What is Fairlife's Ultra-Filtration Process?
Fairlife milk starts with real cow's milk and undergoes a proprietary ultra-filtration process using special filters. This process separates the milk into its basic components: water, lactose, protein, and fats. These components are then recombined to create a product with a different nutritional profile than regular milk, featuring more protein and calcium and less lactose and sugar. This method physically separates components without chemically altering them.
Are Additives Used in Fairlife Milk?
The use of additives in Fairlife products varies. While the ultra-filtered process itself doesn't add chemicals, certain products do contain additional ingredients.
Plain Ultra-Filtered Milk Ingredients:
- Ultrafiltered milk
- Lactase enzyme
- Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3
Flavored Milk and Shake Ingredients: Flavored options and protein shakes include more ingredients, such as:
- Sugar
- Alkalized cocoa
- Dipotassium phosphate
- Salt
- Acesulfame potassium
- Carrageenan
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Sucralose
The Phthalates Controversy
A 2024 Consumer Reports investigation found elevated levels of phthalates, plastic chemicals, in Fairlife's Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake. These chemicals, used to make plastics flexible, are likely leaching from the packaging during processing. Phthalates have been linked to potential health concerns. Following the report, Consumer Reports urged Fairlife to address this issue.
Fairlife Processing vs. Regular Milk Processing
Both Fairlife and regular milk start with raw milk and are pasteurized, but Fairlife adds an ultra-filtration step.
| Feature | Regular Milk | Fairlife Plain Milk | Fairlife Chocolate Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Processing | Pasteurization and homogenization | Ultra-filtration and ultra-pasteurization | Ultra-filtration, ultra-pasteurization, and mixing |
| Protein Content | ~8g per 8oz | ~13g per 8oz | ~14g per 8oz (Canadian 1 cup/250ml) |
| Sugar Content | ~12g lactose per 8oz | ~6g lactose and other sugars per 8oz | ~12g sugar per cup (Canadian 250ml) |
| Lactose | Contains lactose | Lactose-free via ultra-filtration and lactase enzyme | Lactose-free via ultra-filtration and lactase enzyme |
| Key Added Ingredients | Vitamins A and D | Lactase enzyme, Vitamins A and D | Lactase enzyme, cocoa, salt, sweeteners, stabilizers, flavors, Vitamins A and D |
| Shelf Life (Unopened) | Shorter | Longer due to filtration and ultra-pasteurization | Longer due to filtration and ultra-pasteurization |
Conclusion: Navigating Fairlife's Ingredients
Whether Fairlife uses chemicals depends on the specific product. Plain Fairlife milk primarily relies on physical filtration and contains minimal additives beyond standard fortification. The increased protein comes from concentrating natural milk proteins. However, flavored options and protein shakes include a more extensive list of added ingredients. The 2024 Consumer Reports findings on phthalates highlight a separate issue of potential chemical transfer from packaging affecting some products. Consumers concerned about phthalates may consider reducing consumption of packaged foods. For further information on plastic chemicals in food, the Consumer Reports website provides detailed information.
What are the ingredients in Fairlife milk?
- Ultra-Filtered Milk: Primary ingredient, concentrated for higher protein and calcium.
- Lactase Enzyme: Added to make it lactose-free.
- Vitamins: Fortified with Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3.
- Added Ingredients (Flavored Products): Include sugar, artificial sweeteners, cocoa, stabilizers (like carrageenan), and natural and artificial flavors.
- Trace Phthalates (in some products): Detected in certain products, likely from plastic packaging.
What is the difference between ultra-filtered milk and regular milk?
Ultra-filtered milk goes through an additional filtration step after pasteurization, separating components to concentrate protein and calcium and remove lactose. This results in higher protein and calcium, less sugar, and lactose-free milk compared to regular milk.
Are the added ingredients in Fairlife safe?
Standard ingredients like the lactase enzyme and vitamins are considered safe. Flavored products contain artificial sweeteners and stabilizers like carrageenan. While generally approved, some health advocates raise concerns. Trace phthalates from packaging also present potential health risks.
Does Fairlife add protein to its milk?
No, Fairlife concentrates the natural protein in the milk through filtration; it does not add protein powders or concentrates.
Is Fairlife considered a processed food?
Some consider ultra-filtered milk processed due to the extra filtration step. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates plain Fairlife milk with low processing concerns, while some flavored products have moderate concerns.
Is there a lawsuit against Fairlife regarding chemicals?
Past lawsuits against Fairlife primarily concerned animal welfare and misleading advertising, not intentionally added harmful chemicals. The recent phthalates issue relates to potential chemical transfer from packaging.
Is Fairlife milk organic?
No, Fairlife milk is not certified organic. It comes from partner farms with specific standards, but does not follow organic regulations.
