Nutrition Diet: How Much Sugar is in Fairlife Milk vs Regular Milk?

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

An 8-ounce glass of Fairlife milk contains approximately 50% less sugar than regular milk, thanks to a special ultra-filtration process. This key difference in how much sugar is in Fairlife milk vs regular milk stems from the removal of naturally occurring lactose.

Quick Summary

Fairlife milk contains about half the sugar of regular milk because its ultra-filtration process removes much of the natural lactose. It is also lactose-free and higher in protein and calcium.

Key Points

Half the Sugar: Fairlife milk contains approximately 6 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving, which is about 50% less than the 12 grams found in a comparable serving of regular milk.
Ultra-Filtration Process: The sugar reduction is achieved by passing the milk through soft filters that remove much of the natural lactose, which is a type of sugar.
More Protein and Calcium: Due to the concentration effect of filtration, Fairlife milk contains about 50% more protein and significantly more calcium than regular milk.
Lactose-Free Digestion: In addition to filtration, Fairlife is treated with the lactase enzyme to ensure it is completely lactose-free and easier to digest for those with intolerance.
Taste Difference: The sweeter taste of Fairlife milk is not from added sugar but from the natural sweetness of the remaining lactose, which has been broken down into simpler sugars.
Not All Lactose-Free is Equal: Regular lactose-free milk (e.g., Lactaid) has the same sugar content as regular milk, as it only breaks down the lactose, rather than removing it.

Understanding the Milk-Sugar Difference

When comparing the nutritional profiles of Fairlife milk and regular milk, the most notable difference is the sugar content. A standard 8-ounce serving of regular cow's milk contains about 12 grams of sugar, which is naturally occurring lactose. In contrast, Fairlife milk, which undergoes an ultra-filtration process, contains only about 6 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving. This significant reduction is a primary reason many people choose Fairlife, especially those monitoring their sugar intake.

The Ultra-Filtration Process

The difference in sugar comes down to the processing method. Fairlife milk begins as regular cow's milk but is then pushed through a series of soft, porous filters. This process is similar to how reverse osmosis is used to purify water. The filters separate the milk into its core components: water, lactose, protein, and minerals. The manufacturer then recombines the protein, water, and minerals in different proportions, effectively filtering out much of the lactose while concentrating the protein and calcium. The result is a richer, creamier milk with a higher nutritional density and a lower sugar count. The remaining sugar is broken down by adding a lactase enzyme, making the product lactose-free.

Beyond Just Sugar: A Nutritional Comparison

While the sugar difference is significant, it's not the only way the two milk types vary. The ultra-filtration process that reduces sugar also increases other beneficial nutrients. As seen in the comparison table below, Fairlife milk is a superior source of protein and calcium.


Nutrient (per 8 oz serving)	Fairlife 2% Ultra-Filtered Milk	Regular 2% Milk
Sugar	~6g	~12g
Protein	~13g	~8g
Calcium	~380-400mg (30-31% DV)	~276-293mg (23% DV)
Lactose	Lactose-free	Contains lactose
Calories	~130	~122

This table highlights why Fairlife is often marketed as a high-protein, lactose-free alternative. For those seeking to increase their protein intake without adding extra sugar, it is a clear choice. The higher calcium content is also a notable benefit for bone health.

Is All Lactose-Free Milk the Same?

It is important to distinguish between ultra-filtered milk like Fairlife and regular lactose-free milk, such as Lactaid. The latter is produced by adding the lactase enzyme to regular milk, which breaks down the lactose sugar. While this makes it digestible for those with lactose intolerance, it does not change the overall sugar content. The added lactase simply pre-digests the sugar into simpler, sweeter-tasting components (glucose and galactose), which can cause the milk to taste sweeter even though the total sugar remains the same. Fairlife, by contrast, removes a portion of the sugar completely through filtration.

Potential Diet and Health Benefits

For those watching their sugar intake due to conditions like diabetes or simply adhering to a low-sugar diet, the lower sugar content of Fairlife milk is a key advantage. The higher protein level also offers benefits for several groups:

Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: The increased protein aids in muscle repair and recovery after workouts.
Weight Management: The higher protein content can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.
Lactose-Intolerant Individuals: The lactose-free nature of Fairlife provides a dairy option that avoids digestive discomfort.

Conclusion: A Filtered Choice for Health-Conscious Consumers

In conclusion, when assessing how much sugar is in Fairlife milk vs regular milk, the verdict is clear: Fairlife contains significantly less sugar. This is a direct result of its ultra-filtration process, which not only lowers lactose but also boosts the concentration of beneficial protein and calcium. While other lactose-free milks simply break down the sugar, Fairlife physically removes it. For individuals aiming to reduce their sugar consumption, boost their protein intake, or avoid lactose, Fairlife milk presents a nutritionally superior alternative to traditional milk. The choice depends on specific dietary goals, but understanding the difference in processing is the first step toward making an informed decision. For further reading on the ultra-filtration process, consider exploring scientific sources like those found on ScienceDirect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairlife milk undergoes an ultra-filtration process that physically removes much of the naturally occurring lactose (milk sugar), resulting in a product with about half the sugar content of regular milk.

Fairlife milk does not contain added sugars in its plain varieties. The small amount of sugar remaining is the naturally occurring milk sugar (lactose) that survived the filtration process.

Yes, Fairlife milk is lactose-free. The ultra-filtration process removes much of the lactose, and a lactase enzyme is added to break down any remaining lactose, making it easy to digest for most individuals with lactose intolerance.

Unlike Fairlife, many other lactose-free milks are made by adding the lactase enzyme to regular milk, which breaks down the lactose but does not remove it. This means the overall sugar content is the same as regular milk.

Fairlife milk is often described as having a slightly sweeter taste than regular milk, but this is not due to added sugar. It’s because the remaining lactose is broken down into simpler sugars that taste sweeter to our taste buds.

Fairlife milk offers certain benefits, including lower sugar and higher protein and calcium content per serving. Whether it's 'healthier' depends on an individual's specific dietary needs and goals, such as managing sugar intake or boosting protein.

Yes, you can use Fairlife milk as a substitute for regular milk in most cooking and baking applications. Its slightly sweeter taste and richer texture may alter the final result in some recipes, so consider this when substituting.