Is Raw Farm Raw Milk A2? Unpacking the Protein Differences

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Genetic testing of Jersey cows in one study revealed that a high frequency of the A2 allele for beta-casein was present, though a mix of A1 and A2 is most common across different breeds. For those wondering if Raw Farm's raw milk fits into the exclusive A2 category, the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. It requires understanding milk proteins and the company's specific production model.

Quick Summary

Raw Farm raw milk is not an exclusively A2 product but contains a mix of both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, as confirmed by the company itself. The farm prioritizes raw, unprocessed, and grass-grazed qualities over a sole A2 protein focus. This approach offers different benefits to consumers compared to products marketed as pure A2.

Key Points

Raw Farm Milk is Mixed A1/A2: Unlike some specialty brands, Raw Farm’s raw milk is not exclusively A2 and contains a mix of both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.
Raw Focus Over A2 Exclusivity: The company prioritizes raw, unprocessed, and nutrient-dense qualities over marketing a product based solely on A2 protein content.
Unprocessed Milk Retains Key Nutrients: Raw Farm's milk is never pasteurized, preserving beneficial enzymes, probiotics, and vitamins that are often destroyed by heat processing.
Rawness Can Aid Digestion: For many, the digestibility of raw milk is attributed to its natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria, which may help mitigate digestive discomfort regardless of the A1/A2 ratio.
Genetics Vary Among Herds: The A1/A2 genetic marker for beta-casein varies widely among cow breeds, meaning a pure A2 status requires specific genetic selection.
Alternative to Processed Dairy: For those seeking an alternative to heavily processed dairy, Raw Farm provides an option focusing on whole food benefits, while other companies offer pasteurized A2 milk.

What's the Difference Between A1 and A2 Beta-Casein?

The distinction between A1 and A2 milk lies in a minor genetic variation in the beta-casein protein, which makes up about 30% of the protein in milk. A2 milk comes from cows that have been genetically selected to produce only the A2 beta-casein protein. This protein is structurally similar to the beta-casein found in human, goat, and sheep milk.

Most modern dairy herds, particularly breeds like Holstein and Friesian, produce milk containing a mix of both A1 and A2 proteins. The difference lies in a single amino acid at position 67 of the protein chain, which influences how the protein is digested. For some people, the A1 beta-casein is associated with digestive discomfort, though research on this is ongoing and inconclusive.

Raw Farm's Stance on A2 Protein

Raw Farm addresses the A2/A1 question directly on their blog, stating that it is important to understand that most cows, including those in their herd, produce a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein. Instead of focusing exclusively on A2 genetics, the company emphasizes the overall benefits of its unprocessed, whole, and grass-grazed dairy products. They argue that the nutritional integrity of raw milk, which retains natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and fats, is more significant than the A2 protein status alone.

The Benefits of Raw Farm Raw Milk

RAW FARM focuses on producing milk that is:

Unprocessed: The milk is never pasteurized, heated, or homogenized.
Tested for safety: The company employs strict testing protocols for harmful bacteria.
Nutrient-dense: Raw milk contains bioavailable vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria that are often destroyed during pasteurization.
From grass-grazed cows: Their cows seasonally graze on pasture, a practice that can lead to higher levels of beneficial fatty acids like CLA and omega-3s.
Non-GMO Project Verified: The company maintains high standards, testing all purchased feed to ensure it is non-GMO.

Comparison: Raw Farm Raw Milk vs. Exclusive A2 Milk


Feature	Raw Farm Raw Milk	Exclusive A2 Milk (e.g., The a2 Milk Company)
Processing	Unprocessed (raw)	Pasteurized (often ultra-high temp)
A1/A2 Casein	Contains a mix of both A1 and A2 proteins	Contains only the A2 protein
Beneficial Bacteria	Intact, due to raw state	Eliminated due to pasteurization
Enzymes	Intact, aids in digestion	Altered or destroyed by heat
Nutrient Integrity	Preserved, potentially more bioavailable	Altered by high heat processing
Company Focus	Raw, unprocessed, nutrient-dense dairy	Focus on A2 protein for easier digestion

Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Choosing the right milk for your diet is a personal decision, and there are various factors to consider beyond just the A2 protein. For those who prioritize a minimally processed, whole food, Raw Farm's product offers a rich profile of enzymes, probiotics, and nutrients. While it contains a mix of A1 and A2 proteins, some consumers report better digestion with raw milk due to its inherent enzymes and live bacteria, regardless of the casein type.

On the other hand, a pasteurized and exclusively A2 product, like those from The a2 Milk Company, focuses its marketing on a specific protein composition intended to address digestive issues related to A1 protein. However, this comes at the cost of processing, which alters the milk's natural enzymes and bacterial profile. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize the 'raw' qualities of unprocessed milk or the specific A2 protein profile, acknowledging that the scientific community's understanding of the A1/A2 distinction is still evolving.

Considerations for Consumers

Digestive Sensitivity: If you have digestive issues with conventional milk, consider whether the problem is A1 protein or a sensitivity to pasteurized and homogenized dairy. Many find relief with either raw milk (due to its enzymes) or A2 milk (due to the protein profile), or both.
Nutrient Density: For maximum vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in their most natural state, raw milk is the superior option, regardless of the A1/A2 ratio.
Food Safety: Raw milk carries inherent risks and is illegal for human consumption in some areas. Always source raw milk products from reputable dairies that adhere to strict safety protocols.

Conclusion: Raw Farm's Focus on Raw, Whole Food Benefits

Ultimately, Raw Farm raw milk is not exclusively A2 but contains a blend of A1 and A2 proteins. The company's value proposition centers on the holistic benefits of consuming a raw, unprocessed, and grass-grazed dairy product, a stance that differs from brands that exclusively sell pasteurized A2 milk. For consumers seeking a minimally altered, nutrient-dense milk, Raw Farm offers a high-quality product, even with its mixed protein profile. The ease of digestibility often associated with raw milk is, for many, a result of the live enzymes and other natural components preserved through the lack of heat processing, rather than the A1/A2 distinction alone.

Studies suggest that some individuals with lactose intolerance may actually be reacting to the A1 protein chain found in most conventional milk products.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Raw Farm's raw milk is not exclusively A2. The company states that its herd produces milk containing a mix of both A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, as is common in many cattle breeds.

Raw Farm focuses on the benefits of raw, unprocessed milk that is minimally altered. They emphasize the preservation of natural enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and nutrients that are often destroyed by pasteurization, rather than focusing on a single protein type.

The A1 and A2 proteins differ by one amino acid. Some people find that A1 protein is associated with digestive discomfort, though scientific evidence is still emerging. Many raw milk drinkers find relief due to the presence of natural digestive enzymes, regardless of the A1/A2 ratio.

Yes, Raw Farm states that it employs a rigorous testing protocol to ensure its raw milk products are safe for consumption, checking for harmful bacteria and following stringent guidelines.

Most commercially available milk marketed as exclusively A2, such as from The a2 Milk Company, is pasteurized, often using ultra-high heat. In contrast, Raw Farm's milk is sold raw.

Proponents of raw milk suggest benefits include higher levels of bioavailable vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotics that aid digestion and immune function. It is a minimally processed product closer to its natural state.

Some research suggests that individuals with a sensitivity to the A1 beta-casein protein may find A2 milk easier to digest, leading to less discomfort. However, A2 milk still contains lactose and is not suitable for those with true lactose intolerance caused by lactase deficiency.