Does Core Power Have Protein? The Full Nutritional Breakdown

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Made from ultra-filtered milk, a single bottle of Core Power can pack up to 42 grams of high-quality, complete protein. The answer to "does Core Power have protein?" is a definitive yes, with its protein content being a key feature of the product designed for active individuals seeking to refuel and recover effectively after a workout.

Quick Summary

Core Power shakes feature high-quality protein from ultra-filtered milk, with standard versions offering 26g and Elite versions providing 42g per bottle. This complete protein source, including both whey and casein, is designed to support muscle recovery and rebuilding after exercise. The product is also lactose-free and a convenient, ready-to-drink option.

Key Points

High-Quality Milk Protein: Core Power sources its protein directly from ultra-filtered, real milk, containing both fast-absorbing whey and slow-digesting casein for comprehensive muscle recovery.
Variable Protein Content: Core Power is available in two main versions: a standard shake with 26g of complete protein and an Elite shake with 42g for higher protein needs.
Lactose-Free: The ultra-filtration process removes lactose, making Core Power an excellent option for individuals with lactose sensitivity.
Complete Amino Acid Profile: The milk-based protein provides all nine essential amino acids required for optimal muscle repair and growth.
Convenient Recovery Solution: Core Power shakes are ready-to-drink and shelf-stable, offering a quick and easy way to refuel immediately after a workout.
Minimal Added Protein Powders: The unique filtration method concentrates natural milk protein rather than relying on added protein powders or isolates.

Core Power: The Science Behind its Protein Content

Core Power is a popular ready-to-drink protein shake, but its protein source and quantity are often misunderstood. The core of its protein content comes directly from ultra-filtered, real milk, not from added protein powders. This unique process concentrates the naturally occurring milk proteins, resulting in a product with a much higher protein-to-sugar ratio than regular milk. This makes it an ideal option for post-workout recovery or as a protein-rich snack.

The ultra-filtration process concentrates the two primary types of protein found in milk: whey and casein. Whey is known for its rapid absorption, making it beneficial for immediate post-exercise muscle repair, while casein is a slower-digesting protein that provides a sustained release of amino acids to the muscles over a longer period. This balanced profile of fast and slow-acting proteins is a significant advantage for promoting muscle recovery and growth over time.

How Much Protein is in Core Power?

Core Power offers different product lines with varying protein levels to suit different needs. The standard Core Power shakes typically provide 26 grams of complete protein per 14-ounce bottle. For those with higher protein requirements, such as serious athletes or bodybuilders, the Core Power Elite series contains an impressive 42 grams of complete protein per serving. This variety allows consumers to choose a product that aligns with their specific fitness goals and nutritional needs.

Standard Core Power Shakes: 26 grams of protein per 14 fl oz bottle.
Core Power Elite Shakes: 42 grams of protein per 14 fl oz bottle.
Fairlife Nutrition Plan: A related product from the same parent company, Fairlife, offers 30 grams of protein, often with fewer calories than standard Core Power.

Protein Quality and Digestibility

The protein in Core Power is high-quality and includes all nine essential amino acids necessary for the body. Essential amino acids are crucial because the body cannot produce them on its own and must obtain them from food. Core Power’s source—ultra-filtered milk—ensures a complete amino acid profile, which is highly beneficial for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue after strenuous exercise. Furthermore, the shakes are lactose-free, thanks to the use of a lactase enzyme during production, making them suitable for most people with lactose sensitivities.

Core Power vs. Competitors: A Nutritional Comparison

When considering a protein drink, it's helpful to compare Core Power to other popular options. The table below highlights some key differences in protein source, quantity, and other nutritional factors.


