What Is A2 Ghee? Meaning, How It Is Made, Benefits & More

 

If you have come across the query what is A2 ghee, you would notice the prevalence of this term across various dairy platforms. However, the underlying question continues to be ‘what does A2 mean’ and in particular, how it compares to regular cow or buffalo ghee.

Plainly speaking, A2 refers to the beta casein type of protein present in milk. A comprehensive understanding of A2 cow ghee requires an appreciation of the source of milk, cow breed, traditional methods, and how it compares to A2 normal milk.

 

What Is A2 Ghee?

 

The simplest definition of what is A2 ghee is clarified milk fat obtained from the milk of cows or buffaloes reared in a certain manner.

A1 and A2 refer to the beta casein type of protein present in milk. Thus, it is important to remember that what A2 ghee comprises can be easily inferred from the source of milk.

As such, what A2 ghee in India refers to clarified milk fat obtained from the milk of cows or buffaloes that are known to possess A2 beta casein.

As per FSSAI regulation, ghee refers to fat derived from milk, curd, desi butter, cream, or any combination thereof with minimal water and milk solids. Further, standards have been set for the minimum levels of milk fat with a maximum limit of 0.5% water and milk solids not fat. Thus, what A2 ghee comprises can be easily inferred from the source of milk and clarification.

 

What Does A2 Mean In A2 Milk?

 

As mentioned above, A2 refers to one of the beta-casein types in milk. The primary reason why the A2 versus A1 debate rages is due to the slight difference in amino acid sequence in the beta-casein proteins. Specifically, beta-casein A1 has histidine at position 67 while A2 has proline.

Researchers have yet to conclusively demonstrate differences between A1 and A2 milk. What is known is that beta-casein A1 and A2 digest differently. In any case, it is essential to adopt a scientific attitude when interpreting research. As such, while tentative links exist between A2 milk consumption and health benefits, it would be premature to conclude causation.

 

A2 Milk Vs Regular Cow Milk

At this point, it should be clear that what A2 milk refers to dairy products derived from cows that possess beta-casein A2. As such, the comparison between A2 and regular cow milk is between dairy products derived from cattle possessing beta casein A2 and those that possess beta casein A1.

Basis

A2 Milk

Regular Cow Milk

Beta casein type

Contains beta casein A2

May contain beta casein A1 and or A2

Protein

Beta casein A2

Beta casein A1 and or A2

Differences

Genetic differences in the cattle

Based on genetic differences

Scientific interest

Higher due to differences in digestion

Lower compared to A2

Ghee type

Can be made into A2-positioned ghee

Can be made into regular cow ghee

Likewise, it is important to look beyond the beta-casein type when considering differences between A2 milk and regular milk.

Which Cows Are Associated With A2 Milk?

At this point, it should be evident that what A2 cow ghee refers to clarified milk fat obtained from cow’s milk with A2 beta casein. Thus, it is essential to distinguish between various native breeds of cows.

Indian cattle breeds associated with A2 milk include Gir, Sahiwal, Kankrej, Rathi, etc.

Thus, you will see that when a product claims to use milk from a particular native breed of cattle, it provides useful information about the source of milk. As such, it is important to appreciate that while the breed reflects the source of milk, such information in itself may not be sufficient.

How Is A2 Ghee Made?

One of the common questions asked when searching what is A2 ghee is – how is it made?

How do they make A2 ghee? The response is that they traditionally prepare it using the Bilona process.

 

As per FSSAI, ghee refers to clarified fat obtained from milk or cream or curd or desi butter and is defined in terms of standards of composition and quality. Further, they may prepare it using traditional or modern methods. Thus, with respect to how they make A2 ghee, it should be clear that they can prepare it using the Bilona process or otherwise.

A2 Ghee Vs Regular Ghee: What Is The Difference?

One of the most common search terms – what is A2 ghee vs normal ghee refers to the difference between ghee prepared from A1 and A2 milk.

Basis

A2 Ghee

Regular Cow Ghee

Milk source

Milk with beta-casein A2

Milk with beta-casein A1

Proteins

Source is milk fat

Source is milk fat

Production

Can be made using Bilona process

Can be made using Bilona process

Taste and aroma

Based on milk source

Based on milk source

Quality

Based on multiple criteria

Based on multiple criteria

Thus, it should be clear that when it comes to what is A2 ghee vs normal ghee, the differences primarily link to milk source and production methodology.

What Is A2 Ghee Made Of?

