If you’re thinking, “What’s the hype around A2/A2 Cheese?” or “What in the world is A2/A2 Cheese?,” then you are in the right place. A2/A2 Cheese has been getting attention globally, as health concerns continue to rise. A2/A2 Cheese is said to aid digestion for people who have sensitivities to regular cheese.
What Is A2/A2 Cheese?
Great question. A2/A2 Cheese is cheese made from the milk of animals that contain the A2 beta casein. Generally, sheep and goats hold the A2 beta casein, while conventional cow’s milk at the grocery store carries A1 beta casein.
What’s the big deal? Well, the difference is very subtle, but it may contribute to improved digestive function. Let’s start with the basics. On the 67th position of the amino acid of cows, there is one slight variation between cows with A1 beta-casein and those with A2 beta-casein. For cows with A1, on the 67th position of their amino acid, histidine resides, which usually releases BCM-7. On the other hand, for cows with the A2 beta-casein on the 67th position, BCM-7 is not released.
So what does BCM-7 do? Sometimes BCM-7 can trigger abdominal pain and other digestive issues in people.
Some studies reveal that A2/A2 milk is gentler on the digestive system compared to A1 dairy products. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, where participants underwent two weeks of a no-dairy diet, followed by two more weeks of consuming either A1 or A2/A2 milk, and then another two weeks, concluded with two more weeks of consuming either A1 or A2/A2 milk, revealed an interesting finding. Abdominal pain, gut inflammation and looser stool – all digestive issues – were noted in participants when they consumed A1 milk. However, A2/A2 milk did not have the same effect on participants.
Why does this matter? It matters because it shows us that choosing A2/A2 Cheese over A1 cheese can provide health benefits for your body, including better gut and digestive health.
It’s important to remember that A2/A2 Cheese is not lactose-free. If you are diagnosed with lactose intolerance, then you may react negatively to A2/A2 Cheese. However, if you have a dairy sensitivity or you simply react to A1 dairy products, then you may find that A2/A2 Cheese is a welcome addition to your diet, without exacerbating digestive issues in your body.
Now, that’s not cheesy at all! 😉
What Does A2/A2 Cheese Mean?
In simple terms, A2/A2 Cheese means that it is created from A2/A2 milk, whether that be A2 goat milk, A2 cow milk, or A2 sheep milk.
Which Cheese Is A2/A2?
Cheese that is made from A2/A2 milk (milk that contains the A2 protein) from either cows, goats, or sheep is considered to be A2/A2 Cheese. There is a wide variety of A2/A2 Cheese flavors and styles, ranging from feta to gouda to cheddar cheese. Bottom line: cheese that is A2 is made from A2/A2 milk.
What Types Of Cheese Can Be A2/A2?
Any cheese that is created from milk that comes from an animal with the A2 protein is considered A2/A2 Cheese. For example, you can have A2 sheep cheese, A2 goat cheese and A2 cow cheese.
Is There Such a Thing as A2 Cottage Cheese?
Yes. You can buy A2 cottage cheese, which is made from A2/A2 milk. This is available at major health food stores such as Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.
A2/A2 Cheese List
If you are looking for A2/A2 Cheese options, here’s a list of different kinds of cheese that are available:
While this list is not exhaustive, it can hopefully help give you an idea of what is possible and available in terms of A2/A2 Cheese options. And we hope that even if your tastes are very specific, you are able to find some A2/A2 Cheese that is perfect for you or someone else in your life. Truly, there are so many options and varieties that it’s an adventure of traveling through the land of A2/A2 Cheese.
Where to Buy A2/A2 Cheese
If you are searching for places where you can buy A2/A2 Cheese, we get that it can be a complicated process. There are four main places where you can buy A2/A2 Cheese:
| Location For A2/A2 Cheese | Pros | Cons |
| Grocery Store | Usually very accessible; convenient | Don’t have the ability to talk to farmers; must see “third-party certified” to trust |
| Online Retailers | Convenient; ships to your home | Don’t have direct contact with farmers; shipping costs |
| Farmer’s Markets | Get to talk with farmers; can ask questions | May not have access to a close farmer’s market |
| Local Farmer | Can develop a relationship; can ask questions; can see the direct source of A2/A2 Cheese | Not everyone lives close to a local farmer; they may end up with a lot of driving time |
Grocery Stores
Some grocery stores, such as Whole Foods or Trader Joes may have a selection of A2 cheeses to choose from, making it easily accessible to you. Simply go to the dairy section and select the A2/A2 Cheese that appeals to you. Make sure the packaging has third-party certification. However, the farmer gets a smaller percentage of the sales from this route.
Online Retailers
This is also a convenient option, since you don’t have to leave your house to place the order or receive your package of A2/A2 Cheese. You can call the contact number listed on the website to ensure that they are testing each cow for the A2/A2 beta casein. Our company at Swiss Villa is one such online seller of A2/A2 Cheese. The downside to online ordering is the extra shipping costs.
Farmer’s Markets
When you shop for A2/A2 Cheese at food markets, it gives you the ability to actually get to know the farmer or product more holistically, leading to more informed choices for A2/A2 Cheese. One question to ask is whether they test all of their cows to ensure they only have the A2/A2 beta casein.
Connect With a Local Farmer
If you live in a farming area or are close enough, consider connecting directly with a local farmer who produces A2/A2 milk. Some farmers sell directly through their own small store. Farmers are often transparent about their practices and can give you the peace of mind that you are getting a quality product.
Are A2 Cows Genetically Modified?
No. While this is a common misconception, it is simply not true. A2 cows are not genetically modified in any way. Instead, they contain the A2 beta casein protein, which is a naturally occurring gene from birth. Examples of A2 cow breeds are Normande, Limousin, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, and Jersey.
Originally, all cows had the A2 gene, but scientists believe that around 5,000-10,000 years ago, a mutation occurred in cows. During this time, cows were transported north to Europe, and proline (which indicates the A2 gene) at position 67 in the chain of amino acids was replaced by histidine (A1 gene). Then, with interbreeding, the gene was broadly spread, resulting in most dairy cows providing A1 milk, or a mixture of both A1 and A2.
Is A2/A2 Cheese Right For You?
If you are looking for a cheese option that is more sensitive for your gut, then A2/A2 Cheese is the right choice for you. If you are looking for cheese that doesn’t undergo pasteurization, then raw A2/A2 Cheese is perfect, allowing you to enjoy dairy while simultaneously gaining all of the nutrients that your body craves and needs to thrive. How could it get any better?
If you are looking to try A2/A2 Cheese, we recommend starting with one or two different flavors. Start with a small amount and see how your digestive system responds to this new dairy. Because it includes the A2 protein, it is often easier on your gut health, allowing you to enjoy foods like mac and cheese or grilled cheese without bloating or the bubble guts.
Conclusion
After reading about A2/A2 Cheese, we wouldn’t blame you if you have a strong craving for some cheese.
Here at Swiss Villa, we value the health of people, animals, and the earth. That’s why we partner with small, family-centered, Amish farms across Pennsylvania to provide a wide range of delicious and nutrition-packed foods, including (you guessed it!) A2/A2 Cheese! From A2 raw feta to A2 unsalted cheddar cheese, you’re sure to find something your taste buds will want more of.