The full-link true A2+ evidence is more powerful丨a2 Zhichu’s in-depth review of the new national standard milk powder is here!

The Milk Powder Think Tank platform frequently receives inquiries from parents, asking questions like, "How do I choose A2 milk powder?" and "What's A2 milk powder like?" It's clear that parents are very interested in A2 protein!

Research on A2 within the milk powder industry is also in full swing! However, among the numerous brands researching A2, the one that can be called the pioneer and leader in the A2 milk powder category is undoubtedly a2®. Since 2000, a2® Milk Company has been dedicated to the A2 protein market for 24 years, launching a2® Zhichu®, a phenomenal A2 milk powder. a2® Zhichu® has consistently topped the Milk Powder Think Tank mini-program/website's top 10 monthly search results for major single products from January to August 2024. The Milk Powder Think Tank official account frequently receives requests from parents for updates on the "New National Standard a2® Zhichu® Review." The Milk Powder Think Tank is committed to interpreting every type of milk powder for 100 million mothers and practitioners. Today we will conduct an in-depth evaluation of a2® Zhichu® milk powder to see what it is like!

Evaluation Description:
This evaluation was organized by the Milk Powder Think Tank Maternal and Infant Evaluation Center. Combining the core dimensions of consumer milk powder selection, it mainly evaluated a2® to Chu® milk powder (taking stage 3 as an example, the stages are omitted below and referred to as a2® to Chu® milk powder) from several aspects, including brand background, milk source and raw materials, nutrition and formula, empirical Feeding effect, and sensory evaluation. The company is only responsible for this sample. The nutritional formula refers to the new national standard GB10767-2021 "National Food Safety Standard for Infant Formula" implemented in my country on February 22, 2023.

Brand Background
Brand power is one of the factors we focus on when purchasing milk powder. Products with brand power can reflect their own quality and value to a certain extent, so brand power also has a certain reference value for parents when purchasing milk powder.

The a2® brand originated in New Zealand. Founded in 2000, the a2® Milk Company is the only company in the world dedicated solely to A2 protein products. As a global pioneer and leading brand of A2 protein, it was the first to discover the benefits of A2 protein and advocates "Reject A1 protein at the source, choose A2◇, and trust a2®." With over 20 years of dedicated research into A2 protein, the company holds over 90 patents worldwide, ensuring the quality and uniqueness of its A2 products. The a2® Milk Company offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality A2 protein products across the entire family, including infant formula, adult formula, maternity formula, toddler formula, and liquid milk.

Notably, the a2® Milk Company maintains a rigorous TRUE a2™ ecosystem, encompassing everything from farm testing and cow genetic screening to in-house and third-party testing, ensuring every drop of milk is pure A2*. Bring A2 type products that are more friendly to the human body to every consumer.

Pioneering a2® technology: As early as 2000, scientist Dr. Colan McLachlan led the a2® Milk Company to focus on the research of A2 protein dairy products. Over the past 20 years, they have more than 90 patents worldwide and are pioneers in the field of A2 protein! In the past 20 years, Dr. Colan McLachlan and his team have not only made breakthroughs in scientific research, but also promoted the concept of A2 protein dairy products to the world, becoming a highly regarded brand in the market today.

Exclusive pasture: a2® exclusive pasture is located in the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand's South Island, at 45 degrees south latitude, in the golden milk source belt of New Zealand [1]. It takes about 3 years of continuous breeding screening to truly form a purebred A2 gene herd. The purebred a2 cows® that graze freely in the pasture enjoy the benefits brought by the LWP management project adopted by a2 pasture®. The natural pasture area of 3,000 square meters per cow provides each cow with ample space for activities, allowing them to roam freely, forage, and enjoy the gifts of nature. The water and grass quality on the ranch are strictly controlled. This pasture environment not only benefits the health of the cows but also enhances the purity and taste of the milk. a2 Ranch® also prioritizes ecological balance and sustainable development, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to protect the natural environment surrounding the ranch, creating a healthier and greener living environment for the cows.

Selecting a2 Cows®: A2 milk must possess pure A2 genetics. At a2 Ranch®, each cow has its own unique a2® "ID card." During the breeding process, strict ecological farming principles are adhered to, and no artificial growth hormones are used to ensure that the cows' growth process follows natural laws. Furthermore, a2 Ranch® calves undergo genetic screening at birth and are individually raised and bred. A2 cow genetic profiles are established and rigorously verified, ensuring that they are not kept with A1 cows. This ensures that every cow possesses pure A2 genetics, ensuring the production of pure, safe, and high-quality A2 milk.

Advanced Technology: a2® milk powder comes from a state-of-the-art infant formula factory in the Southern Hemisphere. It utilizes industry-leading production processes and a rigorous quality control system, ensuring high food safety and quality standards at every step, from farm to factory. Fresh milk arrives at the factory via cold chain transportation, where it undergoes rigorous inspection and screening to ensure only milk that meets high standards enters the next process. a2® milk powder's production process utilizes industry-leading technologies, including low-temperature pasteurization and spray drying, to optimally preserve the nutrients and taste of fresh milk.

Quality Testing and Tracking: A quality a2® milk powder must withstand rigorous testing. During the production process, a2® tests every batch of milk for A2 protein to ensure high purity. From Raw milk entering the factory, through drying and powdering, to finished product packaging, each can of milk powder undergoes frequent sampling and testing, encompassing over 300 tests. In addition to in-house testing, a2® also insists on third-party testing. Genetic testing is performed by LIC Testing, a renowned New Zealand breeding company, and protein testing is performed by Analytica, a laboratory. Using a method that simulates human gastrointestinal fluid, samples are tested for A1and A2 proteins. a2® also collaborates with Oritain, a professional isotope big data testing laboratory, to regularly conduct professional origin traceability testing on samples of a2® Zhichu® milk powder products. Furthermore, a2® milk powder has passed testing in both China and New Zealand, demonstrating that it not only meets the stringent standards of the Chinese market but also achieves internationally recognized high quality standards.

This demonstrates that within the TRUE a2™ ecosystem, from milk sourcing, production, and transportation, a2® consistently adheres to high standards, ensuring that every can of a2® milk powder contains pure A2 protein, from the farm to the hands of parents.

Milk source and raw materials are the basis of milk powder, and to a certain extent determine the nutrition and quality of milk powder, so the milk source of milk powder is also the focus of everyone's attention.

a2® insists on rejecting A1 cows from the source. To ensure that every drop of milk is A2, a2® has established four levels of milk source assurance, truly ensuring every level of inspection and control.

First level of milk source assurance: genetic testing. To ensure that every cow on the ranch is pure A2, a2® performs genetic testing on newborn calves within two weeks. A2 cows are issued ID cards, household registration books, exercise rings, and residence permits. Genetic profiles are maintained, and only pure A2 cows remain, removing A1 cows.

Second level of milk source assurance: profile verification. a2 Ranch® has a total of 66,000 dairy cows. To prevent A1 cows from accidentally mixing with A2 cows, a2® meticulously verifies the genetic profile of each cow before each milking, before returning to the pen after hay, and after health management to ensure that no A1 cows have been mixed in. The company also regularly verifies the genetic profiles of at least 70 cows.

The third level of milk source assurance: milk segregation. a2® provides A2* cows with dedicated milking parlors, specialized milk storage tanks, and separate milk trucks. From milking and storage to transportation, strict controls are in place to prevent A1 milk from entering the milk supply chain.

The fourth level of milk source assurance: factory testing. After fresh milk enters the factory, it is tested for A2 protein at every collection, powdering, and canning. If excessive A1 protein is detected at any stage, all milk powder on the production line is removed and thoroughly cleaned. This ensures stringent control at every stage, ensuring true A2 quality throughout the entire process.

From the perspective of raw materials: a2® uses raw milk (skim), raw milk, desalted whey powder, whey protein powder, etc. as the main raw materials. It is made from A2 type fresh milk in one powder. A2 type-β casein has a casein structure that is compatible with the human body and is the type of casein naturally present in breast milk[14]. Compared with A1 type** protein, A2 type-β casein has significant advantages in affinity and absorption. Because A2 type protein does not produce or produces very little BCM-7 during digestion, it is not easy to cause intestinal burden and is more suitable for the delicate stomach of babies[7].

In addition, a2® Source Milk® not only contains native A2 type protein, but also contains native rare nutritional groups, including HMO[3], OPO, OPN, α-lactalbumin and other native nutrients, which better meet the needs of baby's growth.

a2® Source Milk® has passed a strict quality control system. Each can of milk powder has been carefully screened and strictly tested and does not contain A1 type protein. At the same time, a2® is the first infant formula approved by Dad’s random inspection[4], having passed 528 inspections and certified quality!

Nutrition and formula

Nutritional formula is the soul of any formula. More and more parents are considering nutrition and comparing formulas when choosing formula, and nutritional formula has become a key factor consumers are paying attention to when choosing formula.

The nutritional information provided by a2® Zhichu® reveals its rich nutritional profile. In addition to the inherent benefits of A2 protein, it also includes lactoferrin, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), DHA, ARA, and various minerals and vitamins. This nutritionally rich, scientifically formulated formula supports your baby's all-around growth.

The lactoferrin added to a2® is more than 95% pure[11] and contains up to 135mg/100g. Lactoferrin not only helps promote the absorption and utilization of iron, but also has multiple functions such as antibacterial, antiviral and immune regulation[9].

Research evidence shows that after consuming a2® source milk® containing only A2 type β-casein (without A1 type) and a high amount of lactoferrin, common acute respiratory infections and diarrhea problems were observed to improve, and the duration of acute upper respiratory tract infections and/or diarrhea in babies was significantly reduced by 23%[10]. Feeding evidence shows that after drinking milk containing only A2 type protein, the concentration of self-protection factors[13] in the body increased by as much as 4 times[12,].

In addition, a2® To Begin® uses a lactose-free formula throughout its entire lifespan, with added GOS and a golden ratio of DHA/ARA. It does not contain any additional A1 protein, sucrose, flavoring, or maltodextrin. This formula can help prevent dental caries, obesity, and other problems in babies, allowing them to enjoy delicious food while also ensuring healthy growth.

a2® To Begin® has always focused on research into the adaptability of Chinese babies' physiques. Based on real-life feeding feedback from Chinese babies, it was found that children in the regular milk group and the a2® Source Milk® control group had better stomach comfort after 5 days of intake [7, ^]. After seven consecutive days of feeding the baby with milk powder containing only A2 protein, there was improvement in the five common stomach discomfort problems of Chinese babies [8] (such as difficulty urinating, diarrhea, flatulence, stomach pain, and bloating).

After a2® was launched on the market, it was tried by many babies. More than 80%[5] of the babies showed significant improvement in their difficulty in urinating, loose stools and bloating after trying it.

Sensory evaluation
The sensory quality of milk powder is one of the important factors influencing consumers' product selection. The Milk Powder Think Tank Evaluation Center conducted an open-can evaluation of a2®®, including evaluations of packaging, appearance, odor, solubility, and taste.

1. a2® packaging review
The a2® to the first® version has a can body with silver and purple as the main colors. There is a golden sun on the front of the can, and next to it is a little bear reading a book, which looks very well-behaved.

In addition to the packaging design, the can also features the "a2®" brand logo in the upper left corner, the trademark "Zhichu®" in the center, and the formula registration number in the center. Overall, the a2®Zhichu® packaging is bright and welcoming, with clear brand and product identification and detailed information.

The lock is a sealed lock, and the lid can be easily opened by pressing it. After opening the lid, there is an aluminum foil seal and a slot for placing a spoon to separate the spoon and powder. The spoon can be stuck in the specially designed slot to facilitate the separation of the spoon and powder after opening the can, making it cleaner and more hygienic to take out the powder.

