Why Is Everyone Talking About A2 Milk?
& Could It Be Your Saving Grace?
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It’s Monday morning,
you’re rushing to work (back to the office!) but eek out of the door with just enough time to stop for coffee on the way. You walk into that cute new place that just opened and order a latte, only to be met with the question:
“What milk would you like with that?”
“Hmm, what are your options?
“We have almond, oat, and coconut,” the barista says (with pride), “oh, and pistachio, soy, and macadamia. And, also, dairy milk.”
It’s not even 9am and you’re already experiencing decision fatigue. “What kind of milk do I order?!”
This is an all-too-familiar scene that underscores just how confusing shopping the milk aisle has become. It used to be as simple as “whole, skim, or 2%?”
The explosion of plant-based milk over the past decade reflects an inconvenient fact: many people struggle to tolerate conventional dairy. Experts estimate that about 68% of the world’s population (and 36% of the US) has lactose malabsorption (a condition in which your body cannot digest all the lactose you eat or drink). But here is the fascinating plot twist: emerging research indicates that lactose might not be the only culprit in dairy sensitivities. For many of us, the problem lies in a specific protein found in most modern milk. Enter A2 milk: a solution that’s addressing this aspect of dairy digestion and, dare I say, playing a role in the triumphant comeback of dairy. For those of you who thought your cheese plate and latte days were behind you, A2 milk could be your saving grace.
A2 milk is a variety of cow's milk that contains only the A2 type of beta-casein protein. Your typical cow’s milk contains two main types of this protein: A1 and A2. When digested, A1 protein releases a peptide called beta-casomorphin-7 (or BCM-7, the troublemaker) that research suggests may cause digestive discomfort. A2 milk, on the other hand, comes from cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein, and doesn't produce this troublemaking peptide during digestion. More research is underway, but existing studies have shown that people who consumed exclusively A2 milk were less susceptible to bloating and indigestion. This is promising news for those of us (me) who experience digestive issues when consuming regular milk and dairy products. (However, important to note: lactose malabsorption or dairy sensitivity are different from lactose intolerance – A2 milk still contains lactose unless specifically labeled lactose-free).
But here’s the interesting thing – originally, all cows produced only A2 milk, but a genetic mutation (great) occurred in European herds thousands of years ago. So this return to A2 milk is really a homecoming moment and something I can get behind. (And, in case you’re wondering, human breast milk naturally contains only the A2 protein, not A1 — this is a great fact you might want to throw out at your next dinner party.)
According to this recent piece in the New York Times, “milk is back in nutritional favor, as Americans’ priorities have shifted toward hydration, protein, and healthy fats.” And with this shift, more and more people are discovering and choosing to buy A2 dairy milk—favoring it even over previously popular plant-based milks. According to Axios, America's consumption of whole milk jumped 3.2% in 2024, while consumption of plant-based milk dropped 5.9%, a shocking turn of events after a decade of denouncing dairy milk.
After successfully rebranding itself as a natural nutrition powerhouse, milk is undeniably having a moment. Per NYT: “Plant milks have lost ground because they’re expensive, but also because of their long ingredient lists, often including sweeteners, emulsifiers, and stabilizers. That places many of them in the category of ultra-processed foods, which health-conscious and science-skeptical Americans are learning to avoid.” Even beyond the trends we’re seeing in consumer consumption, milk is sneaking its way into culture too. Take Nicole Kidman, for instance, downing a tall glass of milk at the bar in Baby Girl. Or, what about Hailey Bieber dousing herself in a milk-like glaze to launch her Glazing Milk (her brand, Rhode, has long been lauded for clever marketing tied into sensory experiences i.e. food).
Or what about, I dont know, MilkTok becoming a thing?! If you’re not fluent in TikTok speak, that’s shorthand for a community on TikTok focused entirely on milk and dairy products. The same way there’s "BookTok" for literature or "CleanTok" for cleaning content, "MilkTok" is the corner of TikTok where users create and consume content specifically about dairy milk. In niches there are riches, as they say. This creator got a private tour of Strauss Organics after taking their cream top whole milk viral multiple times!!! I mean, good for her, but what a weird world we live in. Axios points out that Gen Z and Gen Alpha grew up largely surrounded by milk alternatives, making cow's milk the hot new thing. If MilkTok doesn’t underscore the renewed cultural interest in dairy milk, I don’t know what does.
Even Gwyneth Paltrow, in a recent Vanity Fair article, takes her own coffee with a (gasp!) splash of heavy cream! (Sidenote: I love Clover Organics, the one GP uses. They have their own A2 version, but we’ll get into brands specifics in just a second.)
We all remember the iconic “Got Milk?” ads from the 90s (totally genius campaign work, by the way). Positioned as a nutritional powerhouse, milk, we were told, helped us grow and kept our bodies strong and lean. Athletes like Venus and Serena drank it. The Friends cast like Phoebe and Rachel drank it. Brittany Spears drank it. Seemingly every cultural icon drank it. And then, nobody drank it... until now.
