What Milk is Used in Fairlife Protein Shakes?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Fairlife protein shakes are known for their high protein content and creamy texture, but this is achieved without adding protein powders. This is thanks to a proprietary 'ultra-filtration' process that concentrates the natural protein and calcium from real cow's milk.

Quick Summary

Fairlife protein shakes are made with ultra-filtered milk, a specialized dairy product sourced from cows. This process removes most of the lactose and some sugars while concentrating the natural protein and calcium, resulting in a richer, high-protein, and lactose-free base. No protein powders are added to achieve the higher protein count.

Key Points

Ultra-Filtered Milk: Fairlife protein shakes are made from ultra-filtered cow's milk, not a standard milk base.
Concentrated Protein: The ultra-filtration process naturally concentrates the protein from milk, removing the need for added protein powders.
Lactose-Free Formula: Lactose is mostly removed during filtration, and a lactase enzyme is added to ensure the final product is lactose-free.
Lower Sugar Content: The process also filters out some of the milk's natural sugars, resulting in a lower sugar content compared to regular milk.
Enhanced Taste: The specialized filtration gives the milk a creamier, richer flavor and texture.
Sourced from Real Dairy: Fairlife sources its milk from real dairy cows on family-owned farms, adhering to strict quality standards.
No Added Protein Powder: The high protein level comes directly from the concentrated milk, providing a more natural protein source.

The Ultra-Filtration Process: How Fairlife Milk is Transformed

Fairlife protein shakes are not simply a blend of milk and protein powder. The key to their unique nutritional profile is their proprietary ultra-filtration process. This advanced technique sets Fairlife apart from standard dairy products and traditional protein shakes.

The process begins with high-quality cow's milk, sourced from family-owned dairy farms. The milk is then passed through a series of soft filters. These filters separate the milk into its core components: water, minerals, lactose, protein, and fat. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Fairlife is able to precisely recombine these elements in new, optimized proportions.

The Resulting Nutritional Profile

This careful recombination is what gives Fairlife its distinctive benefits. The most notable outcomes are:

Higher Protein: The filtration process concentrates the naturally occurring protein in milk, resulting in a much higher protein content per serving compared to regular milk or shakes made with added powders.
Lower Sugar: By filtering out some of the natural milk sugars (lactose), Fairlife products contain significantly less sugar than conventional dairy.
Lactose-Free: The removal of lactose during filtration, combined with the addition of a lactase enzyme, makes the final product safe for those with lactose intolerance.
Enhanced Creaminess: Many consumers report that the ultra-filtered milk has a richer and creamier flavor profile, which translates to a more satisfying protein shake.

A Closer Look at the Manufacturing Journey

The journey of Fairlife's milk is a meticulously controlled process, beginning on the farm and ending with the final bottled shake.

Sourcing: Fairlife sources its milk from a select group of family-owned dairy farms that adhere to strict quality and animal welfare standards.
Collection and Transportation: Raw milk is rapidly cooled on the farm and transported to the processing plant in refrigerated tankers to maintain freshness.
Filtration: Upon arrival, the milk is tested for quality and purity before undergoing the patented cold-filtration process.
Recombination: The separated milk components are then recombined to create the desired nutritional profile, tailored for products like the Core Power and Nutrition Plan shakes.
Pasteurization and Bottling: The ultra-filtered milk is then pasteurized at a high temperature to ensure safety and packaged in light-blocking containers to preserve nutrients.

Comparison: Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk vs. Standard Milk

To understand the difference, a side-by-side comparison of the milk used in Fairlife protein shakes versus conventional milk is insightful. This highlights why the finished product offers such a distinct nutritional advantage for consumers.


Feature	Fairlife Ultra-Filtered Milk	Standard Milk	Benefit for Protein Shakes
Source	Real cow's milk from select dairy farms	Real cow's milk from various sources	Consistent, high-quality base.
Protein	Significantly higher (concentrated)	Standard amount (~8g per cup)	Delivers high protein content without added powders.
Sugar	50% less sugar than regular milk	Higher sugar content (lactose)	Reduced sugar intake.
Lactose	Lactose-free	Contains lactose	Accessible for those with lactose intolerance.
Processing	Proprietary ultra-filtration system	Standard pasteurization	Enhances nutrition and taste profile.
Taste	Often described as richer and creamier	Traditional milk taste	More pleasant flavor for a protein shake.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability

Fairlife emphasizes its commitment to responsible farming practices and animal welfare, partnering with farms that follow its strict guidelines. This focus on quality control from the source contributes to the final product's reputation. While the company has faced historical controversies regarding animal treatment on certain farms, it has stated a renewed commitment to its high standards. Information on these practices can be found on Fairlife's website.

Conclusion

What milk is used in Fairlife protein shakes is not a simple question with a simple answer. The shakes are made with ultra-filtered cow's milk, which is a key distinguishing factor. This patented process concentrates the protein and calcium, while filtering out lactose and some sugar, making it a lactose-free and higher-protein alternative to traditional dairy. For those seeking a convenient, great-tasting, and nutrient-dense protein source, the use of ultra-filtered milk provides a clear advantage over conventional protein powder mixes, delivering a smooth, rich, and naturally protein-rich beverage. The process allows Fairlife to offer a high-quality nutritional product while maintaining the taste and benefits of real dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Fairlife does not add protein powders to their shakes. The high protein content comes naturally from the ultra-filtered milk, which concentrates the protein while removing lactose and some sugar.

Yes, all Fairlife protein shakes are lactose-free. The company's ultra-filtration process removes most of the lactose, and a lactase enzyme is added to break down any remaining lactose.

Fairlife sources its milk from a network of select family-owned dairy farms. The company emphasizes high-quality standards and animal welfare in its sourcing practices.

Yes, Fairlife shakes are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The concentrated milk protein makes them an effective post-workout recovery drink.

The main difference is the ultra-filtration process. Fairlife milk has 50% more protein, 50% less sugar, and is lactose-free compared to regular milk.

Yes, Fairlife shakes often contain non-nutritive sweeteners such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and stevia leaf extract, in addition to monk fruit juice concentrate.

The ultra-filtration process and the concentration of milk solids give Fairlife milk and its shakes a naturally richer, smoother, and creamier flavor and texture compared to regular milk.

No, Fairlife is not suitable for individuals with a milk allergy. While it is lactose-free, it is still a dairy product made from real cow's milk and contains milk proteins, which trigger allergic reactions.