As discussed in detail above, what is A2 ghee made of? refers to clarified milk fat obtained from a milk source with A2 beta-casein.

Further, it should be noted that traditional A2 ghee makers use the Bilona process. As such, it is necessary to understand that the source material for A2 ghee is cow or buffalo milk churned into curd and further processed into butter that is clarified. The end result is clarified butter or ghee that consists primarily of milk fat.

It should be noted that due to the clarification process, ghee has fundamentally different nutritive properties compared to milk.

What Are The Benefits Of A2 Ghee?

As discussed in detail above, some of the benefits of A2 ghee are still emerging. The entire premise of A2 versus A1 milk is based on the fact that the two types of beta-casein digest differently. While preliminary studies postulate potential differences in the nutritive value of A2 milk, conclusive evidence is still lacking.

As a result, the health benefits of A2 ghee cannot be overstated. This being said, it should be noted that ghee is primarily milk fat and as a result should be consumed as part of a healthy diet.

Thus, in summary, the benefits of A2 ghee stem from the source material and the traditional production methodology.

How To Buy Pure A2 Ghee

If you are wondering what pure A2 ghee is, it refers to ghee made from pure A2 milk using traditional production methodology.

How can you identify pure A2 ghee? Some of the practical pointers are as follows:

1.    Look out for the source of milk

2.    Ascertain the underlying breed of cattle

3.    Know the production methodology

4.    Scrutinize the label carefully

5.    Look out for quality assurance

6.    Evaluate the packing

7.    Ensure traceability

As per FSSAI standards for ghee, the product shall not be colored, flavored, or preserved, as applicable in the relevant standards. Further, the source material for ghee shall also conform to the requirements as detailed in the standard.

Why Is A2 Ghee Costlier?

As per what is A2 ghee price in India? the cost of A2 ghee varies depending on various factors.

What makes A2 ghee costlier than regular ghee? The factors contributing to A2 ghee price differential include:

Milk source

Indigenous cattle breeds require special care

Yield of milk

Quantity of milk needed to prepare ghee

Processing methodology

Labor

Churning, processing, and fermenting

Traditional small-scale production may be expensive

Packing material

Quality testing

Storage and distribution

Thus, the assumption that A2 ghee is costlier due to the A2 moniker may be misleading considering that producers prepare such ghee using traditional production methodology.

Is A2 Ghee Same As Bilona Ghee?

As mentioned above, A2 ghee refers to ghee made from A2 milk. On the other hand, Bilona ghee refers to ghee made from traditional methodology involving curd, churning, and clarification of butter. Thus, it is possible that a ghee product may be both A2 and Bilona ghee depending on the source of milk and production methodology.

How To Choose A2 Ghee

When it comes to choosing A2 ghee, it is essential to look at the complete picture.

How do you select A2 ghee? Ask yourself the following questions:

Milk source

Cow breed

Information regarding A2 milk

Production methodology

Is the traditional Bilona process employed?

Ingredients

Quality testing

Packing

Traceability

Thus, to reiterate, you can select A2 ghee by going beyond the label and understanding the underlying factors influencing the product.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which's pure A2 cow ghee?

Pure A2 cow ghee comes from the milk of cows known to produce A2 beta-casein. It should not have any vegetable or animal fats in it. Check the ingredients the milk source, the preparation method and the test results.

How can I identify A2 ghee?

Look at the ingredients the milk source, the batch details the test reports and how open the seller's. Home tests cannot verify every claim on a label.

Is A2 cow ghee healthy?

It is a dairy product so have it in moderation. It should not be. Treated as a cure or medicine.

What is the price of 1 kg of A2 ghee?

It depends on the sourcing, the method, the testing and the packaging. Compare the price per kilogram. Check whether the listed price includes delivery and any current offers.

Is A2 bilona ghee better than ghee?

Bilona ghee is made by churning curd the way while some regular ghee is made from cream or other dairy products. Which one is better depends on your needs, your budget and how much you trust the brand’s process.

Can I buy A2 cow ghee online?

Yes. Just buy from an official website or an authorised seller and check the ingredients, pack size, batch details, expiry date and delivery policy before you order.

Where can you buy A2 ghee?

You can buy A2 ghee products from dairy companies, private limited companies, and online platforms. As such, it should be possible to find A2 ghee at various outlets. If you are looking for traditionally prepared A2 Bilona Ghee, A2 Origins is one option you can consider. However, as discussed in detail above, it is essential to make informed choices when it comes to selecting A2 ghee.