Is there caffeine in Fairlife chocolate protein? The definitive answer

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Many individuals monitor their caffeine consumption for health, sleep, or dietary restrictions. So, is there caffeine in Fairlife chocolate protein? For the standard chocolate flavors of Fairlife protein shakes, the answer is no, though trace amounts from cocoa are a possibility.

Quick Summary

Fairlife chocolate protein shakes do not contain added caffeine, unlike their coffee-flavored counterparts. Any minor, naturally occurring caffeine levels come from the cocoa used for flavoring.

Key Points

No Added Caffeine: Fairlife's chocolate protein shakes do not list caffeine as an added ingredient.
Trace Amounts from Cocoa: Minor, naturally occurring caffeine can be found in the alkalized cocoa used for flavoring.
Coffee Flavor has High Caffeine: Fairlife's coffee-flavored shakes intentionally contain 100mg of caffeine, so check the flavor name carefully.
Read the Label: The most reliable way to confirm is to check the ingredient list for 'Caffeine' or 'Coffee Extract'.
Minimal for Most: The trace caffeine from cocoa is negligible for the average person, but important for those with sensitivities.
Different Product Lines: Both the Nutrition Plan and Core Power chocolate varieties adhere to the no-added-caffeine rule.

The Straight Answer: No Added Caffeine in Fairlife Chocolate Protein

For most consumers, the most important detail to know is that Fairlife's chocolate-flavored protein shakes do not have caffeine listed as an ingredient on their nutrition labels. This applies to both the Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate shakes and the Core Power Elite Chocolate shakes, which are designed for different fitness goals but share this characteristic. A key part of Fairlife's transparency is clearly labeling ingredients, and since the goal of these chocolate products is to provide a tasty protein boost rather than an energy lift, the exclusion of added stimulants is intentional.

The Role of Cocoa: A Minor Exception

While caffeine is not an added ingredient, the presence of cocoa powder introduces a tiny amount of naturally occurring caffeine and theobromine. Cocoa beans inherently contain these compounds. For reference, a typical cup of regular chocolate milk contains approximately 5mg of caffeine. While Fairlife's ultra-filtered process might slightly alter this, it's safe to assume any caffeine from the cocoa is minimal. Most individuals won't notice this negligible amount, especially when compared to a cup of coffee, but it's a detail worth noting for those with extreme caffeine sensitivity or strict dietary protocols. Alkalized cocoa, often used in chocolate products for flavor, is the source of this trace amount.

The Crucial Distinction: Chocolate vs. Coffee-Flavored Shakes

The confusion about caffeine in Fairlife protein often stems from the fact that Fairlife does offer a coffee-flavored protein shake that contains a substantial amount of caffeine. It's critical to differentiate between the flavors to avoid an unwanted jolt of energy.

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Coffee Shake

Contains 100mg of caffeine per serving.
Ingredients list specifically mentions Coffee Extract and Caffeine.
Marketed as a morning boost or pre-workout supplement.

Fairlife Chocolate Protein Shake

Contains no added caffeine.
Ingredients list only mentions Alkalized Cocoa for flavor.
Suitable for any time of day, including before bed, for a protein boost without stimulating effects.

Who Needs to Pay Attention?

For the average person, the trace amounts of naturally occurring caffeine in Fairlife chocolate protein are of no concern. However, certain individuals should remain mindful of this detail:

Caffeine-sensitive individuals: People who experience jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances from even small amounts of caffeine may want to be cautious.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Doctors often advise limiting or avoiding caffeine intake during pregnancy and lactation. Consulting a healthcare provider is always best.
People with certain medical conditions: Some heart conditions or anxiety disorders may require strict adherence to a no-caffeine diet.
Competitive athletes: While unlikely, some sports regulations might have extremely low thresholds for stimulants.

Comparison Table: Fairlife Chocolate Protein vs. Coffee Shake


Feature	Fairlife Chocolate Protein Shake	Fairlife Coffee Protein Shake
Primary Goal	High-protein nutrition, muscle recovery	Protein and caffeine energy boost
Added Caffeine	No	Yes, 100mg per serving
Trace Caffeine from Cocoa	Yes (minimal, naturally occurring)	Yes (minimal, in addition to added caffeine)
Key Flavoring	Alkalized Cocoa	Coffee Extract
Usage	Post-workout, snack, or meal supplement	Morning boost, pre-workout
Lactose-Free	Yes	Yes

How to Be Sure: Checking the Label

Even with the general rule established, it is always best practice to check the ingredient list and nutrition label of your specific product. Fairlife's product line can change, and it's essential to confirm the contents of the item you have. When reviewing the label, here are some key steps:

Look for an ingredients list that clearly shows Caffeine or Coffee Extract. The coffee flavors will list these directly.
Review the Nutrition Facts panel. While caffeine isn't always listed if it's not a major ingredient, its presence can sometimes be inferred from other ingredients.
For official product information, visit the Fairlife website directly. For instance, you can find the detailed nutrition facts for the chocolate shake on their page for the Nutrition Plan.

Conclusion: Fairlife Chocolate is Generally Caffeine-Free

In conclusion, for those asking, "is there caffeine in Fairlife chocolate protein?", the answer is a reassuring no, with the important caveat of naturally occurring trace amounts from cocoa. The significant caffeine is reserved for the specifically labeled coffee-flavored protein shakes. This clear distinction allows consumers to enjoy the high-quality protein and great taste of Fairlife's chocolate products without worrying about unwanted stimulant effects. Always double-check the label if you have specific caffeine sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

For more detailed nutritional information and to view specific product ingredients, the official Fairlife website is the best source: Fairlife Nutrition Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while it does not have added caffeine, it contains minimal, naturally occurring trace amounts from the alkalized cocoa powder used for flavoring.

The coffee-flavored Fairlife protein shakes, such as the Nutrition Plan Coffee, contain significant amounts of added caffeine, specifically 100mg per serving.

The amount is negligible for most people, deriving only from the natural properties of cocoa. It is far less than a standard cup of coffee and similar to a serving of regular chocolate milk.

For those with extreme caffeine sensitivity, it's wise to be aware of the trace amounts from the cocoa. Most sensitive individuals won't react to such a small quantity, but it's important to be mindful.

No, the Core Power chocolate protein shake does not contain any added caffeine. Its ingredient list does not include caffeine or coffee extract.

Yes, because the chocolate variety does not contain added stimulants, it is safe to consume before bed without causing caffeine-related sleep issues. For those sensitive to even trace amounts, other flavors like vanilla would be a safer choice.

Look at the ingredients list on the product label. If it contains coffee extract or added caffeine, it will be clearly listed, as seen on the coffee-flavored shakes.