A2 · Compare
Buffalo Milk vs A2 Cow Milk: Which A2 Milk Should You Choose?
Both are A2 milks: buffalo milk carries A2 beta-casein by nature, and so do desi cows such as Gir and Sahiwal, mostly. The differences are richness and proof. Buffalo milk has about twice the fat and more protein and calcium than cow milk; A2 cow milk is lighter and lower in calories. Buffalo herds tested all A2A2 in a 2023 study, while desi cow herds can include some A1 carriers, so A2 cow milk needs a herd test.
Quick take
- Both are A2 — buffalo by nature, desi cows mostly.
- Buffalo: ~2× the fat, more protein and calcium.
- A2 cow: lighter, fewer calories, often pricier.
- Cow A2 claims need a herd genotype test.
A2 milk is usually sold as premium desi cow milk. Buffalo milk is A2 too, and usually cheaper. Here is how they compare.
We make A2 buffalo bilona ghee from Murrah buffalo milk, so we have an interest here; figures are from the cited sources.
The A2 question
A2 refers to the type of beta-casein protein (what is A2 milk?). In a 2023 Tamil Nadu study, all 172 Murrah and graded Murrah buffaloes tested were A2A2 (is buffalo milk A2?). Desi cow breeds are mostly A2 but not uniformly: a study of Badri cattle found 24% A1A2, and crossbred or “Gir-like” cows can carry A1 (A2 cow breeds in India).
Nutrition
| Per 100 g | Buffalo milk | Cow milk (whole) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 97 kcal | 61 kcal |
| Fat | 6.9 g | 3.3 g |
| Protein | 3.75 g | 3.15 g |
| Calcium | 169 mg | 113 mg |
USDA reference values. Desi cow milk is often a little richer than the 3.25% reference, around 4–5% fat.
Which to choose
- Want A2 with least doubt: buffalo milk.
- Want a lighter daily glass: A2 desi cow milk (weight loss).
- Making ghee, paneer or curd: buffalo milk (which milk is best for ghee).
- Prefer golden ghee and the cow tradition: A2 cow (best A2 cow ghee).
Price and proof
A2 cow milk often costs more, partly because pure desi herds are small. Whatever you buy, ask for the breed and an A2A2 test on the herd or milk. For ghee the same logic applies: A2 buffalo ghee vs A2 Gir cow ghee.
Sources & references
- Kathiravan P et al. A study on β-casein gene polymorphism in crossbred cattle and Murrah / graded Murrah buffalo in Tamil Nadu. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 2023; 57(7)
- Dar AH, Sodhi M et al. Distribution of allelic and genotyping frequency of A1/A2 allele of beta casein in Badri cattle. Journal of Livestock Biodiversity
- Sodhi M et al. Screening of taurine and crossbred breeding bulls for A1/A2 variants of β-casein gene. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2012; 82(2)
- USDA FoodData Central — Milk, Indian buffalo, fluid (SR Legacy 171280)
- USDA FoodData Central — Milk, whole, 3.25% milkfat (SR Legacy 172217)
Frequently asked questions
Is buffalo milk A2 like A2 cow milk?
Yes, buffalo milk carries A2 beta-casein; a 2023 study found all 172 Murrah buffaloes tested A2A2.
Which is better, buffalo milk or A2 cow milk?
Buffalo milk is richer and A2 by nature; A2 cow milk is lighter. Choose by calorie needs and use.
Is A2 cow milk always A2?
Not automatically; desi herds can include A1 carriers, so ask for a genotype test.
Is buffalo milk cheaper than A2 cow milk?
Usually, because buffalo milk is widely produced while pure desi A2 herds are small.
A2 without the herd question
A2 Farmer Buffalo Bilona Ghee — A2A2 confirmed by PCR, 99.76% milk fat, hand-churned and glass-packed. From ₹799.
Shop A2 Ghee →