Is Fairlife filtered milk lactose free?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Yes, Fairlife ultra-filtered milk is certified lactose-free, and it achieves this status through a unique two-step process. It begins as regular cow's milk before passing through filters to remove most of the lactose and concentrate beneficial components like protein and calcium.

Quick Summary

Fairlife milk undergoes ultra-filtration to concentrate protein and calcium while removing most lactose, with a lactase enzyme added to break down the rest. This results in a lactose-free, high-protein, and lower-sugar milk alternative suitable for lactose-sensitive individuals. The milk is richer and creamier than regular milk, though it is more processed and more expensive.

Key Points

Lactose-Free Guarantee: Fairlife milk is certified lactose-free through a dual process of ultra-filtration and added lactase enzymes.
High Protein, Low Sugar: The filtering process concentrates natural protein and calcium, resulting in 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk.
Easily Digestible: The removal of lactose makes Fairlife milk a safe and easy-to-digest option for most individuals with lactose intolerance.
Creamier Taste: Many consumers find Fairlife milk to have a richer, creamier texture and a slightly sweeter taste than traditional milk.
Nutrient-Dense: Besides protein and calcium, Fairlife milk also contains other essential nutrients like vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption.
More Processed: Fairlife is an ultra-processed product, which is a consideration for those focused on whole-food diets.

Understanding the Fairlife Process: How is the Lactose Removed?

Fairlife's milk is known for its proprietary ultra-filtration process, which sets it apart from traditional dairy and simple lactose-free options like Lactaid. This process concentrates the milk's natural goodness, including protein and calcium, while significantly reducing the lactose content. To ensure it is completely lactose-free, the company then adds a lactase enzyme to break down any remaining lactose sugar. The result is a dairy product that is easier to digest for many individuals with lactose intolerance while maintaining a rich, creamy taste and texture.

The Ultra-Filtration Technology Explained

Microfiltration: The process begins with microfiltration, which removes fine particles and bacteria from the milk, ensuring a cleaner product.
Ultra-filtration: Next, the milk is passed through finer, specialized filters. These membranes separate the milk's components, concentrating the protein and calcium while removing a significant portion of the natural sugar, lactose.
Diafiltration: Water is added back to further rinse and remove impurities, including lingering lactose molecules.
Enzyme Addition: After filtration, the enzyme lactase is added to the milk to break down any last traces of lactose into more easily digestible simple sugars, such as glucose and galactose.

Nutritional Profile: Comparing Fairlife to Regular Milk

Fairlife milk offers a distinct nutritional profile compared to regular milk, a direct result of its ultra-filtration process. A standard serving of Fairlife contains approximately 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk, along with higher levels of calcium. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to increase their protein intake, manage their sugar consumption, or aid muscle recovery. For individuals with lactose intolerance, it provides a safe and nutrient-dense way to enjoy dairy without digestive upset.

Fairlife vs. Traditional & Lactose-Free Milk


Feature	Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk	Regular Dairy Milk	Lactaid (Enzyme-Treated) Milk
Lactose Content	Lactose-free via filtration and enzyme	Contains lactose	Lactose-free via enzyme only
Protein Content	~13-14g per serving (higher)	~8g per serving (standard)	~8g per serving (standard)
Sugar Content	~6g per serving (lower)	~12g per serving (standard)	~12g per serving (standard)
Taste	Creamier, richer, slightly sweeter	Standard milk taste	Slightly sweeter due to broken-down sugars
Processing	Ultra-filtered and pasteurized	Pasteurized	Enzyme-treated and pasteurized
Price	Typically higher than regular milk	Standard milk pricing	Similar to regular milk

Is Fairlife Suitable for All Lactose-Intolerant Individuals?

While Fairlife milk is an excellent option for most people with lactose intolerance, tolerance levels can vary. The combination of filtration and enzyme treatment makes it highly digestible, but some individuals with extreme sensitivity may experience minor symptoms if any residual lactose remains. However, the vast majority of consumer testimonials confirm that it is a safe and comfortable choice. For those with a severe milk allergy (to milk proteins like casein or whey), Fairlife is not a suitable substitute, as it is still a real dairy product.

Potential Considerations and Drawbacks

Despite its benefits, there are some factors to consider before switching to Fairlife. The higher price point compared to regular milk is a significant drawback for some consumers. Additionally, for those who prefer whole-food options, the ultra-filtration process means that Fairlife is a more processed product. Some health-conscious individuals might question the extent of this processing, though it simply concentrates the milk's natural components.

The Verdict: A Great Option for Many

Ultimately, the choice of milk depends on individual dietary needs, preferences, and budget. For those with lactose sensitivity or intolerance, Fairlife offers a delicious and highly nutritious way to enjoy cow's milk without the unpleasant digestive side effects. Its enhanced protein and calcium content provide additional health benefits, making it an appealing option for athletes and health-conscious families. However, its higher cost and status as a processed food are worth considering. For more information on the production process, you can visit the official Fairlife website at fairlife.com.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fairlife filtered milk is unequivocally lactose-free due to its comprehensive ultra-filtration and enzyme treatment process. It stands out in the dairy aisle as a higher-protein, lower-sugar, and more digestible alternative to regular milk. For millions of people with lactose intolerance, Fairlife has made it possible to enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of dairy again without discomfort. While it comes at a higher cost and is more processed than traditional milk, the nutritional advantages and superior taste make it a worthwhile consideration for many households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Fairlife milk is genuinely lactose-free. The milk is passed through filters to remove most of the lactose, and then a lactase enzyme is added to break down any residual lactose.

Most other lactose-free brands simply add a lactase enzyme to regular milk. Fairlife uses a unique ultra-filtration process first to remove most of the lactose and water, which also concentrates the milk's protein and calcium.

Fairlife does not add protein during processing; it simply concentrates the naturally occurring protein and calcium already present in the milk. A lactase enzyme and some vitamins are added.

No, Fairlife milk is still a dairy product made from cow's milk and contains milk proteins like casein and whey. It is not suitable for those with a milk protein allergy.

The ultra-filtration process removes some natural sugars and water, concentrating the remaining components. The addition of lactase also breaks down lactose into sweeter-tasting simple sugars, which gives Fairlife a richer, creamier, and slightly sweeter flavor.

Yes, Fairlife milk can be used in cooking and baking just like regular milk. Its richer, creamier texture can even enhance the final product in some recipes.

Yes, Fairlife milk is typically more expensive than standard dairy milk due to its specialized ultra-filtration process.

Due to Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) pasteurization, unopened Fairlife has a longer shelf life than conventionally pasteurized milk. However, once opened, its shelf life is similar to any other dairy milk and should be consumed within the same timeframe.