Is Fairlife High in Lactose? The Definitive Answer

October 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 68% of the world's population has some degree of lactose malabsorption. For these individuals, the question, 'Is Fairlife high in lactose?' is crucial, and the answer is a resounding no, thanks to its unique production process.

Quick Summary

Fairlife is not high in lactose; it is a completely lactose-free product. The milk undergoes an ultra-filtration process that removes most lactose, and a lactase enzyme is then added to break down any remaining traces. This makes Fairlife a great option for people with lactose intolerance.

Key Points

Lactose-Free Guarantee: Fairlife is explicitly labeled as lactose-free, and its manufacturing process ensures the removal and breakdown of lactose.
Ultra-Filtration Process: The milk is filtered through semi-permeable membranes to separate out the lactose and water, while concentrating protein and calcium.
Enhanced Nutrition: The filtration process results in milk with 50% more protein and 50% less sugar compared to regular milk.
Enzyme Assisted: Any remaining lactose after filtration is eliminated by adding a lactase enzyme, making it safe for people with lactose intolerance.
Ideal for Sensitive Stomachs: Because of its low lactose content, Fairlife is much easier to digest for those with lactose sensitivity or malabsorption.
More Protein, Less Sugar: Consumers benefit from a higher protein content for muscle support and lower sugar levels for better dietary control.
Creamy Texture: Many find the taste and texture to be similar to, or creamier than, regular milk, despite the different composition.

Understanding Fairlife's Ultra-Filtration Process

Unlike traditional milk, Fairlife undergoes a patented ultra-filtration process that significantly alters its nutritional profile. This proprietary method separates milk into its basic components: water, butterfat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and lactose. By passing the milk through soft, semi-permeable filters, the process concentrates the protein and calcium while removing much of the natural sugar, including lactose. The remaining traces of lactose are then broken down by adding a lactase enzyme, ensuring the final product is completely lactose-free.

This innovative approach is what differentiates Fairlife from many other dairy products. The result is a milk with higher protein, more calcium, and significantly less sugar than conventional milk, all while being easy to digest for those with lactose sensitivity.

Fairlife vs. Other Lactose-Free Milks and Regular Milk

Understanding the differences between milk types can help consumers make informed decisions, especially regarding lactose content. While regular milk contains natural lactose, Fairlife's ultra-filtration provides a distinctly different nutritional outcome compared to both traditional and other lactose-free varieties.

How Fairlife Stacks Up

Enhanced Nutrition: Fairlife's process doesn't just remove lactose; it also concentrates the protein and calcium, offering more nutritional density per serving.
Enzyme Treatment: Many other lactose-free milk brands, such as Lactaid, add a lactase enzyme to regular milk to break down the lactose, but they do not use the ultra-filtration process to remove the sugar and water.
Unique Profile: Because Fairlife's milk is reassembled after filtration, it has a different balance of nutrients and often a creamier texture than traditional milk.

Comparison Table: Fairlife vs. Regular vs. Lactaid Milk (2%)


Feature	Fairlife Ultra-Filtered (2%)	Regular Milk (2%)	Lactaid Milk (2%)
Lactose Content	Lactose-Free (0g)	High (approx. 12g per cup)	Lactose-Free (0g)
Protein (per 8 oz)	13g	8g	8g
Sugar (per 8 oz)	6g	12g	12g
Calcium	30% Daily Value	22-25% Daily Value	25% Daily Value
Processing Method	Ultra-filtration + Lactase	Standard Pasteurization	Pasteurization + Lactase

Why Fairlife Is a Good Choice for Lactose Sensitivity

For those who experience digestive distress from lactose, Fairlife provides a comfortable and convenient alternative without sacrificing the benefits of real dairy. Here are some reasons it is a popular choice:

Easier Digestion: By removing the lactose, Fairlife eliminates the common cause of bloating, gas, and stomach cramps for many with lactose intolerance.
High-Quality Protein: The concentrated protein content can aid in muscle recovery and promote feelings of fullness, making it a favorite for athletes and those managing their weight.
Fewer Sugars: With 50% less sugar than regular milk, it's an appealing option for individuals monitoring their sugar intake for health reasons.
Same Great Taste: Despite the alterations, many consumers report that Fairlife retains a smooth and creamy texture with a slightly sweeter taste, similar to or even better than regular milk, making the transition seamless.

Considerations and Variations

While Fairlife's ultra-filtered milk is consistently lactose-free, it's worth noting the variety of products and individual differences. The company offers different fat percentages and protein-enhanced shakes, all of which are lactose-free. Some people may have sensitivities to other dairy components, such as the protein, which could cause mild digestive issues even with a lactose-free product. For the vast majority of those with lactose intolerance, however, Fairlife is a safe and satisfying choice.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question "Is Fairlife high in lactose?" is definitively no. Through its unique ultra-filtration process and the addition of a lactase enzyme, Fairlife milk is made completely lactose-free. This makes it an ideal dairy option for individuals with lactose intolerance, providing a rich source of protein and calcium without the digestive discomfort associated with regular milk. For those seeking an easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense, and satisfying milk product, Fairlife is an excellent choice. To learn more about the ultra-filtration process and Fairlife's products, you can visit their official website at fairlife.com.

Note: The nutritional content of products like Fairlife can vary slightly by region and specific product line (e.g., standard milk vs. protein shakes). Always check the label for the most accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Fairlife milk is completely lactose-free. The company uses a special ultra-filtration process combined with a lactase enzyme to remove and break down all lactose.

Fairlife uses a proprietary process that first ultra-filters milk to separate its components and remove most of the lactose. A lactase enzyme is then added to break down any small amounts of remaining lactose.

Yes, Fairlife is an excellent choice for individuals with lactose intolerance. Its lactose-free nature prevents the digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas, that can be caused by regular dairy products.

The main difference is the processing method. While other brands like Lactaid add a lactase enzyme to break down lactose, Fairlife uses ultra-filtration to first remove most of the lactose, water, and sugar before adding the enzyme. This results in a higher protein, lower sugar, and lactose-free product.

Yes, Fairlife contains 50% less sugar than regular milk because its ultra-filtration process removes much of the milk's natural sugar content.

No, the protein in Fairlife milk is naturally occurring and is simply concentrated during the ultra-filtration process. No protein is added during manufacturing.

Yes, Fairlife can be used just like regular milk in most cooking and baking recipes. It retains a similar creamy texture and can often provide a slightly sweeter flavor due to the lactase enzyme.