What are the ingredients in Core Power shakes? A comprehensive guide

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to fairlife, the company that produces them, Core Power shakes are made primarily from a unique ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk. This process concentrates the milk's protein and calcium content while removing most of the lactose, forming the foundational answer to what are the ingredients in Core Power shakes and their high-protein profile.

Quick Summary

This guide details the common ingredients across various Core Power shake flavors and protein levels, including the ultra-filtered milk base, protein content, sweeteners, stabilizers, and added vitamins.

Key Points

Ultra-Filtered Milk Base: Core Power shakes are made from ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, which concentrates protein and calcium while removing lactose.
Primary Protein Source: The protein is derived directly from the high-quality milk, not added protein powders, resulting in a smooth texture.
Combination of Sweeteners: The sweetness comes from a blend of non-caloric sweeteners, including monk fruit, stevia leaf extract, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium.
Stabilizers for Consistency: Ingredients like carrageenan, cellulose gel, and cellulose gum are used to achieve the shake's smooth, uniform texture.
Contains Key Vitamins and Enzymes: The shakes are fortified with essential vitamins like A and D3 and contain a lactase enzyme for lactose-free digestion.
Flavor-Specific Ingredients: Additional flavorings, such as alkalized cocoa for chocolate or fruit purees for strawberry, are added to the base formula.

The Ultra-Filtered Milk Base

The most significant component differentiating Core Power from other protein supplements is its use of fairlife's ultra-filtered milk. This is not simply milk with protein powder added; it's a proprietary process that begins with fresh milk. The ultra-filtration process passes milk through a series of filters to separate its components. This concentrates the naturally occurring protein and calcium, while filtering out most of the sugar and all the lactose. As a result, Core Power offers a high-quality protein source without the chalky aftertaste commonly associated with many protein powders. This foundation also makes the shakes naturally rich in electrolytes from the milk itself, which aids in post-workout rehydration.

Core Ingredients Found Across Most Flavors

While specific flavorings and minor ingredients change between products, a set of core ingredients is consistent across most Core Power shakes. These components are responsible for the taste, texture, and stability of the product.

Protein Source

Filtered Lowfat Grade A Milk: This is the primary and most important ingredient, providing the high-quality protein (whey and casein) and calcium.

Sweeteners and Flavors

Natural Flavors: These are used to create the distinct vanilla, chocolate, and fruit flavor profiles.
Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener.
Stevia Leaf Extract: Another plant-derived, zero-calorie sweetener that is often used in combination with other sweeteners to balance the taste.
Sucralose: A common artificial sweetener.
Acesulfame Potassium: Another artificial, zero-calorie sweetener often used in conjunction with sucralose.

Thickeners and Stabilizers

Carrageenan: A food additive derived from red seaweed, used to thicken and stabilize the shake.
Cellulose Gel and Cellulose Gum: Plant-based food additives that help maintain a consistent, smooth texture and prevent ingredients from separating.
Maltodextrin: A carbohydrate used as a thickener and stabilizer, though its inclusion can vary by product version and region.

Vitamins and Enzymes

Lactase Enzyme: Added to break down the lactose sugar, making the product lactose-free and easier to digest.
Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin D3: Essential vitamins that are added for nutritional fortification.

Ingredient Breakdown by Shake Type

Core Power offers various versions, with ingredient lists that adapt for flavor and protein concentration. This section highlights differences among the popular offerings.

26g Standard Shakes

Vanilla: Features the core ingredients mentioned above, with 'Natural Flavors' providing the vanilla taste.
Chocolate: Adds Alkalized Cocoa Powder to the standard base for its rich chocolate flavor.
Strawberry: Includes Strawberry Puree and Tomato Lycopene Extract (for color) in addition to the core ingredients.

Elite 42g Protein Shakes

Elite Vanilla: This high-protein version maintains the base ingredients and sweetener blend found in the standard vanilla shake, but the overall concentration of ingredients may vary slightly to accommodate the increased protein content.
Elite Chocolate: Like its vanilla counterpart, it features a higher protein concentration and uses Alkalized Cocoa for flavor, along with the core ingredients. Some older versions may list different additives.

Core Power Ingredients vs. Other Protein Drinks


Feature	Core Power Shake	Typical Whey Protein Powder	Typical Plant-Based Shake
Protein Source	Ultra-filtered milk protein (whey and casein)	Whey protein isolate/concentrate or blends	Pea, brown rice, soy protein
Main Sweeteners	Sucralose, Acesulfame K, Stevia, Monk Fruit	Sucralose, Stevia, or Sugar Alcohols	Stevia, Monk Fruit, or cane sugar
Lactose Content	Lactose-free	Can contain lactose; isolate is lower	Lactose-free
Consistency	Smooth and creamy, milk-based	Mixed powder, can be grainy or chalky	Often thicker, can have an earthy taste
Key Advantage	High-quality, complete protein with natural electrolytes and smooth texture	High protein per serving, customizable flavor, and mixability	Allergen-friendly, vegan options, diverse protein sources

Allergens and Special Considerations

Despite being lactose-free due to the added lactase enzyme, Core Power shakes are derived from milk and therefore contain dairy allergens. Individuals with a milk allergy should avoid this product. For those with a lactose intolerance, the product is safe due to the breakdown of lactose. All current Core Power shakes are gluten-free, which is a key consideration for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Finally, some organizations, such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG), have noted the use of artificial sweeteners and stabilizers as a point of concern for ultra-processed foods. Consumers should weigh these factors against their individual health goals and preferences.

Conclusion

The ingredients in Core Power shakes center around ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk, which provides a high-quality, complete protein source without the need for powdered protein additives. The product's consistency and taste are achieved through a blend of stabilizers and natural and artificial sweeteners, ensuring a satisfying post-workout recovery drink. While the core ingredient profile is consistent, minor variations exist between flavors and protein levels. As with any packaged food, consumers should always check the specific product label for the most accurate and up-to-date information. With a clear understanding of what goes into these shakes, consumers can make informed decisions about their dietary choices for maximum recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Core Power shakes are made with fairlife ultra-filtered milk and contain a lactase enzyme, which breaks down the lactose, making them suitable for most people with lactose intolerance.

The protein source is the high-quality, complete protein derived from the ultra-filtered cow's milk itself. Unlike many other protein drinks, no additional protein powder is added.

Yes, all Core Power shakes are formulated to be gluten-free, making them a safe choice for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

The combination of natural sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium is used to achieve a balanced, palatable sweetness profile while keeping the sugar content low.

No, despite being lactose-free, Core Power is a milk-based product and contains dairy. It is not suitable for individuals with a dairy allergy.

The ultra-filtered milk base and the use of stabilizers and thickeners like carrageenan, cellulose gel, and cellulose gum are responsible for the smooth, creamy consistency.

The Elite 42g shakes have a higher concentration of protein, but both versions are based on the same ultra-filtered milk and share many of the same core ingredients, such as sweeteners and stabilizers.

Alkalized cocoa powder, also known as Dutch-processed cocoa, is cocoa powder treated with an alkali solution. This process reduces acidity, resulting in a darker color and a milder, smoother chocolate flavor.