1. You can find it in the refrigerated dairy section alongside conventional milk.

Key Points

Widespread Availability: A2 milk is now commonly found in major supermarket chains, wholesale clubs, and health food stores, not just specialty shops.
Easier Digestion: For some individuals, A2 milk may be easier on digestion because it lacks the A1 beta-casein protein, which is linked to digestive discomfort.
How to Identify: To ensure you are buying genuine A2 milk, look for brands like a2 Milk® and check for specific labeling or certification seals on the packaging.
Same Taste and Nutrients: Nutritionally, A2 milk is very similar to conventional milk and tastes the same, but the difference lies in the specific protein variant it contains.
Accessibility Driven by Demand: The increased market availability is a result of growing consumer demand for specialized, digestion-friendly products and advancements in dairy testing and breeding.
Not Lactose-Free: A2 milk still contains lactose, so it is not a solution for individuals with diagnosed lactose intolerance, who may still experience symptoms.

Yes, A2 Milk is Widely Available in Retail Stores

For many years, consumers interested in A2 milk had to seek it out at specialty health food stores or directly from local farms. Today, this is no longer the case, as the market has grown significantly in response to increased consumer awareness about dairy sensitivities and digestive health. Major brands have entered the market, and you can now find A2 milk in most conventional supermarkets and large retail chains across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

This widespread availability is a direct result of several market trends, including rising consumer demand for healthier, specialized food products and advancements in genetic testing that allow dairy companies to confirm the A2 status of their herds. For shoppers, this means more choices and easier access to products that may offer better digestive comfort.

Where to Find A2 Milk: Popular Retailers

Finding A2 milk is now easier than ever. The dairy section of most supermarkets has expanded to include a variety of specialty milks, and A2 options are a prominent part of this growth. Here are some of the most common places to find A2 milk in stores:

Large Supermarket Chains: Retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway often carry major A2 milk brands like a2 Milk® and offer various options, including whole, reduced-fat, and fat-free versions.
Wholesale Clubs: Stores such as Costco may carry A2 milk in larger quantities, which can be a cost-effective option for regular consumers.
Health Food Stores: Natural grocers like Whole Foods Market were among the first to stock A2 milk and continue to offer a wide selection, often including organic and grass-fed varieties.
Regional Chains: Some regional chains, like Braum's in the US, have their own exclusive line of A2 dairy products sourced from their A2 dairy herds.
Online: For convenience, websites for retailers like Ubuy and Daraz also sell various A2 milk and A2 milk powder products, delivering them directly to your door.

Key Brands Offering A2 Milk Products

Several companies now specialize in or offer A2 milk products. Knowing which brands to look for can simplify your shopping trip:

a2 Milk®: The pioneers of the A2 market, the a2 Milk Company is the most well-known brand and offers a wide range of products in various fat percentages, along with specialized products like Hershey's a2 Milk.
Braum's: An exclusive line available only at Braum's stores, featuring whole, reduced-fat, fat-free, and chocolate A2 milk varieties.
NESTLÉ MILKPAK: A brand that offers A2 milk in certain markets, emphasizing its naturally easier digestion.
Native Milk (India): A prepaid subscription brand that emphasizes high-quality, pure A2 milk from native Indian breeds, with delivery services in specific regions.

What to Look For on the Label

When browsing the dairy aisle, it's essential to know how to identify A2 milk. Since its taste and appearance are identical to conventional milk, the only way to be sure is by reading the label carefully.

Branding: Many A2 brands explicitly state "A2 Milk" or similar phrasing prominently on the packaging. The a2 Milk® brand, for example, features the name clearly on its cartons.
Certification: Look for labels or seals that verify the milk's A2 status. Some brands undergo certification processes, which are designed to assure consumers of the product's authenticity.
Ingredient List: The ingredient list may specify "milk from A2 cows" or mention the absence of the A1 beta-casein protein. However, this is not a universal practice, and relying on brand recognition or certifications is often more reliable.

A1 vs. A2 Milk: A Quick Comparison

To understand the difference, a comparison of A1 and A2 milk is helpful. The difference lies in a single amino acid in the beta-casein protein chain, which affects digestion in some people.


Feature	A1 Milk	A2 Milk
Protein Type	Contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.	Contains only the A2 beta-casein protein.
Digestion	Can release the peptide BCM-7, which some studies suggest may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.	Does not release the BCM-7 peptide, making it easier to digest for some people.
Prevalence	The most common type of milk from modern dairy herds like Holstein Friesian.	Increasingly available from specifically tested cow herds.
Taste	No distinguishable difference in taste.	No distinguishable difference in taste.
Nutritional Content	Generally the same overall nutritional profile as A2 milk, with similar levels of protein, fat, and lactose.	Contains the same essential nutrients as conventional milk, but some studies indicate differences in fatty acid profiles.

How A2 Milk Became Accessible

The journey of A2 milk from a niche product to a mainstream item is driven by a combination of factors. First, the increase in awareness among consumers has created a significant market demand. Health-conscious individuals and those with digestive sensitivities are actively seeking out alternatives that don't involve eliminating dairy entirely. Second, advancements in genetic testing have made it more feasible and reliable for dairy farmers to identify cows that produce only the A2 protein, allowing for the scaling of production. Finally, strategic marketing and distribution by companies like The a2 Milk Company have ensured that A2 products are stocked on the shelves of major retailers, making them readily accessible to the average shopper. This market evolution means that a product once considered specialty is now part of the standard dairy lineup.

Conclusion

Yes, A2 milk is sold in stores, and it is more widely available than ever before. You can find it in most major supermarket chains, wholesale clubs, and health food stores. Brands like a2 Milk® have made it easy to identify the product in the dairy aisle, offering a digestive-friendly alternative for those sensitive to the A1 beta-casein protein found in conventional milk. For consumers experiencing minor digestive issues from regular dairy but who are not fully lactose intolerant, trying A2 milk is a simple and accessible option available right in your local grocery store.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, A2 milk is sold at thousands of retail locations, including Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and Safeway. Specialty health food stores also carry A2 milk, as do certain regional chains like Braum's.

Yes, A2 milk typically costs more than conventional milk. This is because it is less commonly produced and requires genetic testing and selective breeding of cows, which adds to the overall production cost.

Yes, A2 milk can be used in any recipe that calls for conventional cow's milk. There is no difference in its cooking properties, and it can be substituted on a one-to-one basis.

No, A2 milk does not have a different taste or appearance from conventional milk. The distinction is only in its protein composition, which does not affect the sensory experience.

The main benefit is that it contains only the A2 beta-casein protein, which for some people is easier to digest and causes less gastrointestinal discomfort than the A1 protein found in most conventional milk.

No, A2 milk is not suitable for individuals with true lactose intolerance, as it still contains the milk sugar lactose. For those sensitive to the A1 protein, it may offer relief, but it is not a solution for lactose malabsorption.

Yes, as the A2 market expands, some companies are introducing A2-based dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and infant formula. These products are available from brands like a2 Milk® and others.