Why Is Everyone Talking about A2 milk?
Issue No. 37
Happy first day of Spring, lovely Lacey List readers! There's something magical about this season of renewal that makes everything feel possible again. While I'm itching to dive into all things spring - transformations and fresh starts included - today I'm excited to dive into something surprisingly controversial that’s lurking in your fridge: MILK.
The Dairy Dilemma
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 the options?” you question.
“We have almond, oat, and coconut,” the barista adds, “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%?” or even just “cream and sugar?”
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 percent 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.
So What Is A2 Milk Exactly?
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 already show 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. By the way, human breast milk naturally contains only the A2 protein, not A1.
Why Is Milk Suddenly Everywhere Again?
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).
Hailey Bieber dousing herself in “hydrating” Glazing Milk for her latest Rhode launch.
Or what about, I dont know, MilkTok becoming a thing?! If you’re not fluent in TikTok speak, that’s short hand for a community on tiktok 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 Gwenyth Paltrow, per a recent Vanity Fair article, takes her own coffee with - gasp! - a splash of heavy cream! (Sidenote, I love Clover Organics - and they have their own A2 version - but we’ll get into brands specifics in just a second). Also please note that I am not endorsing raw milk!! That’s a no thank you, not worth the risk from me.
The Queen GP herself admits to adding dairy to her morning coffee.
Venus & Serena Williams – forever tennis legends - pose for a “got milk?” ad circa 1990s.
A2 Milk Health Benefits
We all remember these 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 keep our bodies strong and lean. Athletes like Venus and Serena drank it. Friends cast like Phoebe and Rachel drank. Brittany Spears drank it. Etc, etc. And then, nobody drank it… until now.
Today, consumers are choosing dairy again (and specifically A2 dairy( at an increasingly rapid clip, citing the possible health benefits they can expect to see. These include:
Easier digestion for those sensitive to conventional milk
Reduced inflammatory response (some studies show lower inflammatory markers resulting from A2 milk vs A1)
Improved Nutrient Absorption
Similar Nutritional Profile to Regular Milk - remember all of those iconic Got Milk ads from the 90s?
Contains all the same beneficial nutrients (calcium, protein, vitamins)
Provides complete protein with all essential amino acids
Contains vitamin D, B12, and other key nutrients
Potential Cognitive Benefits
Some preliminary research suggests BCM-7 from A1 milk may have neurological effects; A2 milk avoids that
May Be Suitable for Some with Milk Sensitivity
Alternative for those who miss real dairy but have had digestive issues
Option for those who've eliminated dairy but don't have clinical lactose intolerance
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.
Erewhon’s milk aisle overflowing with options! Alexandra Farms! Clover Organics! Glass Jars! Oh my!
Choosing Quality A2 Milk Brands
I’m spoiled because we live in LA (the land of weird wellness trends) and have Erewhon at my finger tips. 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. 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)
Whole Foods, Thrive Market, and Good Eggs are all great places to find it.
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 in to 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 really craving hearing from you!!
Links I’m Loving This Week
This new to me facial cleaning device by PMD (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”.
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… Highly recommend.
Spring is finally SPRINGING (quite literally! today is the first day of spring!), 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 makes me swoon) 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 Lanning, the founder of Sorette. 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.
After years of having a matching bathrobe with Tim, inevitably mixing up whose is whose, I finally have a fresh new robe of my own, complete with my new married name initials, which, ugh - spell out EW. (btw, Elizabeth is my real name).
I mentioned this in the subscriber chat, which you should join by the way, that I’m newly loving these Magna electolytes. “Apple Juice,” “Iced Tea Lemonade” and Mint Lemonade” are my favorite so far and they really make hitting your hydration goals possible.
I just restocked my liquid Chlorophyll - 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!
One parting thought:
