Is There a Potential Market for A2 Milk? Consumer Perception of Dairy Production and Consumption

Abstract

This online survey aimed to gather consumer opinions on dairy products and production and to identify the potential market for A2 milk (milk containing exclusively β-casein A2, which reduces gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption). The questionnaire included seven sections covering the consumption of dairy products, sociodemographic aspects, awareness and purchase intention of A2 milk, questions about milk as a source of nutrients and health benefits, the environmental impact of milk production, and alternatives to cow milk. Responses from 672 Spanish consumers categorized into clusters (according to their milk consumption and their discomfort after drinking it), gender, age, educational level, and milk taste preference were analyzed using a linear multiple regression model. Dairy consumers not experiencing discomfort after drinking milk (62.6%) and those who preferred the taste of milk over plant-based alternatives (64.0%) demonstrated better knowledge of milk nutrients and its health benefits. Participants' age, gender, and education level also influenced their perceptions, with older participants, women, and those with university education generally showing better results. In conclusion, clusters impact consumers' milk perceptions as a nutritional source and its health benefits. The positive perception of milk's nutritional benefits among dairy consumers experiencing discomfort after drinking milk (17.3%) positions them as a strong target market for A2 milk.

Keywords: A2 milk; consumer attitude; dairy products; food preference; linear multiple regression; milk quality and safety; sociodemography; survey.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram of the methodological approach followed.

Figure 2

Least square means (with SE) for Section B: Opinion on milk as a source of nutrients. (A) Cluster (DC, n = 409; DC-D, n = 113; CEM, n = 84; CEM-D, n = 47), (B) Age class (18–35 years old, n = 130; 36–45 years old, n = 99; 46–55 years old, n = 209; >55 years old, n = 215), and (C) (Do not like plant-based beverages better, n = 418; Like plant-based beverages better, n = 235). See Table 1 for the complete questions. Different superscript or * within the question indicates significant differences (p < 0.05) based on Tukey’s post hoc test.

Figure 3

Least-square means (with SE) for Section C: Opinion on milk and health. (A) Cluster (DC, n = 409; DC-D, n = 113; CEM, n = 84; CEM-D, n = 47), (B) Age class (18–35 years old, n = 130; 36–45 years old, n = 99; 46–55 years old, n = 209; >55 years old, n = 215) and (C) (Do not like plant-based beverages better, n = 418; Like plant-based beverages better, n = 235). See Table 1 for the complete questions. Different superscript or * within the question indicates significant differences (p < 0.05) based on Tukey’s post hoc test.

Figure 4

Least-square means (with SE) for Section D: Opinion on milk production and environmental impact. (A) Cluster (DC, n = 409; DC-D, n = 113; CEM, n = 84; CEM-D, n = 47), (B) Age class (18–35 years old, n = 130; 36–45 years old, n = 99; 46–55 years old, n = 209; >55 years old, n = 215), and (C) (Do not like plant-based beverages better, n = 418; Like plant-based beverages better, n = 235). Different superscript or * within the question indicates significant differences (p < 0.05) based on Tukey’s post hoc test.

Figure 5

Least-square means (with SE) for Section E: Opinion on alternatives to cow milk. (A) Cluster (DC, n = 409; DC-D, n = 113; CEM, n = 84; CEM-D, n = 47), (B) Age class (18–35 years old, n = 130; 36–45 years old, n = 99; 46–55 years old, n = 209; > 55 years old, n = 215), and (C) (Do not like plant-based beverages better, n = 418; Like plant-based beverages better, n = 235). Different superscript or * within the question indicates significant differences (p < 0.05) based on Tukey’s post hoc test.

Figure 6

Main findings of this study.

Figure 7

Overview of consumers’ opinion on milk as a source of nutrients and health benefits, and the environmental impact of milk production by cluster (DC, n = 409; DC-D, n = 113; CEM, n = 84; CEM-D, n = 47) based on a 5-point Likert scale. See Table 1 for complete questions.

Figure 8

Overview of consumers’ opinion on milk as a source of nutrients and health benefits, and the environmental impact of milk production by preference for milk taste over plant-based beverages based on a 5-point Likert scale. See Table 1 for complete questions.