Does Core Power Have Casein Protein? A Deep Dive into the Milk-Based Formula

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While many protein shakes use isolated protein powders, Core Power stands out by deriving its protein directly from ultra-filtered milk. This unique process means that Core Power does in fact have casein protein, along with whey, in the same ratio naturally found in milk.

Quick Summary

Core Power shakes contain both casein and whey protein from ultra-filtered milk, providing a natural blend for sustained muscle nourishment and quick recovery.

Key Points

Contains Casein: Core Power does contain casein protein, as it is naturally present in its ultra-filtered milk base.
Natural Milk Ratio: The protein in Core Power maintains the natural 80% casein and 20% whey ratio found in milk.
Dual-Action Recovery: The combination of slow-digesting casein and fast-absorbing whey provides both immediate and sustained muscle nourishment.
No Added Powders: Core Power's protein is concentrated through filtration and does not come from added protein powders or concentrates.
Ultra-Filtered Milk: The shakes are made using Fairlife's ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, which removes most sugars and concentrates the protein.
Versatile for Recovery: The blended protein source makes Core Power effective for immediate post-workout recovery as well as sustained muscle support.
Ingredient Awareness: Consumers should be aware that some formulations contain both natural and artificial sweeteners, as well as stabilizers like carrageenan.

The Ultra-Filtration Process: Concentrating Natural Milk Protein

Core Power protein shakes are produced by Fairlife, a company known for its proprietary ultra-filtration process. This method is a key differentiator from many other protein shakes on the market. Instead of adding isolated protein powders, Fairlife starts with real milk and filters it through a series of membranes. This process separates the milk components by molecular size, allowing smaller molecules like lactose and water to pass through while concentrating the larger protein molecules and calcium. The result is a richer, more concentrated milk base with higher protein content and less sugar than standard milk, but without the addition of separate powders.

The Core Power Protein Ratio: Casein and Whey

Natural milk is composed of approximately 80% casein and 20% whey protein. Because Core Power is made from concentrated, ultra-filtered milk rather than added isolates, it retains this natural ratio. This blend offers distinct advantages for muscle recovery and overall nutrition:

Casein: Known as a slow-digesting or "time-release" protein, casein forms a gel-like mass in the stomach during digestion. This allows for a prolonged, steady release of amino acids into the bloodstream over several hours. This sustained delivery is excellent for preventing muscle breakdown, especially during periods like sleep or extended fasting between meals.
Whey: In contrast, whey protein is rapidly digested and absorbed by the body. Its fast action makes it highly effective for triggering muscle protein synthesis immediately after a workout, when muscles are ready to repair and rebuild.

This combination of fast- and slow-digesting proteins provides a comprehensive and prolonged amino acid supply for muscle maintenance and growth.

The Benefits of a Blended Protein Source

Combining fast and slow proteins is often considered a superior strategy for recovery compared to consuming a single source. A single-source shake, like one made purely from whey isolate, provides an initial spike of amino acids but may not sustain muscle nourishment for long. Core Power's inherent 80/20 casein-to-whey ratio delivers a synergistic effect that offers the best of both worlds: the immediate anabolic kick from whey and the long-term, anti-catabolic protection from casein. This makes it a versatile choice for post-workout fuel or for a protein boost anytime throughout the day. The ultra-filtered milk process also ensures that the shake provides all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle synthesis.

Core Power's Milk Protein vs. Isolated Protein Powders


Feature	Core Power (Ultra-Filtered Milk Protein)	Typical Protein Powder (Isolate/Concentrate)
Protein Source	Natural milk protein, concentrated from ultra-filtered milk.	Extracted and isolated proteins (whey or casein) mixed with water.
Protein Type	Natural blend of 80% casein and 20% whey.	Can be 100% whey, 100% casein, or a specific blend.
Digestion Speed	Dual-phase (fast and slow) release for sustained muscle support.	Single-phase (fast for whey, slow for casein) release.
Taste & Texture	Creamy, smooth taste derived naturally from milk.	Can have a chalky or artificial taste depending on the brand and sweeteners.
Processing	Gentle ultra-filtration to concentrate natural protein.	More extensive processing to create isolated powders.
Additional Ingredients	Sweeteners, natural flavors, stabilizers (carrageenan).	Varies widely by brand; may include artificial flavors, sweeteners, and fillers.
Nutritional Profile	Reflects concentrated milk profile, including calcium and electrolytes.	Focused on protein, with other nutrients depending on fortification.

What This Means for Your Recovery

Understanding that Core Power contains casein is crucial for those focused on their fitness and recovery strategy. The sustained release of amino acids from the casein component makes it particularly beneficial for promoting muscle repair and growth over a longer duration. This is especially useful for overnight recovery or maintaining muscle mass during calorie restriction. For those with a post-workout timing preference, the whey component provides the immediate boost needed right after exercise. This dual-action mechanism is a significant selling point, providing a more complete approach to muscle nourishment than a single-source protein shake. It helps prevent catabolism and keeps your body in an anabolic (muscle-building) state for a longer period.

Beyond the Protein: What Else is in Core Power?

While the protein source is a major component, it's also important to consider the other ingredients in Core Power. The product often contains various sweeteners and stabilizers. Ingredients like sucralose and acesulfame potassium provide sweetness without adding extra sugar, while others like carrageenan and cellulose gel are used to improve the texture and consistency. Some consumers may prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners or thickeners, so checking the ingredient list is always recommended. However, Core Power also utilizes natural sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia leaf extract. The presence of lactase enzyme ensures it is lactose-free, making it accessible to those with lactose intolerance. For more detailed product information, you can always check the fairlife website.

Conclusion

Yes, Core Power absolutely has casein protein. It's an integral part of its formula, derived naturally from the ultra-filtered milk that is the foundation of the shakes. By leveraging Fairlife's unique filtration technology, Core Power concentrates the protein naturally present in milk, resulting in a formula that contains both fast-acting whey (20%) and slow-digesting casein (80%). This blend provides a complete and sustained source of amino acids for comprehensive muscle recovery. Unlike many products that rely on added protein powders, Core Power offers a naturally occurring blend that can be beneficial for athletes and anyone looking to increase their protein intake, offering both immediate post-workout support and long-term muscle nourishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein source in Core Power shakes is ultra-filtered milk, produced by Fairlife. The filtration process removes some of the water and lactose while concentrating the natural milk proteins.

Yes, Core Power contains both casein and whey protein, as these are the two main types of protein naturally found in milk. The shakes retain the natural milk protein ratio of approximately 80% casein to 20% whey.

No, the protein in Core Power is not added as a separate powder or concentrate. The casein and whey are naturally occurring in the milk and are simply concentrated through Fairlife's ultra-filtration process.

The combination provides both quick and long-lasting muscle nourishment. Whey is rapidly absorbed for immediate post-workout repair, while slow-digesting casein provides a sustained release of amino acids for prolonged recovery and reduced muscle breakdown.

Yes, Core Power is lactose-free. The ultra-filtration process, along with the addition of a lactase enzyme, removes the lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Core Power is different because its protein comes from ultra-filtered milk, not from added protein powders. This results in a naturally balanced blend of casein and whey, a smoother texture, and higher levels of calcium and electrolytes.

Yes, some Core Power formulations contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium in addition to natural sweeteners such as monk fruit and stevia leaf extract. Consumers should check the ingredient list for specific product details.

Core Power is effective for post-workout recovery due to its balanced blend of fast-absorbing whey and slow-digesting casein. However, it can also be enjoyed anytime for a protein boost, especially to help curb hunger or as a meal replacement.