Which type of a2 Milk® should you choose when cooking?

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What's the best milk for drinking? Which type should I use for cooking? Is one better for baking? We know the milk aisle at the grocery store can be a little overwhelming with many varieties on the shelves -- so we're here to help. When it comes to delicious, high-quality a2 Milk®, you can pick from Whole Milk, 2% Reduced Fat Milk, Fat-Free, and HERSHEY'S a2 Milk®. Here's a bit more about each one and the best times to serve them in your home.

Person pouring milk into a blender - Which type of a2 Milk® should you choose when cooking?

When to Choose a2 Milk® Whole

This option is full-bodied, creamy, and oh so perfect for just about anything. We find that most people like to use a2 Milk® Whole in recipes that call for rich results, like smooth and tangy Key lime custard cups. Or, it's fabulous in a thicken soup. 

Here's a recipe for a Creamy soup base that's perfect for creating soothing fall and winter dinners. a2 Milk® Whole can also be used to make Homemade double cream, which works as a delicious addition to your morning coffee, or can be seasoned with a bit of vanilla extract and ground cinnamon for an old-fashioned cobbler or pie topping.

When to Choose a2 Milk® 2% Reduced Fat

When you want it all from one carton of milk, a2 Milk® 2% Reduced Fat is your go-to. This variety is perfect for daily drinking, topping cereal, enhancing hot tea, and recipes. As the name implies, a2 Milk® 2% Reduced Fat contains less fat than a2 Milk® Whole, so it's a good option for those looking to consume fewer calories without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor and creamy texture of dairy milk. If you're new to a2 Milk® 2% Reduced Fat, give it a try in one of these fruit-flavored drink recipes: Raspberry milk cooler, Strawberry boba tea, or Citrus smoothie.

When to Choose HERSHEY’S a2 Milk®

Loved by all ages, creamy HERSHEY’S a2 Milk® is a treat all on its own when served in a tall glass with a whimsical straw. It's also excellent blended into an a2 Milk® Chocolate milkshake with homemade vanilla ice cream. And perhaps the best way to enjoy yummy HERSHEY’S a2 Milk® is after exercising. Did you know the combination of protein and carbs in the milk helps you hydrate, replenish and rebuild muscles? Yes! So, make delicious HERSHEY’S a2 Milk® your go-to workout buddy.


All varieties of a2 Milk® offer 13 essential nutrients to keep your immune system, cognitive functioning, and physical performance in tip-top shape. So, whichever carton you choose from this list, you're making a good decision for yourself and your family. Ready to shop? Browse all our milk products here. Cheers to milk!

The a2 Milk difference

Our high quality a2 Milk® comes from cows that produce only the natural A2 protein and no A1. It is easier on digestion and may help some avoid stomach discomfort. Feel the difference.

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* No significant difference has been shown between milk from rBST-treated and non rBST-treated cows

a2 Milk® is not suitable for anyone medically diagnosed with lactose intolerance, galactosaemia or cows’ milk allergy

“a2 Milk®“, “a2™“, “True a2®“, and “The a2 Milk Company™” are trademarks of The a2 Milk Company Limited

HERSHEY’S trademark and trade dress are used under license.