Decoding the Nutrition Diet: Does Core Power Have Caffeine?

October 20, 2025 •

4 min read

While many protein shakes are free of stimulants, whether a Core Power shake contains caffeine depends entirely on the flavor. Specifically, the Core Power Coffee variety includes 85mg of caffeine per bottle, whereas the brand’s other Original and Elite shakes are caffeine-free. This critical distinction is essential for anyone monitoring their stimulant intake.

Quick Summary

Core Power's coffee-flavored protein shake contains 85mg of caffeine per serving, while the other Original and Elite flavors are non-caffeinated. The specific ingredients, including caffeine content, depend on the flavor variant, making it important to check the label for details relevant to dietary needs.

Key Points

Core Power Caffeine Content: Only the Core Power Coffee flavor contains caffeine (85mg per bottle), whereas all other Original and Elite flavors are caffeine-free.
Check the Label: To avoid caffeine, always read the nutrition label before purchasing any Core Power product.
Caffeine for Performance: The caffeinated option is best for pre-workout or morning boosts, aiding focus and endurance.
Caffeine-Free for Recovery: The non-caffeinated flavors are ideal for pure post-workout muscle recovery, especially for evening workouts or those with caffeine sensitivity.
Not all Protein is the Same: The energy from protein is sustained and comes from its amino acids, while caffeine provides a stimulating effect.
Lactose-Free Formula: All Core Power shakes are made from ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, making them suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, a post-workout recovery drink can be a cornerstone of a healthy nutrition diet. Core Power, made with ultra-filtered milk by Fairlife, has gained popularity for its high-quality protein and lactose-free formula. However, a common question arises: Does Core Power have caffeine? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific flavor you choose. For optimal results in your training, understanding the differences between Core Power's various offerings is key.

What is Core Power and Its Place in a Nutrition Diet?

Core Power is a line of ready-to-drink protein shakes designed to help refuel, rehydrate, and rebuild muscles after exercise. All Core Power products are made from ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, which concentrates the natural protein (casein and whey) without adding protein powders. This process results in a higher protein content and fewer sugars compared to regular milk. The shakes are a convenient source of high-quality complete protein and essential amino acids, making them a popular choice for post-workout recovery or as a nutritious snack.

Benefits of Core Power for Muscle Recovery

High-Quality Protein: Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, especially after a workout. Core Power delivers a significant dose of protein per serving (26g for Original, 42g for Elite).
Complete Amino Acids: The shakes contain all nine essential amino acids, providing the building blocks your body needs.
Electrolytes: Core Power includes electrolytes to help with rehydration post-exercise.
Lactose-Free: The ultra-filtered process removes lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Does Core Power Have Caffeine? A Flavor-by-Flavor Breakdown

To know for certain, you must check the nutritional label for the specific Core Power flavor. The brand's products are divided into two main lines, Original (26g protein) and Elite (42g protein), each with different flavors. The key distinction for caffeine content is the presence of coffee extract.

The Caffeinated Core Power: Coffee Flavor

Core Power Coffee (Original): This flavor contains 85mg of caffeine per 11.5oz bottle. It is formulated for those who want both the protein for recovery and a stimulant boost. This is a crucial detail for consumers who are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to avoid it, especially if consuming the shake later in the day.

The Non-Caffeinated Core Power Options

Core Power Original (Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana, Strawberry Banana): These flavors are caffeine-free. They provide high-quality protein for recovery without the stimulant effect. The ingredient lists for these products do not include any coffee or caffeine sources.
Core Power Elite (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry): The higher-protein Elite line is also caffeine-free. This makes it an ideal choice for intense post-workout recovery sessions, regardless of the time of day, particularly for those who prefer to avoid stimulants.

Caffeinated vs. Non-Caffeinated Protein Drinks: A Comparison


Feature	Caffeinated Protein Shake (e.g., Core Power Coffee)	Non-Caffeinated Protein Shake (e.g., Core Power Elite)
Purpose	Recovery and pre-workout energy boost	Pure post-workout recovery
Energy Source	Protein (sustained) and Caffeine (stimulating)	Protein (sustained)
Key Benefit	Improved alertness, focus, and endurance	Muscle repair and recovery without stimulants
Best For	Morning workouts or a mid-day pick-me-up	Evening workouts or those sensitive to caffeine
Considerations	Not ideal late in the day; can cause jitters	Suitable for anytime of day; no stimulant effects

Making the Right Choice for Your Fitness Goals

Deciding between a caffeinated and non-caffeinated Core Power depends on your individual needs and the timing of your workout. Athletes who train early in the morning might prefer the added boost from the coffee-flavored shake, leveraging caffeine's ability to enhance performance and focus. For athletes sensitive to stimulants or those who work out in the evening, the non-caffeinated options are the safer and more appropriate choice. Moreover, a personal nutrition plan may require strict control over caffeine intake, making the non-caffeinated options the default choice. Always consider how caffeine fits into your broader nutrition and health goals. For a deeper dive into the science behind sports nutrition and performance enhancement, consider resources from reputable organizations like Sports Dietitians Australia.

Conclusion: The Importance of Reading the Label

The short answer to the question "Does Core Power have caffeine?" is that it depends entirely on the flavor. The brand's coffee-flavored shake contains a notable amount of caffeine, while all other flavors in the Original and Elite lines are caffeine-free. This simple fact underscores the importance of reading product labels carefully. By doing so, you can ensure that the protein shake you choose aligns perfectly with your diet, energy needs, and overall fitness strategy, helping you maximize recovery and performance without any unwanted stimulant side effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only the Core Power Coffee flavored protein shake contains caffeine. All other flavors, including the Vanilla, Chocolate, Banana, and Strawberry Banana varieties in the Original and Elite lines, are caffeine-free.

The Core Power Coffee protein shake contains 85mg of caffeine per 11.5oz bottle.

Yes, all Core Power Elite protein shakes, which contain 42g of protein, are caffeine-free. This includes the Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry Elite flavors.

Yes, you can drink the non-caffeinated Core Power shakes at night without worrying about stimulants affecting your sleep. The Coffee flavor, however, should be avoided later in the day due to its caffeine content.

Combining caffeine and protein provides both an immediate stimulating effect from the caffeine and a sustained energy source from the protein. It can improve athletic performance and focus, but may not be suitable for everyone due to caffeine sensitivity.

No, Core Power shakes differ in their protein content (Original has 26g, Elite has 42g) and in their caffeine content (only the Coffee flavor is caffeinated). Always read the label for specifics on nutrition and ingredients.

The key ingredients in Core Power are ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, which provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids. Specific flavors also include natural flavors and other ingredients like cocoa powder or coffee extract.