Milk is available in many alternative varieties, from vegan options like almond or oat milk to full-fat, lactose-free. A2 is one such selection that stands out due to its distinctive protein profile. Let’s take a better have a look at A2 milk to know what units it aside, who it’s best suited to and extra. HT Way of life reached out to consultants to know the distinction from common milk, in addition to its market development.
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What’s A2 milk?
Suvarna Sawant, Chief Dietitian & HoD, Medical Diet and Dietetics at Nanavati Max Tremendous Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, instructed HT Way of life about its protein composition. She stated, “A2 milk comprises solely A2 beta-casein protein, not like common milk, which has each A1 and A2 variants. It’s derived from particular cow breeds like Gir and Sahiwal.”
Ravin Saluja, Director at Sterling Agro Industries Ltd, additional added to the reason concerning the milk’s supply, elaborating, “Conventional cow’s milk comprises two sorts of B-casein proteins, A1 and A2. Most trendy breeds, like Holsteins, produce a combination of each. A2-only milk, nonetheless, is sourced from cows genetically bred to provide solely the A2 variant.”
Who can have A2 milk?

This milk, with a particular sort of protein composition, provides digestive reduction to some folks. However Dietician Suvarna reminded that it’s not lactose-free, that means it’s not for lactose-intolerant folks, however for many who endure from gentle digestion discomfort from common milk.
The dietician added, “Some people could discover it simpler to digest, however you will need to observe that A2 milk will not be lactose-free. People with protein deficiency, who can’t digest the traditional cow milk however aren’t lactose illiberal, are splendid candidates for A2 milk.”
Ravin, based mostly on market insights, additionally highlighted that buyers with digestive sensitivities, health fans, and health-conscious households more and more choose A2 milk for comparatively higher digestibility. He stated, “These experiencing bloating or discomfort from common milk could discover A2 simpler to digest. Likewise, A2’s clear protein profile aids in muscle restoration with out intestine upset. And fogeys of toddlers or elders additionally search pure, healthful vitamin, and are snapping up A2 variants.”
Development in market
Ravin shared that A2 milk’s development has seen a momentum, a rising choice amongst customers, particularly due to ease of digestion. He stated, “In India, market measurement surged to $416 million in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 19.7%, inspiring curiosity in premium dairy. A larger shopper shift towards wellness, digestion-friendly meals, and clear labels is a key market driver.”
From common milk, taste-wise, A2 milk is not a lot completely different, as Ravin famous, “Style isn’t compromised. A2 milk tastes similar to typical milk, as any delicate variations stem extra from breed and feed than the protein sort.”
Notice to readers: This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation. All the time search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.