Is Fairlife milk low in potassium? Unpacking the nutritional facts

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 8-ounce serving of Fairlife milk contains approximately 400 mg of potassium, which is comparable to regular milk and is not considered a low-potassium beverage. For those monitoring their intake, this is an important distinction when asking: is Fairlife milk low in potassium?

Quick Summary

Fairlife milk is not low in potassium, with a content similar to or slightly higher than regular milk due to its ultra-filtration process that concentrates nutrients, including potassium.

Key Points

Not Low in Potassium: Fairlife milk contains approximately 400 mg of potassium per 8 oz serving, which is comparable to the potassium level found in regular milk.
Ultra-Filtration Concentrates Nutrients: Fairlife's processing method removes water and lactose, which concentrates other nutrients like protein, calcium, and also potassium.
Important for Kidney Health: Individuals with impaired kidney function must monitor potassium intake, and Fairlife should be treated similarly to regular milk in this regard.
High Protein, Low Sugar: Fairlife's main nutritional benefits are its higher protein and lower sugar content compared to standard milk, not a reduction in potassium.
Alternative Options Exist: For those needing a truly low-potassium beverage, plant-based milks like almond or rice milk are more suitable alternatives.

The Ultra-Filtration Process and Nutrient Concentration

Fairlife milk is produced using a unique ultra-filtration process that differs significantly from how regular milk is processed. Instead of simply pasteurizing the milk, Fairlife's proprietary method involves filtering the milk to separate its components—water, lactose, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These components are then recombined to produce a product with a modified nutritional profile.

This process results in a milk with 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk, as well as a rich and creamy taste. However, this concentration also affects the mineral content. Rather than reducing minerals, the removal of excess water can concentrate them. This is a critical point regarding potassium, as its concentration increases along with other beneficial nutrients like protein and calcium.

Fairlife's Potassium Content vs. Regular Milk

When comparing the potassium content of Fairlife milk to regular milk, it is clear that Fairlife is not a low-potassium alternative. The ultra-filtration process ensures that the potassium remains in the finished product, and in some cases, its concentration is higher on a per-cup basis than standard milk. For instance, an 8-ounce (1 cup) serving of Fairlife ultra-filtered milk typically contains around 400 mg of potassium, which is about 8-9% of the Daily Value.

By contrast, regular 2% milk contains approximately 445 mg of potassium per cup, while skim milk contains about 382 mg. This means the potassium level in Fairlife is firmly in the same range as regular dairy milk. For individuals who need to limit their potassium intake, such as those with chronic kidney disease, this makes Fairlife a poor choice for a low-potassium diet, and portion control is still essential.

Potassium and Your Health

Potassium is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It is particularly important for heart health and blood pressure regulation. While most healthy individuals benefit from adequate potassium intake, those with impaired kidney function must monitor their levels carefully. Damaged kidneys may struggle to filter excess potassium from the blood, leading to potentially dangerous health problems. For these individuals, controlling the intake of high-potassium foods and beverages is a key part of managing their condition. As such, any dairy product, including Fairlife, needs to be factored into their dietary plan.

Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk vs. Regular Milk Nutrition


Nutrient	Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk (approx. per 8 oz)	Regular 2% Milk (approx. per 8 oz)
Calories	120-150 mg	~137 mg
Protein	13 g	~8-9 g
Sugar	6 g	~12-13 g
Potassium	400 mg	~445 mg
Calcium	380 mg	~350 mg

Key Nutritional Takeaways of Fairlife

Higher Protein: Fairlife contains 50% more protein than regular milk, which is beneficial for muscle repair and satiety.
Lower Sugar: The ultra-filtration process removes much of the natural lactose, resulting in a milk with 50% less sugar.
Higher Calcium: Along with protein and other minerals, calcium is also more concentrated in Fairlife.
Comparable Potassium: The potassium level is similar to regular milk, not low, and should be considered by those with dietary restrictions.
Lactose-Free: The filtering process makes Fairlife lactose-free, which is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Alternatives for a Low-Potassium Diet

For those who need to significantly reduce their potassium intake, dairy products, including Fairlife, might not be the best choice. Here are some lower-potassium milk alternatives:

Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is generally very low in potassium, making it a viable substitute.
Rice Milk: Similar to almond milk, rice milk is another low-potassium option.
Specialty Low-Potassium Formulas: Some brands offer specialty products specifically designed for low-potassium diets. Always check the nutrition label carefully.
Water: For general hydration and to flush out excess minerals, water is always the safest option.

Conclusion

While Fairlife milk offers numerous nutritional advantages, such as higher protein and lower sugar content, it is crucial to understand that it is not low in potassium. Its potassium level is comparable to or slightly higher than regular milk due to the ultra-filtration process that concentrates nutrients. Therefore, individuals on a potassium-restricted diet should not assume Fairlife is a safe alternative to regular milk. Always check the nutritional information and, if necessary, consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to make informed dietary choices. For truly low-potassium alternatives, plant-based milks like almond or rice milk are more suitable options.

National Kidney Foundation: Dairy and Our Kidneys

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairlife milk is not a low-potassium milk and therefore should be consumed with caution by individuals with kidney disease who are advised to limit their potassium intake. It is best to consult with a doctor or dietitian regarding appropriate serving sizes.

Fairlife milk and regular milk have comparable levels of potassium. An 8-ounce serving of Fairlife contains about 400 mg, while regular 2% milk has around 445 mg, meaning Fairlife is not a low-potassium alternative.

No, the ultra-filtration process does not remove potassium. Instead, it concentrates the milk's proteins, calcium, and other minerals, including potassium, by filtering out some of the water and lactose.

The misconception may stem from the product's marketing focusing on its other benefits, like lower sugar and higher protein. Consumers might incorrectly assume all nutrients are affected in a similar way.

The potassium content is relatively consistent across different varieties of Fairlife ultra-filtered milk, and generally, none are considered low in potassium. Nutrition plan shakes may vary, so always check the label.

For those seeking a low-potassium milk substitute, unsweetened almond milk and rice milk are good options, as they contain significantly less potassium than dairy milk.

Potassium is a naturally occurring mineral in milk and is not added to the standard ultra-filtered Fairlife varieties. The concentration of natural potassium is simply higher due to the filtration process.