Which brand of A2 milk is best for your digestive health?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A single amino acid difference in beta-casein protein is the key distinction between A1 and A2 milk, which may affect digestibility for some consumers. This distinction has led many people to seek out dedicated A2 milk brands, hoping to alleviate common digestive discomforts associated with conventional dairy.

Quick Summary

Comparing top A2 milk brands involves reviewing sourcing, production standards, and consumer reviews. Key factors include organic certification, farming practices, and flavor, helping consumers find the ideal choice for their needs.

Key Points

Sourcing Matters: Look for brands that are transparent about their herds and use genetic testing to ensure A2 purity, like The a2 Milk Company.
Organic and Regenerative: Alexandre Family Farm offers organic, A2/A2 milk produced via regenerative farming, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Cooperative Choice: Organic Valley provides a trusted and widely available organic A2 option, sourced from a cooperative of family farms.
Local and Fresh: In certain regions, specialized services like India's Native Milk deliver fresh A2 milk directly from indigenous desi cows.
Digestive Comfort: For some individuals with non-lactose related milk sensitivities, switching to A2 milk can reduce symptoms like bloating and gas.

A2 milk has grown in popularity as a potential alternative for individuals who experience digestive discomfort after consuming conventional dairy. The core difference lies in the type of beta-casein protein present. While most commercial milk contains a mix of A1 and A2 proteins, A2 milk is sourced from cows that produce only the A2 type. Some studies suggest that the A1 protein releases a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) during digestion, which may be linked to bloating, gas, and discomfort in some people. Choosing the right A2 brand involves looking beyond the basic protein claim to consider sourcing, quality, and taste. This guide will compare several prominent brands, helping you make an informed decision.

How to Evaluate A2 Milk Brands

To determine the best A2 milk brand for you, consider the following factors:

Source and Breed: The breed of cow is crucial for ensuring pure A2 milk. Traditional Indian breeds like Gir and Sahiwal are known for A2 protein, as are certain European heritage breeds like Guernsey and Jersey. Look for transparency from the brand about their herd genetics.
Organic Certification: Many consumers choose organic A2 milk, which ensures the cows are not treated with artificial growth hormones or antibiotics and are fed non-GMO diets. Look for official certifications like USDA Organic.
Farming Practices: Beyond organic, some farms practice regenerative agriculture, which focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity. This appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.
Processing: How milk is processed can affect its flavor and nutritional profile. Ultra-pasteurized (UP) milk has a longer shelf life and may have a slightly sweeter, cooked flavor, while traditional pasteurization maintains a fresher taste.
Availability: Some brands are widely available in grocery stores, while others operate on a farm-to-doorstep subscription model, potentially offering fresher milk but limited to certain regions.
Taste and Texture: Taste is subjective. Some brands are known for a richer, creamier flavor profile, often due to higher fat content, while others offer a lighter, fresher taste. Reading customer reviews can provide insight into flavor preferences.

Top Brands of A2 Milk

The a2 Milk Company

As a pioneer in the A2 market, The a2 Milk Company has built a strong brand presence globally. They exclusively sell milk from cows that produce only the A2 protein, using genetic testing to verify their herds. The brand is widely available in many supermarkets, making it accessible for most consumers. They offer a range of products, including whole, reduced-fat, and lactose-free options.

Alexandre Family Farm

Located in California, Alexandre Family Farm is renowned for its organic, 100% A2/A2 milk produced via regenerative farming practices. The farm's commitment to animal welfare and sustainable agriculture appeals to eco-conscious consumers. Many customers report a rich, creamy flavor, which often comes with their unhomogenized Cream Top milk, sold in glass bottles.

Organic Valley

This US-based cooperative of family farms emphasizes organic integrity and sustainable agriculture. Organic Valley offers A2/A2 milk as part of its extensive line of organic dairy products. For consumers who prioritize organic and ethical sourcing from a cooperative model, Organic Valley is a dependable and widely available choice.

Native Milk (India)

For consumers in India, Native Milk offers a farm-to-home subscription service, providing milk from indigenous Gir cows. The brand focuses on freshness, free-grazing animals, and transparency, including sharing lab certifications for A2 purity. This model targets customers who prioritize freshness and direct sourcing from specific cow breeds.

