When it comes to A1 A2 what’s the difference? This question often arises among those curious about milk digestibility.
A common question we receive from our customers is, “Are your cows A2?” To answer this, let’s dive into why this question is so important to many people and explain what A2 milk is all about.
Why the A2 Question?
Some people have difficulty digesting dairy, and this has led to an interest in alternative forms of milk that may be easier on the stomach. A common culprit behind digestive issues is a protein in cow’s milk called beta-casein. There are two main types of beta-casein: A1 and A2. A growing body of research suggests that A2 beta-casein may be easier to digest for some people compared to A1 beta-casein, which could be why consumers are asking about the A2 status of our cows.
So, How Do You Get A2 Milk?
The only way to guarantee A2 milk is through breeding practices. Specifically, A2 milk comes from cows that carry two copies of the A2 beta-casein gene. To achieve this, you need to breed an A2 bull with an A2 female. By doing so, you can produce milk that contains only A2 beta-casein.
At present, about 60-80% of the cows that produce our milk are A2 cows. While we don’t currently require A2/A2 selection or testing, we are seeing that many of our farmers are actively choosing to breed with A2/A2 bulls. This means that in the future, we may be able to offer 100% A2 milk to our customers.
What About Digestion?
Even without being entirely A2, our milk may still be easier to digest for some customers. Why? Because our milk is Low-Temperature Vat Pasteurized and Non-Homogenized. This gentle processing helps preserve the natural structure of the milk, which many customers have found to be easier on their stomachs compared to conventional dairy products.
So, whether our milk comes from A1 or A2 cows, our commitment to low-temperature pasteurization may already provide some relief to those who struggle with digestion.
We’d Love to Hear from You
Have you ever experienced trouble digesting dairy? If so, have you found Kalona milk to be easier to digest than other dairy brands? We’d love to hear your experiences and feedback! Your input helps us continue to improve and provide the best possible product for you and your family.
At the end of the day, we’re dedicated to offering high-quality, easily digestible milk to our customers—whether it’s from A1, A2, or a mix of both. We’re always listening to your needs and working toward a product that fits your lifestyle.