Did you know that around 68% of the world’s population has difficulty digesting lactose?
Lactose intolerance happens when your small intestine cannot break down all the lactose you eat. This can lead to digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
You may have heard that you can enjoy A2 dairy even if you have lactose intolerance. Below, registered dietitian Jennifer Husson gives us her honest opinion.
Hope this helps!
Ginger Wojcik Senior Newsletter Editor
Written by Ginger Wojcik
October 27, 2026 • 2 min read
Let’s Ask an Expert
Q:
I’m lactose intolerant. Can I have A2 dairy?
A:
The short answer is A2 milk contains the same amount of lactose as regular milk, so if you have true lactose intolerance, it can still cause digestive symptoms.
A2 milk is cow’s milk that contains only A2 type of beta-casein protein, instead of both A1 and A2 beta-casein that is found in conventional milk.
Where A2 may help is if the A1 protein is contributing to digestive symptoms. When A1 beta-casein is digested, it releases a compound called BCM-7, which may trigger digestive symptoms in some people. A small study, funded by the A2 milk industry, found that people with lactose intolerance had fewer symptoms with A2 milk than with regular milk. It’s worth calling out that A2 milk is typically more expensive. In my local area today, a half-gallon of A2 milk is $6, compared to $3 for conventional milk.
My recommendation: If you have never been formally diagnosed with lactose intolerance and experience digestive symptoms after drinking regular milk, it may be worth trying to see if A2 helps you, as long as it fits within your budget. If you have lactose intolerance, skip the A2 and go with lactose-free milk or dairy-free alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk.
Jennifer Husson
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