Does Fairlife ultra filtered milk have to be refrigerated?

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Fairlife company, not all of their ultra-filtered milk products need to be refrigerated before opening, but the large 52 oz bottles of milk found in the refrigerated aisle do. The storage requirements depend on the specific product and its packaging, a fact that often causes confusion for consumers wondering, "Does Fairlife ultra filtered milk have to be refrigerated?"

Quick Summary

Fairlife's refrigeration needs vary by product type and packaging size. Large, refrigerated bottles must be kept chilled at all times, but smaller, aseptic shelf-stable shakes can be stored at room temperature until opened. Once any Fairlife product is opened, it must be refrigerated and consumed within 14 days.

Key Points

Refrigerated vs. Shelf-Stable: Fairlife's larger 52 oz bottles of ultra-filtered milk must be refrigerated at all times, while smaller 14 oz bottles and protein shakes can be shelf-stable until opened.
Check the Product: The storage requirement depends on the specific Fairlife product and its packaging. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Extended Shelf Life (Unopened): The longer shelf life of unopened Fairlife products, especially shelf-stable ones, is due to Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization and aseptic packaging.
Refrigerate After Opening: Once any Fairlife product is opened, it must be refrigerated and consumed within 14 days, similar to regular milk.
Ultra-Filtration Process: Fairlife's patented ultra-filtration process creates a lactose-free product with higher protein and lower sugar, which also contributes to its longer shelf life.
Source for Truth: When in doubt, the most reliable source for storage instructions is the Fairlife company website or the product's own packaging.

Fairlife's ultra-filtered milk products have distinct refrigeration requirements based on their packaging and processing. While the larger 52 oz bottles of ultra-filtered milk require constant refrigeration, even before opening, many smaller 14 oz bottles and protein shakes are shelf-stable until the seal is broken. This difference is primarily due to the type of pasteurization and packaging used for each product line. Understanding the nuances of these processes is key to properly storing your Fairlife milk and ensuring its quality and safety.

The Role of Pasteurization and Filtration in Fairlife's Shelf Life

Fairlife milk's extended shelf life is a direct result of its unique processing methods. The company employs both ultra-filtration and a specific type of pasteurization to create a product with 50% more protein, 50% less sugar, and a longer lifespan than conventional milk.

How Ultra-Filtration Works

Fairlife uses a patented filtration process to concentrate the natural protein and calcium in milk while filtering out much of the lactose and some other sugars. This creates a lactose-free, nutrient-dense product. The removal of lactose, which is a sugar that bacteria can feed on, also contributes to the milk's enhanced shelf life.

The Pasteurization Difference

Instead of the standard High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurization used for most regular milk, Fairlife utilizes Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) methods for many of its products. This involves heating the milk to an even higher temperature for a shorter period, effectively killing more bacteria. Combined with aseptic packaging—sterilized containers that block light and air—this process allows certain Fairlife products to be shelf-stable for months before they are opened.

Distinguishing Between Fairlife Products and Their Storage Needs

Navigating the dairy aisle can be confusing, but a simple rule of thumb for Fairlife is to check the packaging and location. If it's in the refrigerated case, it needs to stay refrigerated. If it's a smaller bottle found in the protein drink or shelf-stable milk section, it's likely safe to store at room temperature until opened.

Products Requiring Constant Refrigeration

Large 52 oz bottles: These are typically found in the standard dairy case and are never shelf-stable.
Opened products: Regardless of the original packaging, once opened, all Fairlife products must be refrigerated and should be consumed within 14 days.

Products That Are Shelf-Stable Before Opening

Core Power Protein Shakes: These come in 14 oz bottles and are designed to be shelf-stable.
Nutrition Plan Shakes: Similar to Core Power, these are also shelf-stable until opened.
Small 14 oz Ultra-Filtered Milk Bottles: Certain smaller versions of the milk, depending on the processing and packaging, can also be shelf-stable.

Fairlife vs. Regular Milk: A Refrigeration Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here's a comparison table summarizing the storage requirements and shelf life for different types of milk.


Feature	Fairlife Large Bottle (Refrigerated)	Fairlife Shake (Shelf-Stable)	Regular Pasteurized Milk
Storage (Unopened)	Requires constant refrigeration.	Shelf-stable at room temp.	Requires constant refrigeration.
Pasteurization	Ultra-pasteurized (higher temp, shorter time).	Ultra-High Temp (UHT) treated.	Standard HTST pasteurization.
Shelf Life (Unopened)	Longer than regular milk, but still in refrigerated case.	Several months due to aseptic packaging.	Shorter, typically a few weeks.
Storage (Opened)	Refrigerate and use within 14 days.	Refrigerate and use within 14 days.	Refrigerate and use within 7-10 days.
Lactose Content	Lactose-free.	Lactose-free.	Contains lactose.

Conclusion: Always Check the Label

In summary, the question "Does Fairlife ultra filtered milk have to be refrigerated?" has a conditional answer. Yes, the larger bottles sold in the refrigerated section must be kept chilled at all times. However, smaller, aseptically packaged products like Core Power and Nutrition Plan shakes are designed for shelf-stable storage until they are opened. The primary driver for this difference is the combination of ultra-filtration and Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processing, which eliminates more bacteria and allows for sterile packaging on certain products. Once any Fairlife product is opened, it should be treated like conventional milk and must be refrigerated, with the manufacturer recommending consumption within 14 days. For best results and food safety, always check the label for specific storage instructions. For more information on Fairlife's processes, you can visit the official Fairlife FAQ page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if it is the larger 52 oz bottle typically found in the refrigerated dairy case. These bottles must be kept refrigerated at all times.

Yes, Fairlife's Core Power and Nutrition Plan protein shakes, which come in smaller bottles, are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration until they have been opened.

Once opened, all Fairlife products, whether initially refrigerated or shelf-stable, should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 14 days.

Fairlife undergoes Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization, which kills more bacteria than the standard pasteurization process used for regular milk. This, combined with their sterile, aseptic packaging, extends the unopened shelf life.

The main difference is the packaging and pasteurization method. The large bottles are ultra-pasteurized and sold in the refrigerated section, while the smaller, individual shakes and milk bottles often use a UHT process and aseptic packaging, allowing them to be shelf-stable.

Yes, you can store a case of unopened Core Power or Nutrition Plan shakes in a cool, dry place like a pantry for several months. They only need to be refrigerated after opening.

Yes. The larger Fairlife milk bottles are not shelf-stable and should be treated like regular milk. Leaving them unrefrigerated for an extended period can lead to spoilage and a risk of foodborne illness.