Fairlife Protein Shake Review 2024: Nutrition Plan, Core Power and Core Power Elite
Fairlife
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In the world of protein shakes, the amount of selection can be dizzying. Finding a quality protein shake that meets your nutritional needs might seem daunting, but in this review we dive deeper into one popular variety of protein shake that’s easily found: Fairlife protein shakes. Reviewed and discussed by an RDN, this article assesses the nutritional value of these shakes and analyzes who they may be a good option for.
Fairlife is an American brand owned by Coca-Cola, producing dairy-based protein drinks for the community. The brand’s process for including more protein in its protein shakes is called “ultra-filtration,” which removes most of the sugar in the milk while concentrating the protein and calcium.
The protein shake provides 50 percent more protein and 50 percent less sugar than standard milk from competitors in the market. Fairlife not only offers milk, but it also offers supplemental protein shakes. When looking for the best protein shake to supplement your balanced diet, consider the total grams of protein and added sugar per serving. Let’s look at how Fairlife Shake nutrition facts stand out.
This content is meant to be informative but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Fairlife Protein Shakes At a Glance
- The use of ultrafiltration milk provides 50 percent more protein and 50 percent less sugar than typical milk
- Core Power and Core Power Elite is the product line that provides a variety of protein shakes
- Provides 26 - 42 grams of protein per bottle
- Has three different flavors to choose from
Fairlife Protein Shake Pros
- Provides quality protein per bottle without additional protein additives such as protein powders
- The ultrafiltration process also removes most of the lactose from the milk, and in addition, it adds a lactase enzyme to make it a lactose-free product
- Each bottle contains complete protein
- Before opening any shakes, the ultrafiltration and aseptic packaging allow it to be shelf-stable for up to nine months to twelve months, depending on which shake you grab
Fairlife Protein Shake Cons
- There are no vegan options
- Utilizes sugar alcohols such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which have been shown to cause digestive upset like gas and bloating
- Owned wholly by Coca-Cola since 2020, however, it is bringing more “health-based” products to market that are more commonly found in health food stores
Quality of Ingredients
Fairlife
Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate: Monk Fruit is a tiny round fruit found in China, also known as luo han guo. It’s a natural sweetener, unlike artificial sweeteners you may typically find in protein shakes. Companies extract the juice by crushing the fruit and only using the mogroside of the fruit. A doctor at the Cleveland Clinic states, “Monk fruit mogrosides have a taste that's over 100 times sweeter than sugar, but they have no calories.” Monk Fruit is recognized as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) Designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA).
Stevia Leaf Extract: Stevia is a naturally derived sweetener from the Stevia plant found in South America and has been used for over 100 years. This sweetener is also known as a “nonnutritive Sweetener,” meaning it does not contain or may contain low amounts of carbohydrates. The USDA has recognized the Stevia Leaf Extract as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS).
Carrageenan: Carrageenan is an additive used as a thickener and emulsifying product, giving you the fatty “mouthfeel” without the added fat. This additive can be found in yogurts and plant-based milks such as nut milks. Carrageenan is made from the red seaweed known as Irish Moss. Discussion and some research report that Carrageenan may be linked to gastrointestinal upset and carcinogenic. Despite this reported evidence and petitions, the Food and Drug Administration approves this additive. In 2016, “The National Organic Standards Board has voted 10 to three, with one abstention, to remove carrageenan from the list of substances approved for use in food items labeled “USDA Organic.”
Cellulose Gum: Cellulose Gum is used in many packaged foods to thicken the product. It may even improve the shelf life of packaged goods such as shelf-stable protein shakes like Fairlife. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed this additive safe for consumption.
Acesulfame Potassium: Acesulfame Potassium is an artificial sweetener used in packaged goods and is considered 200 times sweeter than regular table sugar. Due to the sweetness, the companies only need to use small amounts to sweeten their products. The FDA has approved it as safe to use.
Sucralose: Sucralose is a food additive regulated by the FDA and is 600 times sweeter than table sugar. It can be found in various foods, such as chewing gum, baked goods and frozen goods, to name a few.
