Are there still microplastics in fairlife?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

In a viral 2024 study, Consumer Reports found that Fairlife's Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake contained high levels of plastic chemicals called phthalates, sparking concerns over whether there are still microplastics in fairlife. These findings brought attention to the widespread issue of plasticizers in food and the potential health risks they pose.

Quick Summary

A 2024 Consumer Reports study revealed high levels of phthalates, a type of plastic chemical, in some Fairlife products, notably the Core Power shake. While the study focused on plasticizers, it reignited public concern about microplastics and contamination from plastic packaging. The company has not publicly responded to the test results, leaving consumers to weigh the risks of food contamination.

Key Points

2024 Test Findings: A Consumer Reports study in 2024 found high levels of phthalates, a plasticizer, in Fairlife's Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake.
Phthalates vs. Microplastics: While the study measured chemical plasticizers (phthalates), not solid microplastic particles, both indicate plastic contamination, possibly from manufacturing or packaging.
Fairlife's Non-Response: Following the report, Consumer Reports sent a letter to Fairlife urging action, but the company has not publicly commented on the test results.
Widespread Issue: Fairlife was not the only product with high levels of plasticizers; the study highlighted a widespread food industry problem related to plastic contact.
Potential Sources: The contamination could originate from Fairlife's ultra-filtration process equipment, plastic packaging (particularly opaque bottles), or other parts of the supply chain.
Health Concerns: Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular problems.
Consumer Action: Consumers can limit exposure by opting for less processed foods, using non-plastic containers, and reducing fast-food intake.

Fairlife's 2024 Contamination Controversy

In early 2024, a Consumer Reports (CR) study tested 85 foods for plasticizers like bisphenols (BPA) and phthalates. The study found high levels of phthalates in several foods, including Fairlife's Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake. The chocolate shake contained nearly 25,000 nanograms of plastic chemicals per serving.

Following the results, CR asked Fairlife to investigate and reduce the plasticizer levels, but Fairlife has not publicly responded. Phthalates are chemicals added to plastics for flexibility and durability and are not the same as microplastics, but their presence indicates contamination from plastic processing or packaging. The study highlights the broad issue of plastic chemicals in food.

What are phthalates and what are the health risks?

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and are known endocrine disruptors. They can interfere with hormones and have been linked to health issues, even at low levels, including reproductive problems, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular risks, and developmental issues.

Potential sources of contamination

The exact source of plasticizer contamination in Fairlife products is unknown. Potential sources could include the brand's ultra-filtration process equipment or the plastic packaging, particularly opaque PET bottles. Contamination could also occur during transportation or ingredient processing.

Comparison: Fairlife Core Power vs. Other Foods in 2024 CR Study

Fairlife's Core Power had high phthalate levels in the CR study, but other foods were also contaminated.


Product	Type of Contaminant	Estimated Nanograms per Serving	Source/Packaging	Notes
Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake	Phthalates	~25,000	Opaque plastic bottle	Among the highest levels found.
Wendy's Chicken Nuggets	Phthalates	~34,000	Cardboard container	Highest reported levels in the study.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito	Phthalates	~20,000	Aluminum foil wrap	Levels comparable to Fairlife's product.
Other Bottled Beverages	Phthalates/Microplastics	Varies	Plastic bottle	Pre-assembled drinks tend to have higher levels.

Industry-wide issue

Plasticizer and microplastic contamination is a problem across the food industry due to the widespread use of plastic in packaging and processing. Groups like Consumer Reports advocate for stricter regulations from the FDA, as current standards may not adequately address the health risks of these chemicals.

What can consumers do?

While completely avoiding plasticizer and microplastic exposure is difficult, consumers can reduce it by choosing fresh foods over processed ones, using non-plastic containers for storage and reheating, limiting fast food, filtering tap water, and supporting companies with alternative packaging.

Conclusion: Ongoing uncertainty

A 2024 Consumer Reports study confirmed the presence of high levels of plasticizers, specifically phthalates, in Fairlife's Core Power protein shakes. Although the study focused on chemical additives rather than microplastic particles, the findings indicate broader plastic-related contamination. Fairlife has not publicly addressed the issue or identified the source of contamination, leaving consumers concerned about the 2024 test results. This problem extends beyond Fairlife, highlighting a systemic issue with plastic chemicals in the food supply and the need for greater regulation. Consumer awareness and informed choices remain important in the absence of federal action.

Consumer Reports provides more detail on the original 2024 study on its advocacy website.

Note: This article is based on available public information, including the 2024 Consumer Reports study and subsequent news reports. The term 'microplastics' is used here in a general sense, while the specific contaminants found were phthalates. Both are related to plastic contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 2024 Consumer Reports study found high levels of plasticizers called phthalates, not specifically solid microplastic particles, in Fairlife's Core Power protein shakes. The presence of these chemicals indicates plastic contamination in the product.

Phthalates are chemical additives used to make plastics more flexible, while microplastics are tiny solid plastic particles. The 2024 study measured phthalates, but their presence points to contamination from plastic materials.

The Consumer Reports study specifically called out Fairlife's Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake for having some of the highest levels of phthalates among tested products.

As of late 2024 and into 2025, Fairlife has not publicly responded to the Consumer Reports study or the letter sent by the advocacy group.

The 2024 study specifically tested the Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake. While the findings don't apply to all Fairlife products, they do raise broader questions about contamination in their manufacturing and packaging processes.

Plasticizers can contaminate food through several means, including contact with manufacturing equipment, such as filtration membranes, or leaching from the plastic packaging itself.

Eliminating all exposure to plastic chemicals and microplastics is nearly impossible due to their prevalence. However, consumers can significantly reduce their intake by making informed food choices, minimizing processed foods, and using non-plastic containers.