Today, consumers are choosing dairy again (and specifically A2 dairy) at an increasingly rapid clip. Here are a few of the possible health benefits driving that trend:
• Easier digestion for those sensitive to conventional milk
• Reduced inflammatory response
• Improved nutrient absorption
• Similar nutritional profile to regular milk (calcium! protein! vitamins! it’s a complete protein with all essential amino acids! contains vitamin D and B12! etc, etc)
• Potential cognitive benefits
• May be suitable for some with milk sensitivity
I need to caveat, however, that individual responses to A2 milk vary (obviously) and most benefits are still being researched. The strongest evidence currently supports improved digestive comfort for sensitive individuals.
I’m spoiled because we live in LA (the land of weird wellness trends) and have Erewhon at my fingertips. But! A2 milk is becoming more and more common all across the nation. Family Farmstead Dairy, for instance, is widely available at Whole Foods and even Costco sells an Organic A2 milk. Alexander Farms is my personal favorite (what Elsie’s been drinking!) and you can find it on FreshDirect, Good Eggs, Erewhon and others. It’s very important to buy organic, particularly when shopping for milk (I have a lot to say on this but will save it for another time) so don’t let the A2 designation on conventional milk fool you (this from Target is not something I’d stand by).
Family Farmstead Dairy A2 Milk (available at Whole Foods)
Not surprisingly, A2-only organic milk is more expensive than organic A1/A2 milk (typically costing you about 20-30% more). That said, A2 organic milk is generally priced similarly to premium plant-based options like oat or macadamia. If you’re at all curious, I’d say why not try it? It’s not like one gallon is going to break the bank.
How did I fall down this rabbit hole to begin with? I started thinking about milk a few months ago when it came time to switch Elsie (now 15 months!) from breast milk to cow. I had personally been off dairy for a while (it’s a food sensitivity for me, a topic for another time) so I was skeptical to give her something I avoided.
Our pediatrician assured me it was the perfect vehicle for protein, fat, and calories, so we gave it a try. She loved the A2 right away and experienced no negative digestive issues. I started working it back into my diet a little too (in coffee! matcha! cereal!) and also haven’t noticed any negative issues!
I’m genuinely curious: what milk are you drinking these days?! Tell me in the comments! I’ll be sending a little gift to those who participate. While you’re there, I’d love to know any topics you’re curious about or would like me to cover. I’m udder-ly (hehe 🐮) interested in hearing from you!!
This new-to-me facial cleaning device (like an electric toothbrush for your face...) is giving my skin the TLC it’s been missing. I’ve found that I’m cleansing for longer and much more thoroughly, plus it looks cute in my bathroom and Elsie thinks it’s funny when it “wiggles.” (Code Lacey30 gets you 30% off, yay).
Speaking of looking cute in my bathroom, this new toothbrush from Suri is making me happy! They’re a new sustainable brand out of the UK (now stocked by Goop and Erewhon, check check). I’ve had it now for three weeks and haven’t had to charge it once, which is not something I cannot say about my Sonicare... Plus, I love the color and the way it sticks to my mirror. 10/10 recommend.
Spring is finally springing, which means our hibernation days are ramping down and our social plans are ramping up. Enter Big Night Bk. They’re here to make sure you never show up to a dinner party empty-handed. I love a clever gift for the host(ess), and their assortment will not disappoint. I’m partial to these Bonilla A La Vista Potato Chips (the tin alone had but wait until you try the chips) and these Olive Picks will ensure that you and your dinner seat-mate never mix up martinis again.
I had the loveliest call this week with the founder of Sorette (thank you to my friend Erin for connecting us!). Through her Sorette Seal of Approval, she’s paving a way for women to navigate how to choose non-toxic, pregnancy-safe products in a crowded, confusing market. Sign me up!
After years of having a matching bathrobe with Tim, inevitably mixing up his with mine, I finally have a fresh new robe of my own, complete with my new initials, in green, which just so happen to match the “winter fern” color of my Suri toothbrush.
I mentioned this in the subscriber chat, which you should join by the way, that I’m newly loving these Magna electolytes. Iced Tea Lemonade, Apple Juice, and Mint Lemonade are my favorites so far and really making hitting my hydration goals possible. It’s good for focus, energy, recovery, and hydration. Check, check.
I just restocked my liquid Chlorophyll (thanks
for the reminder) which I love to add to my water and electrolytes. I’m excited to get back into this habit, and spring is the perfect time to do just that!
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As a non-coffee drinker, matcha with whole milk doesn't taste right, but I went off oat milk a while ago after learning of the crazy glucose spike and how much extra oils etc they put in it. So unsweetened almond milk for my matcha. But interestingly, I also have a sensitivity to whole milk despite growing drinking a cup with dinner every night, and I can handle milk in Europe!
Our whole family is currently drinking a gallon or more of organic whole milk each week. This is the first I've heard of A2 and I look forward to trying it, thanks Lace!
For upcoming topics, I'd be curious your thoughts on natural ways to fight hay fever this spring.