Nutrition Facts
The Fairlife protein shakes product line's nutrition content varies slightly based on which product you grab in the grocery store. Below is a breakdown of each protein shake line:
Fairlife Nutrition Plan
| Calories | Protein (grams) | Carbs (grams) | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
160 | 30 | 4 | 2.5 | 3 |
Fairlife Core Power
| Calories | Protein (grams) | Carbs (grams) | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
170 | 26 | 6 | 4.5 | 5 |
Fairlife Core Power Elite
| Calories | Protein (grams) | Carbs (grams) | Fat (grams) | Sugar (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
230 | 42 | 6 | 3.5 | 8 |
Fairlife protein shakes offer variety regarding the protein shakes' nutrition profile. The protein shakes contain ample calories and protein to make it a suitable snack or between-meal option, or as part of a meal, though we don't recommend using one of these shakes as a sole meal replacement. This is an excellent option for someone who is busy and on the go.
These protein shakes have little to no fiber, containing up to one gram per serving. However, the carbohydrate content would be a great snack option for someone who is a diabetic or watching their carbohydrate intake. On the other hand, the carbohydrate profile may be too low for someone who is an athlete if drunk by itself.
Fairlife Protein Shake Flavors
Fairlife Vanilla Protein Shake
One Amazon reviewer loved the vanilla flavor and used it in recipes, “Great tasting product that I use to make protein ice cream in my Ninja Creami. I will definitely purchase them again!” Another reviewer was disappointed with how sweet the vanilla option is.
Fairlife Chocolate Protein Shake
Another reviewer loves the chocolate shake flavor, “Great protein drink for people who don’t usually like the taste of protein shakes. The chocolate flavor really masks the protein so it feels like you’re just drinking a regular chocolate shake. 10/10 highly recommended along with the other flavors.”
Fairlife Strawberry Protein Shake
The strawberry flavor options have been given a five-star review by this Amazon reviewer, “When trying Strawberry Banana, I was taken by surprise. Often protein shakes are gritty, chalky or have a strange aftertaste.”
Fairlife Protein Shakes Cost
Prices vary based on which product line you pick up at the store:
Core Power: $3.29 per 14-ounce bottle and $39.99 per a pack of 12.
Core Power Elite: $4.29 per 14-ounce bottle and $55.99 per a pack of 12.
Fairlife Nutrition Plan: $3.37 per 11.5-ounce bottle and $39.18 per pack of 12.
Fairlife protein shakes are not only found in stores, but they can be found online through Amazon, Target and Meijer. Customers can even buy Fairlife Core Power directly from the company's website. However, it does not offer a subscription service like Amazon.
Who Should Try Fairlife Protein Shakes
Fairlife protein shakes are an excellent option for someone looking for a snack on the go that will help meet their protein goal. Not only is meeting goals important to everyone, but it is also an excellent option for someone recently post-op from Bariatric Surgery. The product's high protein and low sugar content meets this population's guidelines.
These shakes could be a good option for someone trying to lose weight because research shows that high protein can aid in weight loss. This is possible because protein is highly satiating, which helps keep you full longer. Especially pairing it with high-fiber foods will keep you full longer so you do not snack on empty calorie or sugary snacks. The protein will keep you full for longer and helps prevent the breakdown of lean muscle mass. When you lose weight on a low-calorie diet, your body will break down your muscles to produce energy. To combat this, increasing the protein in your well-balanced diet will help you preserve lean muscle and have your body break down the fat instead.
Who Should NOT Try Fairlife Protein Shakes
Even though Fairlife protein shakes provide multiple options for grams of protein, this product is not recommended for everyone. Those with dietary allergies and athletes in need of higher carbohydrates after training. If someone is intolerant or allergic to milk, this product is not recommended because it is made from milk. This is also true for vegans who prefer to avoid all animal-based products. However, with the low carbohydrate profile, this would not be an ideal option for someone doing high-intensity workouts and who may need more carbohydrates to recover post-exercise.
What Customers Are Saying About Fairlife Protein Shakes
After reviewing multiple customer reviews, many comments discuss how the Fairlife protein shakes have been a great addition to their weight loss journey. This Amazon reviewer says, “A bit pricey but worth it for losing a very large amount of weight safely.”
Another Amazon reviewer says, “I am trying to incorporate more protein in my diet and these are perfect! Packed full of protein, plus they are delicious! I’ve tried other protein drinks and they hurt my stomach, but not this one. I love the vanilla and the chocolate flavor.”
It seems to be a consensus that many reviewers are disappointed in the increase of prices for these products, “I have these on two-week repeat delivery. The price for two cases went from $70 to $91 and the next two shipments were priced to be $110!”