Comparison of A2 Milk Brands


Feature	The a2 Milk Company	Alexandre Family Farm	Organic Valley	Native Milk (India)
Sourcing	Globally sourced from genetically tested A2-producing cows.	Single-source from a regenerative, organic family farm.	Cooperative of organic family farms.	Farm-to-home from indigenous Gir cows.
Organic?	Not exclusively organic; depends on product line.	Yes, USDA Certified Organic.	Yes, USDA Certified Organic.	Yes, focuses on natural desi cows.
Farming	Standard commercial dairy practices, focus on A2 genetics.	Regenerative farming with pasture-raised cows.	Sustainable, cooperative-based organic farming.	Natural, free-grazing environment for cows.
Processing	Ultra-pasteurized.	Pasteurized and unhomogenized cream top option.	Pasteurized, various options.	Minimally pasteurized, fresh delivery.
Availability	Wide national and international supermarket distribution.	Retail presence primarily on the West Coast US, plus online.	Wide national distribution in the US.	Subscription-based, limited regional delivery in India.
Key Selling Point	Easily accessible, reliable A2 genetic purity.	Regenerative, organic, and cream-top quality.	Organic integrity and cooperative values.	Fresh, authentic A2 milk from native Indian breeds.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing the best A2 milk is a personal decision that depends on your priorities. For maximum convenience and trusted A2 purity, The a2 Milk Company is a go-to choice due to its broad availability. If you prioritize organic, regenerative, and ethically sourced milk with a high-quality, creamy flavor, Alexandre Family Farm is a top contender, though its availability might be limited depending on your location. Organic Valley offers a reliable, widely available organic A2 option, backed by a cooperative of family farms. For those in specific Indian markets, brands like Native Milk and Haribol offer hyper-fresh, local A2 milk sourced directly from traditional desi cows. Ultimately, evaluating your local market options, reading customer reviews, and perhaps trying a few different brands will help you discover which one best meets your needs for taste, quality, and digestive comfort.

For more information on the science behind A1 vs. A2 milk proteins, refer to the research compiled by the National Food Institute.

Conclusion

While the market for A2 milk continues to grow, consumers have excellent options to choose from based on their specific needs. The best A2 milk is often the one that aligns with your priorities, whether that’s widespread availability, robust organic certifications, or direct-from-the-farm sourcing. By considering factors like cow breed, farming practices, and processing, you can confidently select an A2 milk brand that delivers both the digestive benefits you seek and the taste you enjoy. Ultimately, a brand with a transparent supply chain and positive customer feedback is a strong indicator of a quality product.

Frequently Asked Questions

A2 milk is not lactose-free, so it is not a solution for clinically diagnosed lactose intolerance. However, some individuals with self-reported milk sensitivity experience fewer digestive symptoms with A2 milk because it lacks the A1 protein, which some studies link to discomfort.

Reputable brands verify their A2 milk through genetic testing of their dairy cows. The cows must be homozygous A2A2 to produce milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein. Some brands also conduct further testing on the milk post-production to ensure purity.

A2 milk is not inherently organic. While many A2 brands are also certified organic (e.g., Alexandre Family Farm, Organic Valley), other mainstream A2 brands may not be. Consumers who want both A2 protein and organic certification should check the packaging for official organic labels.

Many people report a richer, creamier taste from A2 milk, especially from brands using higher-fat milk from specific breeds like Jersey or Guernsey. However, taste can be subjective and may depend on the fat content and processing method, such as pasteurization or homogenization.

A2 milk is typically more expensive due to the special handling and genetic testing required to segregate A2-producing cows from conventional herds. Additionally, many A2 brands use smaller-scale farms with higher animal welfare standards or specialized delivery, which adds to the cost.

Yes, many A2 milk brands are available for purchase online. Online retailers like Ubuy and specific regional providers like Native Milk offer A2 milk delivery. Be sure to check availability in your specific area and consider delivery options for fresh milk.

The main difference between the A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins is a single amino acid at position 67 of the protein chain. This difference changes how the protein breaks down during digestion; A1 releases a peptide called BCM-7, while A2 does not, which is why some find A2 milk easier to digest.