The a2® Zhichu® spoon is purple, with the corresponding level marked on the handle. The bottom of the spoon has a hole for easier operation when scooping and pouring powder, helping to achieve precise powder collection.

2. a2® Zhichu® Appearance Evaluation

Appearance evaluation includes the powder's texture, color, and gloss. According to relevant data, a high-quality milk powder should have uniform, moderately sized, loose particles with good fluidity, and a uniform, glossy color of milky yellow or milky white.
After peeling off the aluminum foil of the a2® To Chu® milk powder, we can see that the powder is milky yellow, shiny, and evenly distributed, with no lumps or other problems. When the powder is sprinkled on a plate, it can be seen that the powder has excellent fluidity.

3. a2® Zhichu® Odor Evaluation
A normal milky aroma and the absence of fragrance are both very important for babies. For a2®Zhichu®, we can smell a natural milky aroma by gently fanning it with our hands.

4. a2® Zhichu® Rehydration Evaluation
The reconstitution evaluation primarily focuses on the presence of sediment, white spots, lumps, and foaming, assessing the dissolution rate and solubility of the powdered milk during mixing. We found that a formula with good reconstitution properties exhibits excellent diffusivity during mixing.

Before mixing the formula, we first checked the mixing ratio indicated on the a2® To Chu® can (1 level scoop of formula per 50ml of warm water). We strictly followed the recommended mixing instructions and used the Milk Powder Think Tank's proprietary "simulated mixing standard" for evaluation: first, take 150ml of boiled water, cool it to 45.0°C, and then take 3 level scoops of a2® To Chu® formula.

After the first spoonful of powder was added, the milk powder sank evenly and dissolved quickly. After adding 3 spoonfuls of milk powder and letting it sit, the milk liquid was stirred slightly and poured into a glass. The milk powder was well soluble, and the milk liquid after it was fully dissolved was a uniform milky white.

5. a2® Taste Evaluation

The taste of milk powder determines, to a certain extent, whether a baby enjoys it. The Milk Powder Think Tank's Maternal and Infant Evaluation Center conducted a tasting and evaluation of a2® Zhichu®. The comprehensive evaluation showed that a2® Zhichu® exudes a natural milky aroma, with a light taste and a subtle frankincense flavor.

In summary, we evaluated and rated a2®Zhichu®'s packaging, appearance, solubility, smell and taste, referring to the sensory evaluation standards for milk powder and the sensory evaluation rating standards of the Milk Powder Think Tank Evaluation Center. The sensory evaluation of a2®Zhichu® was rated as a favorable grade.

Review Summary

This evaluation mainly summarizes the brand background, raw materials and ingredients, nutrition and formula, sensory evaluation of a2® to Chu® as follows:

Brand background: a2® is the pioneer and leading brand of A2 type protein in the world, and has been cultivating A2 type protein for 24 years.

Milk source and raw materials: a2® has adhered to the TRUE a2TM original ecosystem for 20 years. a2® source milk® originates from the world's golden milk source belt[1] - the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand's South Island. The ranch only breeds pure A2 type gene cows. Fresh milk goes directly from the ranch to the factory and is tested layer by layer to truly do not contain A1 type** protein. Every drop of milk is A2* milk, and no sucrose, flavors, or spices are added.

Nutritional ingredients: In addition to containing native A2 type protein, a2® source milk® also contains native rare nutrients, including HMO[3], OPO, OPN, α-lactalbumin, etc. a2® to Chu® contains lactoferrin with a purity exceeding 95%, with a content of up to 135mg/100g. Evidence from Chinese baby feeding studies [10] shows that it is well absorbed in 5 days [7,12] and improves 5 types of stomach discomfort in 7 days [8].

Sensory evaluation: a2® to Chu® powder is uniform and smooth, free of lumps, and has a light milky yellow color and a glossy finish. It mixes well and produces a uniform milky consistency. It also has a naturally mellow milky flavor, making it a highly regarded milk powder.