Frequently Asked Questions
What is a2 Milk™?
a2 Milk™ is just like other milk except it is naturally rich in the A2 type of beta-casein protein.
How is a2 Milk™ made?
Most dairy milk today contains 2 main types of beta-casein protein, A2 and A1. a2 Milk™ contains the highest levels of the naturally occurring A2 type of beta-casein and is produced by cows known as A2 cows. These cows are selected using a simple and non-invasive genetic test that analyses a sample hair from the tail of each dairy cow. These cows are then milked separately to produce pure and natural a2 Milk™. Originally, all dairy cows produced milk containing the A2 type of beta-casein, to the exclusion of A1 beta-casein, which is why the A2 type of beta-casein protein is known as an original milk protein.
What is a protein?
Proteins are large biological molecules made up of long chains of amino acids.
What is beta-casein?
Beta-casein is a type of protein that makes up one third of the protein in milk. It is a high quality milk protein that is a source of essential amino acids, as well as peptides.
I want to know more about A2 beta-casein protein.
If you are a health professional, please review the scientific resources provided in the section for Health Professionals.
How do I know it's a2 Milk™?
Look for the a2 Milk™ brand in your local supermarket.
Does a2 Milk™ have the same calcium levels as regular milk?
Yes, a2 Milk™ contains roughly the same amounts of calcium and other important minerals as other unfortified milks.
Does a2 Milk™ contain lactose?
Yes, a2 Milk™ contains levels of lactose comparable to that of standard milk. If the switch to a2 Milk™ allows you to enjoy all of the significant benefits of dairy again, without disturbance to your digestive wellbeing, this is occurring in the presence of lactose.
If I have lactose intolerance can I drink a2 Milk™?
a2 Milk™ contains the same quantity of lactose that is found in standard milk and will not resolve any medically diagnosed lactose intolerance.
If you’re a health professional, you may wish to review some of the related scientific literature. Citation details are available in the section for Health Professionals.
Does a2 Milk™ contain permeate?
a2 Milk™ does not contain any permeate or any other additives which is why it tastes so refreshing, as real milk should taste.
Where can I buy a2 Milk™?
a2 Milk™ is widely available in supermarkets in Australia. Please refer to the Retail Outlets section.
Is a2 Milk™ a product of genetic engineering or modification (GE or GM)?
Absolutely not! a2 Milk™ is obtained naturally from cows specially selected for their genetic makeup.
Is a2 Milk™ organic?
Not necessarily. Some farmers and processors producing a2 Milk™ do follow organic principles, but that is purely incidental. It simply indicates that producers who are interested in the highest standards of natural purity and safety see a2 Milk™ as consistent with their objectives. But non-organic farmers can easily produce a2 Milk™.
What breeds of dairy cattle produce the highest amounts of the A2 type protein?
Generally, it is accepted that the Guernsey breed of cattle have the highest frequency of the A2 gene, and thus Guernsey herds produce milk with high levels of A2 type beta-casein.
Though not as high as the Guernseys, Jersey cows also produce milk containing high levels of A2. Holstein and Friesian breeds carry the A1 and A2 genes in roughly equal proportions.
However, sire programs and artificial insemination of cattle can greatly displace the frequency of beta-casein genes from generation to generation, owing to the phenomena termed the 'founder effect'. Thus, one can only generalise about a herd’s collective A2 beta-casein production until it is tested.
Can I freeze a2 Milk™?
a2 Milk™ can be frozen. We suggest freezing some milk in ice trays, to allow for portion control. These portions can be used in tea or coffee. Milk should be placed in the refrigerator and thawed completely prior to using.
Is a2 Milk™ produced in Australia?
Absolutely. It's 100% produced from local cows and as fresh as fresh can be.
Will there be different varieties of a2 Milk™?
Most definitely! a2 Jalna Low Fat Natural Creamy Yoghourt is now available in Coles supermarkets around Australia. Long Life a2 Milk™ is available at IGA Supermarkets and at Coles, and we are working on powdered A2. We are also assessing a wide range of associated A2 dairy products including cream, cheese, butter and ice-cream.
Where can I find out about the nutritional information for a2 Milk™?
You can find nutritional information on the label of every a2 Milk™ carton or bottle.
Will a2 Milk™ improve my digestive wellbeing?
a2 Milk™ does not contain A1 beta-casein protein which has been shown to release the potent opioid BCM-7 on digestion. Opioids in the gut may affect gut motility and absorption processes which may affect digestive wellbeing.
Does a2 Milk™ help those with allergies?
Cow's milk allergy is a serious condition and is different to cow's milk intolerance. If you or your child is known to suffer from a cow's milk allergy, you should consult your doctor or paediatrician before consuming ANY milk variety, which includes a2 Milk™.
All milk contains a variety of biologically active factors known to affect the immune system. a2 Milk™ contains all of the proteins that you would find in standard cow's milk except for the A1 beta-casein protein. Therefore, those people with allergies to the proteins in standard cow's milk will not be able to drink a2 Milk™.
The major difference is that a2 Milk™ does not contain A1 beta-casein protein, which releases the potent opioid BCM-7 on digestion.
What is homogenised milk?
Homogenised milk has been treated to disperse the cream layer containing the milk fat throughout the milk. Homogenized milk generally has a longer shelf life than un-homogenized milk.
What is pasteurisation?
Pasteurisation is a method of heating milk for a short time to kill off bacteria which would cause the milk to spoil.
How does A2 ensure the welfare of bobby calves?
There are Australian regulations and guidelines surrounding the rearing and housing of bobby calves and transportation, each of our farmers adhere to these regulations.
The dairy industry is also investing in the following areas to ensure the welfare of bobby calves:
1. Development of resources and training for farmers, through the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia and the Dairy Extension Centre, to ensure farmers are aware of their responsibilities for guaranteeing the fitness of calves destined for sale
2. A joint project with processors and saleyards to develop training and assessment resources for people that manage and handle bobby calves.
3. A bobby calf traceability trial to ensure whole-of-supply-chain responsibility to manage the welfare of calves
A2 Dairy Products Australia Pty Ltd fully endorses these initiatives.
