What type of protein is in fairlife protein drink? An ultra-filtered look at the dairy powerhouse

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the brand's official FAQ, Fairlife protein drinks are formulated with a blend of naturally occurring casein (80%) and whey (20%) proteins derived directly from ultra-filtered milk, with no added protein powders or concentrates. This proprietary filtration process is the key to creating a high-protein, lactose-free, and great-tasting beverage for a variety of dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Fairlife protein shakes contain naturally concentrated casein and whey from ultra-filtered milk, which is also lactose-free. The unique filtration process increases protein content while reducing sugar, providing a high-quality, complete protein source for muscle recovery, satiety, and general nutrition.

Key Points

Source is ultra-filtered milk: Fairlife protein comes from a proprietary filtration process that concentrates the natural proteins already present in milk.
No added protein powders: The company clarifies that it does not add any protein powders or concentrates to its drinks.
Natural casein and whey blend: The protein consists of the natural 80% casein and 20% whey ratio found in cow's milk.
Combines fast and slow digestion: This blend provides a mix of quick-absorbing whey for post-workout needs and slow-digesting casein for sustained muscle support.
Low sugar and lactose-free: The ultra-filtration process removes lactose and much of the natural sugar, making the drinks suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Rich in concentrated nutrients: Besides protein, the process also concentrates other naturally occurring nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
Available in different products: Fairlife offers various options like Core Power and Nutrition Plan, which feature different protein levels from the same ultra-filtered milk base.
Known for taste and texture: Many consumers praise the smooth, creamy texture and natural dairy flavor that comes from the ultra-filtered milk.

Fairlife's ultra-filtered process explained

The protein in Fairlife protein drinks is not sourced from added protein powders, but is instead a natural component of the ultra-filtered milk used as the primary ingredient. This innovative cold-filtration process separates milk into its basic components: water, lactose, protein, and fat. By concentrating the protein and calcium while filtering out much of the natural sugar and all of the lactose, the result is a naturally higher protein, lower-sugar, and lactose-free milk. The concentrated milk is then used to create Fairlife's line of protein shakes, including Core Power and Nutrition Plan.

The casein and whey blend

Milk naturally contains two main types of protein: casein and whey. Casein accounts for approximately 80% of milk protein, while whey makes up the remaining 20%. This is the same ratio found in Fairlife products because no additional powders are used.

Casein Protein: This is a slow-digesting protein that forms a gel in the stomach, providing a gradual and steady release of amino acids to the muscles over several hours. This makes it an ideal protein source for promoting muscle recovery and preventing breakdown, particularly during periods of rest or overnight.
Whey Protein: A fast-absorbing protein, whey is quickly digested and delivers amino acids to the muscles rapidly, making it excellent for post-workout recovery when muscles need immediate fuel for repair and growth.

The combination of these two proteins in Fairlife products offers the benefits of both rapid and sustained amino acid delivery, supporting muscle repair and growth over an extended period.

Nutritional comparison: Fairlife vs. powdered protein


Feature	Fairlife Protein Drink	Powdered Protein Shake (mixed)
Protein Source	Casein (80%) and Whey (20%) from ultra-filtered milk.	Varies (e.g., pure whey, pure casein, plant-based blends).
Lactose	Lactose-free, suitable for intolerant individuals.	Can contain lactose depending on the powder, especially whey concentrate.
Carbohydrates & Sugars	Very low sugar content due to filtration process.	Can be customized; low-sugar options available but dependent on brand and mixer.
Convenience	Ready-to-drink format; shelf-stable until opened.	Requires mixing with a liquid; often requires a shaker bottle.
Additives	Uses a proprietary filtration method instead of added protein powders.	May contain various additives, gums, and sweeteners, which vary by brand.
Texture & Taste	Known for a smooth, creamy texture and milk-like flavor.	Texture and taste depend on powder type, brand, and liquid used.

Key benefits of Fairlife's approach

The ultra-filtration method used by Fairlife provides several nutritional advantages:

High-Quality Complete Protein: Fairlife's protein comes from a complete protein source (milk), ensuring it contains all nine essential amino acids needed for bodily functions.
Enhanced Nutrient Concentration: The process also concentrates other valuable milk nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, providing additional health benefits.
Lactose-Free: For individuals with lactose intolerance, Fairlife offers a comfortable way to consume dairy-based protein without digestive issues.
Superior Taste and Texture: Many consumers report a smoother, more natural-tasting shake compared to those made from mixing powders, as it avoids the chalky texture sometimes associated with protein powders.

Different Fairlife protein products

Fairlife offers a range of protein products, with varying protein content, all derived from their signature ultra-filtered milk.

Core Power: This line is designed for post-workout recovery and contains either 26g or 42g of protein per serving (the Elite version). It also includes electrolytes for hydration.
Nutrition Plan: These shakes are formulated as a smooth nutrition shake, typically providing 30g of protein and just 2g of sugar, making them ideal for a satisfying snack or nutritional boost.

Regardless of the specific product, the source of the high-quality protein remains the same: the naturally occurring casein and whey proteins that are concentrated from real milk through Fairlife's unique filtration process.

Conclusion: A clean, concentrated protein source

In summary, the protein found in Fairlife protein drinks is not a standalone supplement added later in the process but an integral part of its ultra-filtered milk base. The protein is a natural 80/20 blend of casein and whey, providing both immediate and sustained benefits for muscle repair and general nutrition. This makes it a clean and convenient option for those seeking a high-quality, lactose-free, and great-tasting protein source. The unique production method sets Fairlife apart from many other brands that rely on protein concentrates or powders.

For more detailed information on the benefits and processing of ultra-filtered milk, consult resources like the SDSU Extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein source in Fairlife protein drinks is ultra-filtered milk. The company uses a special filtration process to concentrate the milk's natural proteins, rather than adding protein powders.

No, Fairlife does not add protein powders or concentrates to its protein drinks. All the protein is sourced directly from the ultra-filtered milk.

Since Fairlife concentrates the natural proteins in milk, the shakes have the natural ratio of approximately 80% casein and 20% whey protein.

Yes, Fairlife protein drinks are suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. The ultra-filtration process removes the lactose from the milk, and a lactase enzyme is added to ensure it is lactose-free.

The ultra-filtration process concentrates the natural proteins and calcium in milk while filtering out the lactose and some of the natural sugars. This results in a higher protein, lower sugar product.

Unlike a standard protein powder, Fairlife's protein comes as a naturally occurring blend of casein and whey from real milk. This provides both fast and slow-digesting proteins in a single drink, without the need for mixing powders.

Yes, the combination of quick-absorbing whey protein for immediate muscle repair and slow-digesting casein for sustained support makes it an excellent choice for muscle recovery, especially after a workout.

Yes, Fairlife offers different product lines with varying protein contents. For example, Core Power comes in 26g and 42g (Elite) versions, while Nutrition Plan typically contains 30g of protein per shake.