· By Isabel Washington
A2 Milk vs. Regular Milk: What's the Difference?
Last updated: September 17, 2026
The short answer
The main difference between A2 milk and regular cow's milk is the type of beta-casein protein.
A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein. Most regular cow's milk contains both A1 and A2 beta-casein.
Both are real dairy. Both contain lactose and milk proteins. A2 milk is not the same as lactose-free milk, and neither is appropriate for someone with a milk allergy.
A2 milk vs. regular milk at a glance
| Question | A2 milk | Regular cow's milk |
|---|---|---|
| Is it real dairy? | Yes | Yes |
| What beta-casein does it contain? | A2 only | Usually A1 and A2 |
| Does it contain lactose? | Yes | Yes |
| Is it lactose-free? | No, unless separately processed and labeled lactose-free | No, unless separately processed and labeled lactose-free |
| Is it safe for a milk allergy? | No | No |
| Where does the difference come from? | Cows selected to naturally produce only A2 beta-casein | A conventional herd may produce both A1 and A2 beta-casein |
The protein difference
Milk contains several proteins. Casein is one group, and beta-casein is one protein within that group.
A1 and A2 are two forms of beta-casein. A2 milk comes from cows selected for genetics that naturally produce only A2 beta-casein. Conventional milk commonly combines milk containing both forms.
The difference is specific. It does not turn dairy into a plant-based drink, remove lactose or remove milk allergens.
For a fuller definition, read What is A2 milk?.
Does A2 milk taste different from regular milk?
Both can deliver the creamy taste and texture of dairy. Flavor also depends on fat level, freshness, processing and the other ingredients in a finished drink.
In Laurel's canned lattes, whole A2 dairy creates a full dairy texture without added oils. Coffee, chai, matcha and vanilla shape the flavor of each can.
Is A2 milk lactose-free?
No. A2 milk contains lactose because A2 refers to a protein, not a sugar.
Lactose is the natural sugar in milk. A1 and A2 are forms of beta-casein protein. A product can be A2 and still contain lactose.
If a package does not also say "lactose-free," do not treat the A2 label as a lactose-free claim.
Is A2 milk easier to digest than regular milk?
Some human studies have found fewer digestive symptoms after A2-only milk than after milk containing both A1 and A2 beta-casein. A 2019 systematic review rated evidence for digestive symptoms as moderate, while evidence for other health outcomes was low or very low. This does not mean A2 milk is lactose-free, allergy-safe or a medical treatment, and individual experiences differ.
Source for review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30722004/
Which milk does Laurel's use?
Laurel's makes all three canned latte flavors with A2 dairy:
Each can is 8 fl oz and contains 80 mg of caffeine.
What is in each flavor?
Classic Latte
Organic Whole A2 Milk, Organic Coffee (Coffee, Water), Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Vanilla Extract, Natural Flavors, Dipotassium Phosphate, Arabic Gum, Gellan Gum.
Dirty Chai Latte
Organic Whole A2 Milk, Organic Coffee (Coffee, Water), Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Vanilla Extract, Chai Concentrate (Chai, Water), Natural Flavors, Dipotassium Phosphate, Arabic Gum, Gellan Gum.
Matcha Latte
Organic A2 Whole Milk, Organic Matcha, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Vanilla Extract, Dipotassium Phosphate, Acacia Gum, Gellan Gum.
All three contain milk.
A2 milk vs. regular milk FAQ
Is A2 milk healthier than regular milk?
There is no simple across-the-board answer. A2 and regular milk differ in beta-casein type, but nutrition and fit depend on the specific product and the person. Broad health claims would need product-specific evidence.
Can someone with lactose intolerance drink A2 milk?
A2 milk still contains lactose. Someone with lactose intolerance should not assume it will work for them.
Can someone with a milk allergy drink A2 milk?
No. A2 milk contains milk proteins and is not safe for a diagnosed milk allergy.
Is A2 milk plant-based?
No. A2 milk is cow's milk.
What does "A2 dairy" mean on a canned latte?
It means the dairy contains only the A2 form of beta-casein rather than the A1/A2 mix common in conventional cow's milk.
Pick your latte
Classic coffee and vanilla. Coffee with chai spice. Or matcha and vanilla. Laurel's makes all three with creamy A2 dairy, ready to shake and chill.
Shop Laurel's or use the store locator.