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Does Fairlife Core Power Contain Lactose? A Detailed Look

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 68% of the world's population has some form of lactose malabsorption. This is why the question 'Does Fairlife Core Power contain lactose?' is so common, and the answer is a resounding no, making it a viable option for many athletes and individuals with lactose sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Fairlife Core Power is a protein shake made from ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk. The proprietary filtration process removes most of the naturally occurring lactose, and a lactase enzyme is added to convert any remaining sugar, ensuring it is completely lactose-free and easy to digest.

Key Points

  • Lactose-Free Guarantee: Fairlife Core Power is made using an ultra-filtration process that removes nearly all lactose, with an added lactase enzyme to ensure it is completely lactose-free.

  • Advanced Filtration: The ultra-filtration technique separates milk into its core components and concentrates protein and calcium while filtering out lactose and some sugars.

  • No Added Protein Powder: The high protein content in Core Power comes entirely from the ultra-filtered milk, with no added protein powders.

  • Digestive Comfort: The lack of lactose makes Core Power an ideal protein supplement for athletes and individuals with lactose intolerance who want to avoid digestive distress.

  • Enhanced Nutrition: The filtration process provides a richer nutritional profile, including more protein and less sugar compared to regular milk.

  • Complete Amino Acid Profile: As a dairy-based product, Core Power provides all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle recovery.

  • High-Quality Sourcing: Fairlife begins with milk sourced from farms that adhere to strict standards for animal welfare and quality, which contributes to the final product.

In This Article

Fairlife's Ultra-Filtration Process

Fairlife's innovative approach to dairy processing is the key to creating a lactose-free product. The process begins with fresh, high-quality milk sourced from dairy farms with a strong emphasis on animal welfare and quality standards. The milk is then subjected to a series of filtration steps that effectively separate the milk into its core components: water, protein, butterfat, vitamins, minerals, and lactose.

Unlike traditional milk processing, which primarily involves pasteurization, Fairlife uses a proprietary cold-filtration process. This advanced membrane filtration technique isolates the different milk components based on their molecular weight. The process removes much of the water and most of the lactose, concentrating the valuable components like protein and calcium.

To ensure every product is truly lactose-free, a lactase enzyme is introduced during the process. This enzyme breaks down any remaining lactose molecules into more easily digestible simple sugars, glucose and galactose. The result is milk that retains the protein, nutrients, and creamy taste of regular milk but is completely free of lactose. This innovative process allows Fairlife to offer a high-quality, high-protein milk that is gentle on the digestive system for those with lactose sensitivity.

What Makes Core Power a Lactose-Free Choice?

For individuals with lactose intolerance, consuming standard dairy products can cause significant digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Fairlife Core Power addresses this concern directly by utilizing this ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk as its base. The entire Core Power line, including the Elite varieties, is explicitly marked and marketed as lactose-free, providing peace of mind to consumers with sensitivities.

Comparison of Fairlife Core Power vs. Standard Dairy Protein Shakes

Feature Fairlife Core Power Standard Dairy-Based Protein Shakes
Lactose Content Lactose-free (via ultra-filtration and lactase enzyme) Contains lactose naturally present in milk, unless otherwise specified.
Protein Source High-quality complete protein from ultra-filtered milk, not powders Can use various protein sources, including whey or casein concentrates, which may contain lactose.
Protein Quantity Concentrated protein, often 50% more than regular milk Varies widely by brand and product type.
Sugar Content Significantly lower in sugar than regular milk Can be high in added sugars, especially flavored versions.
Digestibility Highly digestible for those with lactose intolerance Often causes digestive issues for lactose-sensitive individuals.
Texture Smooth and creamy, without the chalky feel of some protein powders Texture and taste can vary, sometimes gritty or chalky.

Benefits Beyond Being Lactose-Free

Beyond its appeal to those with lactose intolerance, Fairlife Core Power offers several other nutritional benefits. Because of the ultra-filtration process, the milk solids are more concentrated. This gives Core Power shakes more protein and calcium per serving compared to regular milk, while also reducing the overall sugar content. This enhanced nutritional profile makes it an attractive post-workout recovery drink for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The company also prides itself on not adding any protein powders to its products, relying solely on the naturally occurring proteins found in milk.

For Lactose Intolerant Athletes

Athletes who are lactose intolerant often face challenges finding a convenient and effective post-workout protein source. While many turn to plant-based protein or whey protein isolate, Core Power provides a valuable dairy-based alternative. This allows them to benefit from milk's complete amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids, without the fear of digestive issues. Its high protein content supports muscle recovery, and the inclusion of electrolytes in many varieties further aids rehydration after a strenuous workout.

Conclusion: A Clear Answer for Health-Conscious Consumers

In conclusion, if you are asking, "Does Fairlife Core Power contain lactose?" the definitive answer is no. Fairlife’s proprietary ultra-filtration and enzymatic process removes the lactose, making it completely safe for those with lactose intolerance. This innovative production method not only eliminates the sugar that causes discomfort but also concentrates the beneficial protein and calcium naturally found in milk. This makes Core Power a superior nutritional choice for those seeking a high-quality, lactose-free protein shake for muscle recovery or as a healthy, satisfying beverage. For anyone navigating a lactose-sensitive diet while maintaining an active lifestyle, Core Power offers a delicious and effective solution without compromise.

For more information on Fairlife's processing and nutritional benefits, you can refer to their official FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Fairlife Core Power is completely safe for individuals with lactose intolerance. The proprietary ultra-filtration process and added lactase enzyme ensure all lactose has been removed.

The lactose is removed through a two-step process. First, ultra-filtration separates the milk into its components, removing most of the lactose. Then, a lactase enzyme is added to break down any trace amounts that remain.

Core Power is made from real dairy milk that has been ultra-filtered. It is lactose-free but not dairy-free, so it is not suitable for those with a dairy allergy.

Yes, all Fairlife products, including Core Power protein shakes and their ultra-filtered milk varieties, are lactose-free.

Fairlife is designed to maintain the creamy, classic milk taste. In fact, some people find the taste sweeter because the lactase enzyme breaks lactose down into sweeter, simpler sugars.

No, people with a milk protein allergy should not drink Fairlife Core Power. The product is made from real dairy and contains milk proteins, which would still trigger an allergic reaction.

No, Fairlife Core Power is not suitable for a vegan diet as it is a dairy-based product made from cow's milk.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.