Who Makes Core Power Protein Shakes?

Initially launched in 2012 by Fair Oaks Farms Brands, LLC, Core Power protein shakes are now produced by Fairlife, LLC, a Chicago-based dairy company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. The product originated as a high-protein shake designed for post-workout recovery, leveraging Fairlife's ultra-filtered milk technology. This filtration process is key to creating Core Power's distinct nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

This article explains that Core Power protein shakes are made by Fairlife, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, and details the brand's history, from its origin with Select Milk Producers to its acquisition and distribution by the beverage giant.

Key Points

• Manufacturer is Fairlife: Core Power protein shakes are made by Fairlife, a dairy company based in Chicago.

• Parent Company is Coca-Cola: In 2020, The Coca-Cola Company acquired full ownership of Fairlife, making it the ultimate parent company of the Core Power brand.

• Utilizes Ultra-Filtered Milk: Fairlife uses a patented ultra-filtration process on milk sourced from American dairy farms to concentrate protein and remove lactose.

• Originated with Select Milk Producers: The product's concept began with the dairy cooperative Select Milk Producers, which developed the ultra-filtered milk technology.

• Transitioned from 'Athletes HoneyMilk': Before becoming Core Power, the shake was initially marketed as 'Athletes HoneyMilk'.

• Distributed by Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola's distribution network helped launch Core Power into the mainstream sports nutrition market.

Core Power: From Dairy Co-op to Beverage Giant

The story of who makes Core Power protein is a journey that begins with American dairy farmers and culminates with a global beverage corporation. The product is a result of a partnership that brought innovative dairy processing technology to a wider market, significantly boosting its presence in the sports nutrition space.

The Origins: Fair Oaks Farms and Select Milk Producers

Core Power's roots trace back to Select Milk Producers, a cooperative of American family-owned dairy farms. Founded in 1994, these farmers aimed to provide high-quality milk and efficient dairy operations. Seeking to innovate within the dairy market, they developed a unique ultra-filtration process to create milk products with enhanced nutritional profiles. This technology concentrates the protein and calcium while filtering out much of the natural sugar. The initial high-protein dairy shake product was launched under the name "Athletes HoneyMilk".

The Birth of Fairlife and the Rebranding of Core Power

In 2012, a significant turning point occurred. Select Milk Producers partnered with The Coca-Cola Company to create a new health and wellness company called Fairlife, LLC. With this partnership, Athletes HoneyMilk was rebranded and relaunched as Core Power. Coca-Cola's involvement provided national distribution capabilities, dramatically increasing the product's market reach. This strategic move allowed Core Power to transition from a niche product to a mainstream option for fitness enthusiasts. Fairlife has since expanded its product portfolio to include ultra-filtered milk, nutrition shakes, and light ice cream, all leveraging the same dairy filtration technology.

Coca-Cola's Full Ownership

Initially holding a minority stake, The Coca-Cola Company saw the immense potential in the Fairlife brand. In January 2020, Coca-Cola acquired the remaining equity stake in Fairlife, taking full ownership of the dairy company. This acquisition underscored Core Power's and Fairlife's success, with Fairlife surpassing $1 billion in annual retail sales by 2022. The full acquisition solidified Core Power's place within Coca-Cola's extensive beverage portfolio, positioning it as a key player in the sports nutrition category.

Fairlife's Ultra-Filtration Technology

The unique process that creates Core Power protein shakes is central to the product's appeal. Unlike traditional protein shakes that may use added powders, Core Power utilizes milk from Select Milk Producers that is filtered to concentrate its natural goodness.

Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:

• Source High-Quality Milk: Fairlife sources milk from a cooperative of family-owned dairy farms, emphasizing animal welfare and sustainable practices.
• Ultra-Filtration: The raw milk undergoes a soft-filtration process. This patented technology allows the separation of milk's components based on molecule size. The process effectively increases the concentration of protein and calcium.
• Lactose Removal: During filtration, much of the lactose (natural milk sugar) is removed, making the final product lactose-free and easier to digest for many people.
• Nutrient Concentration: The process results in milk that is richer in protein and calcium while being lower in sugar compared to regular milk.
• Formulation: The nutrient-rich ultra-filtered milk is then used as the base for Core Power protein shakes, along with other ingredients like natural flavors and sweeteners, to create the final product.