Feature	Core Power	Fairlife Nutrition Plan	OWYN Vegan Protein Shake	Muscle Milk	Orgain Protein Shake (Vegan)
Protein Source	Ultra-filtered milk (Whey & Casein)	Ultra-filtered milk (Whey & Casein)	Pea, pumpkin seed, flax oil	Milk protein isolate, calcium caseinate	Pea protein, brown rice protein, chia seeds
Protein per Serving	26g or 42g (Elite)	30g	20g	25g	16g
Carbohydrates	Varies, can be low sugar	8g (can vary)	4g added sugar	Varies by product	Varies, some have added sugar
Lactose-Free?	Yes	Yes	Yes	No, contains lactose	Yes
Key Benefit	High-quality complete protein for recovery	Balanced macros for everyday nutrition	Plant-based, allergen-friendly	High protein with added vitamins/minerals	Vegan, organic, nutrient-fortified

How to Incorporate Core Power into Your Routine

Core Power is best known as a post-workout recovery drink, and for good reason. The combination of high-quality protein and carbohydrates helps replenish glycogen stores and repair muscle tissue, speeding up the recovery process. However, it can also be used as a convenient way to increase protein intake at other times of the day. Some people use it as a meal replacement, though for a full meal, it's best paired with other whole foods to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.

Post-Workout Fuel: The high protein content and essential amino acids support muscle repair and rebuilding after exercise.
Nutrient-Rich Snack: It can be consumed anytime for a boost of protein, making it ideal for busy professionals or students.
Meal Supplement: While it can serve as a meal replacement, particularly the higher-protein Elite version, pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods is recommended for a complete meal.
On-the-Go Convenience: Its ready-to-drink, shelf-stable nature (until opened) makes it a portable option for fueling up anywhere.

Conclusion

To answer the question, does Core Power have protein?—yes, in a significant and high-quality amount. The product uses ultra-filtered milk to concentrate the naturally occurring whey and casein proteins, offering a complete amino acid profile for muscle recovery and growth. Available in both standard (26g) and Elite (42g) versions, it provides athletes and active individuals with a convenient, lactose-free, and delicious way to increase their protein intake. While it shines as a post-workout recovery drink, its versatility allows for flexible integration into any diet, proving its value in the competitive protein shake market.

For more detailed nutritional information, always consult the official product website or check the label of the specific Core Power product you are interested in. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on calories, sugar, and other ingredients.

Authoritative Link

For more information on the benefits of protein for muscle synthesis and recovery, visit this resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723380/

Note: While Core Power is generally healthy, it contains sweeteners and thickeners. Individuals should consider their specific dietary needs and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Final Thoughts on Core Power Protein

Core Power's appeal lies in its real-milk base and its powerful recovery potential, driven by a balanced whey and casein protein blend. The ultra-filtration process is a key differentiator, concentrating nutrients without relying on added protein powders. As with any nutritional product, understanding your personal fitness goals and dietary sensitivities is important for making the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of protein depends on the specific product. Standard Core Power shakes contain 26g of protein per bottle, while the Core Power Elite version offers 42g of protein per bottle.

The protein in Core Power is derived from ultra-filtered milk. It contains a blend of two complete milk proteins: fast-absorbing whey and slow-digesting casein, providing a sustained release of amino acids.

No, Core Power is not vegan or dairy-free. Its protein comes from real, ultra-filtered cow's milk. While it is lactose-free due to the addition of a lactase enzyme, it still contains milk protein and is not suitable for those with milk allergies.

Yes, Core Power is different from regular Fairlife milk. Core Power is a protein shake specifically formulated for post-workout recovery with higher protein and added electrolytes, while standard Fairlife milk is an ultra-filtered milk product with a higher protein and lower sugar content than conventional milk.

No, Core Power does not contain added protein powders or concentrates. All the protein in Core Power is naturally concentrated from the ultra-filtered milk used as its base.

Yes, Core Power is beneficial for muscle building. The high-quality, complete protein, including whey and casein, provides the essential amino acids needed to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, especially when consumed after a workout.

Yes, Core Power is made using a lactase enzyme that removes the lactose from the milk, making it a suitable option for many people with lactose intolerance. However, those with milk protein allergies should still avoid it.