Does fairlife Core Power really have 42 grams of protein?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to fairlife's official nutrition facts, the Core Power Elite shake does contain 42 grams of protein per bottle. We examine how fairlife Core Power achieves its impressive protein content without adding powder and whether this nutritional claim holds up to scrutiny.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that the fairlife Core Power Elite shake contains 42g of protein. It details the ultra-filtration process used to concentrate milk protein naturally for enhanced recovery.

Key Points

Core Power Elite: The 42-gram protein version is specifically the 'Elite' product, distinct from the standard Core Power shake which has 26g.
Ultra-Filtration Process: Fairlife uses a unique filtration method to concentrate the natural milk protein and remove lactose, without adding protein powders.
Natural Milk Proteins: The protein comes from the milk itself, providing a blend of both whey and casein for sustained muscle recovery.
Lactose-Free: The ultra-filtration process effectively removes lactose, making the shakes easily digestible for those with lactose sensitivity.
Recovery Fuel: Core Power Elite is formulated for intense workout recovery, offering a high dose of complete protein and electrolytes.

The Truth: Yes, But Which Core Power?

Yes, fairlife Core Power does have a product with 42 grams of protein, but it is important to distinguish between the different varieties. The standard fairlife Core Power shake contains 26 grams of protein, while the higher-protein version, known as Core Power Elite, is the one that delivers the promised 42 grams per 14 oz bottle. The key to this distinction lies in fairlife's unique ultra-filtration process, which allows them to offer shakes with varying levels of concentrated protein.

The fairlife Ultra-Filtration Process Explained

Fairlife's method for creating its protein-dense shakes is innovative and eliminates the need for added protein powders or concentrates. This process starts with real milk, which is then passed through a series of fine, porous filters. This membrane technology separates the milk's components based on their molecular size.

Concentrating Protein: The filters are designed to retain larger molecules like milk proteins (both whey and casein) and calcium. This concentrates the natural protein content of the milk, significantly boosting its grams per serving compared to regular milk.
Filtering Lactose: At the same time, smaller molecules such as lactose (milk sugar), water, and some minerals are allowed to pass through and are filtered out. The remaining, concentrated liquid is then fortified with a lactase enzyme to break down any trace lactose, making the final product lactose-free and easier to digest for many people.
No Added Powders: A crucial aspect of the process is that the high protein content comes naturally from the milk itself, not from added protein isolates or powders, which can sometimes result in a chalky taste or texture.

Nutritional Comparison: Core Power Elite vs. Standard

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table of the nutritional information for the two main Core Power shake varieties (based on a 14 oz bottle).


Feature	Core Power Elite (42g)	Core Power (26g)
Protein	42g	26g
Calories	230 calories	170 calories
Sugar	8g natural sugar	5g natural sugar
Fat	4g	4.5g
Carbohydrates	8g	8g
Primary Use	Heavy workout recovery	General recovery/High-protein snack

Why High-Quality Milk Protein Matters for Recovery

Core Power's protein source is ultra-filtered milk, which provides a blend of both whey and casein proteins. This is often considered a gold standard for workout recovery due to its comprehensive benefits:

Complete Protein Source: As a milk-based product, Core Power provides all nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for muscle repair and growth.
Dual-Action Protein: The mix of whey and casein offers a dual-action effect. Whey is absorbed quickly by the body, providing an immediate source of amino acids for muscle repair post-workout. Casein is digested more slowly, giving muscles a sustained release of protein over several hours.
Natural Electrolytes: In addition to protein, the shakes contain natural electrolytes like potassium, which are important for rehydration after intense exercise.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

While the nutritional profile is impressive, it is helpful to consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks of fairlife Core Power.

Pros:

Convenience: The ready-to-drink format is a significant benefit for people with busy lifestyles or for immediate post-workout consumption.
Superior Taste and Texture: Many users report a creamy, non-chalky taste and texture, which is a common complaint with many powdered protein shakes.
High-Quality Complete Protein: The blend of whey and casein from ultra-filtered milk provides a complete amino acid profile for muscle recovery and maintenance.
Lactose-Free: The filtration process removes lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose sensitivity.

Cons:

Cost: Pre-made shakes can be more expensive per serving than mixing your own protein powder.
Sweeteners: Some varieties contain non-caloric sweeteners, such as sucralose, which some consumers may prefer to avoid.
Additives: While the protein is natural, additives like carrageenan are used as stabilizers, which can be a concern for some health-conscious individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the claim that fairlife Core Power really has 42 grams of protein is true for the specific Core Power Elite product. This impressive protein count is achieved through fairlife's patented ultra-filtration process, which concentrates the natural protein from milk rather than adding protein powders. The result is a high-quality, lactose-free protein shake that offers a complete amino acid profile for muscle recovery and growth. While there are cost and additive considerations, for those seeking a convenient, great-tasting, and protein-packed recovery drink, the Core Power Elite shake is a valid and effective option.

For more information on the process, consult the manufacturer's site: Fairlife's official FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the protein in fairlife Core Power Elite comes from ultra-filtered milk. Fairlife's unique process concentrates the natural milk proteins (whey and casein) without adding protein powders or concentrates.

The main difference is the protein content. The standard Core Power contains 26 grams of protein per bottle, while the Core Power Elite contains 42 grams of protein per bottle.

Yes, fairlife Core Power Elite is lactose-free. The ultra-filtration process removes the lactose from the milk, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

Some fairlife Core Power products are sweetened with a blend of natural and artificial sweeteners, such as monk fruit juice concentrate, stevia leaf extract, and sucralose. It is best to check the specific product label for the ingredients list.

For most active adults, consuming 42g of protein post-workout is considered safe and beneficial for muscle recovery and synthesis. However, it's always recommended to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.

Core Power's protein is derived from real milk through ultra-filtration, offering a natural blend of whey and casein. This results in a smoother, more 'milkshake-like' texture compared to many protein powders mixed with water.

With 42g of protein and a balance of other macronutrients, Core Power Elite can be a convenient and satiating meal replacement. However, it is not a complete meal and should be used as part of a balanced diet.