Are Fairlife Protein Shakes Gluten-Free? A Complete Guide

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the official Fairlife website, all of their products, including the Core Power and Nutrition Plan protein shakes, are gluten-free. However, the company has updated its formulas in the past, causing some confusion and concern among gluten-sensitive consumers about certain ingredients like oat fiber.

Quick Summary

Fairlife officially states that its protein shakes are gluten-free, but previous formulations included questionable ingredients. It is essential for consumers, especially those with celiac disease, to read the most current packaging labels carefully.

Key Points

Official Gluten-Free Status: Fairlife officially states that all of its products, including protein shakes, are gluten-free, and most product labels reflect this.
Past Formulation Changes: Previous versions of the Fairlife Nutrition Plan included ingredients like oat fiber, which caused concerns for individuals with Celiac disease.
Always Check the Label: Because formulas can change, it is essential for gluten-sensitive consumers to read the ingredient list and gluten-free claims on the specific product packaging they intend to buy.
Distinguish Product Lines: Some flavors, like an older 'Cookies & Cream' version, were not confirmed gluten-free and historically contained gluten risks; check labels for Core Power and Nutrition Plan specifically.
Celiac Vigilance: Individuals with Celiac disease should be vigilant due to past formula changes and the lack of official 'Certified Gluten-Free' status on all products, which would indicate stricter cross-contamination controls.

Fairlife's Official Gluten-Free Stance

Fairlife, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, produces several product lines, including ultra-filtered milk and various protein shakes. The company provides a definitive answer on its website's frequently asked questions page: "Yes, all fairlife products are gluten-free". This statement applies to their popular protein shake products, such as Core Power and fairlife Nutrition Plan, which are fueled by ultra-filtered milk, a naturally gluten-free product. The ultra-filtration process concentrates milk's natural protein and calcium while reducing natural sugars, and does not involve any gluten-containing grains.

The History of Fairlife's Recipe Changes

While the company's current and official stance is clear, previous changes to product ingredients have led to confusion and concern within the gluten-sensitive community. In December 2022, posts on Reddit and other forums highlighted a change in the fairlife Nutrition Plan formula, where oat fiber was added. For individuals with Celiac disease, oats can pose a significant risk if they are not certified gluten-free, due to potential cross-contamination with wheat, barley, or rye. Although Fairlife's website currently lists ingredients for its products, it is crucial for consumers to be aware that historical formulations may have differed. This history is the primary reason why many with severe gluten sensitivities feel the need to remain cautious and check every new batch of product they purchase.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

For those with Celiac disease or a high level of gluten sensitivity, the risk of cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities is a major concern. Even if a product is not made with gluten-containing ingredients, shared equipment can lead to trace amounts of gluten finding their way into the final product. While Fairlife claims their products are gluten-free, some online discussions mention the lack of an official 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, which requires meeting stricter third-party standards (e.g., less than 10 or 5 parts per million of gluten).

What to Look For on the Label

Reading the product label is the single most important step for anyone managing a gluten-free diet. When examining a Fairlife protein shake, look for these specific details:

Gluten-Free Claim: Check for a "gluten-free" statement clearly printed on the packaging. The presence of this claim indicates the product currently meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) standard of containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Ingredient List: Scrutinize the ingredient list for any potential sources of gluten, such as wheat, barley, rye, or non-certified oats. Current ingredient lists for Core Power and Nutrition Plan do not show these components.
Warning Statements: Note any disclaimers regarding potential cross-contamination. Fairlife products have not been found to carry these warnings, but it's always good practice to check.
Version and Flavor: Be aware that different flavors or product lines (e.g., Core Power vs. Nutrition Plan) may have different formulas. For example, some users specifically noted the issue with oat fiber in the Nutrition Plan's past formulations, not the Core Power line.

Fairlife Products Comparison for Gluten-Sensitive Consumers


Product Line	Official Gluten-Free Status	Key Ingredients	Celiac/Sensitive Considerations
Core Power Protein Shakes	Yes, stated on website and label.	Ultra-filtered milk, natural flavors, sweeteners. No gluten ingredients listed.	Considered safe by many Celiacs; some watch for any potential formula changes.
Fairlife Nutrition Plan	Yes, stated on website and label.	Ultra-filtered milk, cocoa (for chocolate), flavors, sweeteners. No gluten ingredients listed.	Has a history of containing potentially risky oat fiber in older versions; check current label carefully.
Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk	Yes, stated on website.	Ultra-filtered milk, lactase enzyme, vitamins. No gluten ingredients.	Very low risk; main base is dairy, naturally gluten-free.
Fairlife 'Cookies & Cream' Flavor	Not currently labeled GF.	Historically contained oat flour, a known gluten risk if not certified.	Caution is warranted. Avoid this specific flavor if you have gluten sensitivities, as some older versions were problematic.

Conclusion

Based on the latest information from Fairlife's official website and current product labels, Fairlife protein shakes are indeed gluten-free. This includes both the Core Power and fairlife Nutrition Plan product lines. However, due to past formula changes that included potentially problematic ingredients like oat fiber, consumers with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities are advised to exercise caution. It is crucial to read the ingredient list and look for a clear "gluten-free" label on the specific product and flavor you are purchasing, as formulas can change without significant fanfare. If you have extreme sensitivities, consulting the manufacturer directly or choosing a product with 'Certified Gluten-Free' status is the safest approach.

For more information on Fairlife products, visit the official Fairlife website. Fairlife.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Fairlife's official website states that all of its products, including the protein shakes, are gluten-free.

Based on Fairlife's official statements and labeling, their current protein shakes are gluten-free. However, due to a history of formula changes and the absence of a "Certified Gluten-Free" label on some products, highly sensitive individuals with Celiac disease should always verify the ingredient list on the specific bottle before consumption.

Yes, at one point, some older formulations of the fairlife Nutrition Plan reportedly contained oat fiber, which can pose a risk for Celiac individuals if not from a certified gluten-free source.

Yes, Core Power protein shakes are labeled gluten-free by Fairlife and are generally considered safe for those avoiding gluten based on current formulations.

The most reliable way is to read the ingredient list and look for a "gluten-free" label directly on the product's packaging. You can also visit the official Fairlife website for the most up-to-date product information.

Some online user reports indicate older versions of this flavor contained oat flour and were not labeled gluten-free. It is best to avoid this specific flavor if you have a gluten sensitivity, or to check the most current label with extreme caution.

The concern stems from past, unannounced ingredient changes, such as the inclusion of oat fiber, which created distrust among some consumers with severe gluten sensitivities and Celiac disease.