Even with the price increases which are being seen in all aspects of life right now, the consensus is that the flavors are delightful and the texture is not chalky. If price is not a problem for you, this would be a shake to consider trying.
About Fairlife
Fairlife
Fairlife LLC brand was established in 2012 from the partnership of two different companies. Select Milk Producers, Inc. was formed in 1994 by a group of dairy farmers. The Coca-Cola Company, one of the largest beverage companies in the world, came together to create a premium dairy brand that offered high-quality, value-added milk products. Fairlife provides multiple product options worldwide: Fairlife ultra-filtered milk, Core Power and Fairlife Nutrition Plan. Not only is Fairlife Where Food Comes from Care Certified, but it is also Animal Welfare Review Validus Certified.
Fairlife Protein Shakes vs. Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk is a famous protein supplement brand on the market. It was established in 2000 by the Pickett family, then acquired by Hormel Foods Corporation in 2014, and then recently acquired again in 2019 by Gatorade, which PepsiCo owns. Not only does Muscle Milk offer ready-to-drink protein shakes, but it also provides other high-quality protein and supplement products. All the powdered products are NSF Certified for Sport. Muscle Milk offers three different protein shake lines in powder form: Pro Series, Genuine and Zero. However, the Fairlife brand provides higher protein per serving with each line than Muscle Milk. Fairlife does not add whey protein isolates to increase its protein content, but Muscle Milk does. Muscle Milk ingredients are similar to those found in Fairlife. However, it contains soluble corn fiber and high oleic sunflower oil. Muscle Milk protein shakes do offer a higher fiber profile compared to Fairlife, plus have added vitamins and minerals. Muscle Milk has various flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry-banana, peanut butter and strawberry. Muscle Milk Pro Series (pack of 12, 14-ounce bottles) retails for $47.38 on Amazon, compared to Fairlife Core Power Elite (pack of 12, 14-ounce bottles) at $55.99.
Check out our in-depth Muscle Milk Protein Shake review for more information.
Fairlife Nutrition vs. Core Power
Fairlife offers two product lines of protein shakes: Nutrition Plan and Core Power. Core Power has two products: Core Power and Core Power Elite. Fairlife Nutrition and Core Power products differ in the nutrition facts. Fairlife Nutrition provides a product with 30 grams of protein, three grams of sugar or less and 150 calories per serving. Core Power provides a similar makeup: 26 grams of protein, five grams of sugar and 170 calories per serving. Both are very similar when comparing the nutrition facts, though the Core Power Elite blows both these products out of the water with the amount of protein per serving, 42 grams. Though it has more protein, it contains 230 calories and eight grams of sugar per serving. All options are plentiful, depending on the amount of calories compared to the protein you are looking for in a protein shake.
Related: Drinking Protein Shakes Before Bed
Fairlife Protein Shake FAQs
Where can you buy Fairlife protein shakes?
They are available in grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Costco and online retailers like Amazon.
Are Fairlife protein shakes healthy?
Fairlife may be a great addition to a well-balanced diet for someone looking to increase their protein without increasing their carbohydrate intake. However, it may not suit you based on your beliefs, dietary restrictions, or preferences. Something to keep in mind is that this product does contain artificial sweeteners that may cause gastrointestinal upset like bloating and diarrhea.
Are Fairlife protein shakes lactose-free?
Yes, because Fairlife is processed by ultrafiltration by removing most lactose. To ensure it is lactose-free, add a lactose enzyme that helps break down any remaining lactose.
How are Fairlife protein shakes so high in protein?
It comes directly from fresh milk! They process their milk through the process of ultrafiltration to concentrate the naturally occurring protein.
Can Fairlife protein shakes be a meal replacement?
The Food and Drug Administration does not officially recognize the term “Meal Replacement,” and no specific guidelines are set for the United States. However, given the macro nutrition profile, carbohydrates and fiber, it would be better to supplement a well-balanced diet.
Takeaway: Are Fairlife Protein Shakes Worth It?
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I always strive for more whole-food options. However, I like how Fairlife provides a convenient opportunity for someone looking to increase their protein intake for workout recovery with minimal additives. This product would be unsuitable for someone who is vegan or does not tolerate additives such as carrageenan and sugar alcohol. If you are considering adding a new dietary supplement, like a protein shake, it is good to discuss this with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who can help you make the best choice for you and your health journey.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