Core Power Products vs. Traditional Protein Powders

To understand why Core Power has gained such traction, it's helpful to compare it with traditional protein powder mixes.

Feature	Core Power Protein Shakes	Traditional Protein Powders
Source	Made with ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk	Typically whey or casein derived from milk processing, soy, or pea protein
Form	Ready-to-drink (RTD) shake in a bottle	Powder that must be mixed with water, milk, or another liquid
Convenience	Highly convenient for on-the-go consumption	Requires preparation, shaking, and often a blender bottle
Taste & Texture	Smooth, creamy texture with no chalky aftertaste	Can vary widely in taste and can sometimes be clumpy or chalky
Lactose	Lactose-free, suitable for many with lactose sensitivity	Can contain lactose unless specifically labeled lactose-free or made from a non-dairy source
Cost	Generally more expensive per serving due to RTD format	Often more cost-effective per serving in bulk containers
Nutrient Profile	High-quality complete protein and essential amino acids	Complete protein and amino acid profiles, especially for whey and casein

The Expansion of the Fairlife Brand

Since its acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company, the Fairlife brand, which includes Core Power, has experienced significant growth and innovation. This success is a result of tapping into consumer demand for high-quality, convenient, and better-for-you dairy products. Coca-Cola's vast distribution network and marketing resources have been instrumental in this expansion. Today, Fairlife's products are available nationwide and internationally in Canada and China. The company continues to invest in new production and distribution facilities to meet the high consumer demand.

Core Power's Place in the Market

Core Power is specifically positioned as a post-workout recovery drink. Its formulation, with high-quality protein and essential amino acids from milk, is designed to help repair and rebuild muscles after exercise. The product's convenient, ready-to-drink format and smooth taste have made it a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need a quick and effective source of protein on the go.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Who Makes Core Power Protein

In summary, Core Power protein shakes are made by Fairlife, LLC, a dairy company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company. The product's origin traces back to Select Milk Producers and a partnership with Coca-Cola that led to the formation of Fairlife. By leveraging an innovative ultra-filtration process, Fairlife creates a lactose-free, high-protein milk base for Core Power shakes, which has allowed the brand to become a major player in the sports nutrition market. This history of innovation and strategic acquisition solidifies Core Power's position as a prominent ready-to-drink protein option for active individuals.

Fairlife Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the parent company of Fairlife?

The parent company of Fairlife, LLC, which makes Core Power, is The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola acquired full ownership of Fairlife in January 2020, after having a minority stake since 2012.

Is Core Power protein powder or a ready-to-drink shake?

Core Power is a ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shake. Unlike protein powders that require mixing, Core Power is sold in bottles and is ready for immediate consumption.

Is Core Power lactose-free?

Yes, Core Power protein shakes are made with ultra-filtered milk, a process that removes most of the lactose, making the product lactose-free.

Where does Core Power get its milk?

Core Power gets its milk from Select Milk Producers, a cooperative of American family-owned dairy farms. These farms supply the high-quality milk that is ultra-filtered for the final product.

How does Core Power's ultra-filtered milk differ from regular milk?

Ultra-filtered milk is passed through special filters to concentrate the natural protein and calcium while filtering out much of the lactose and natural sugar. This results in a higher protein, lower sugar, and lactose-free product.

Why did Coca-Cola acquire Core Power?

The Coca-Cola Company acquired Fairlife, and by extension Core Power, to expand its beverage portfolio beyond traditional sodas and into the growing health and wellness dairy category.

What is the history of Core Power?

Core Power was initially launched as 'Athletes HoneyMilk' by Select Milk Producers. In 2012, The Coca-Cola Company partnered with them to create Fairlife, LLC, which rebranded the product as Core Power. Coca-Cola gained full ownership in 2020.