Is Fairlife Core Power Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?

Fairlife Protein Shakes are a range of dairy-based protein shakes with ultra-filtered low-fat grade A milk as their main ingredient. Fairlife LLC, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company, produces the shakes in three flavor variants:

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Strawberry Banana

Each 14-ounce serving contains 26 grams of protein, which can help you to feel fuller for longer and aid in repairing and building muscle.

The brand targets health-conscious consumers, particularly athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals with high-protein diets seeking improved nutritional options. 

Fairlife Protein Shakes do not contain any added sugar but are artificially sweetened with acesulfame potassium, sucralose, and stevia leaf extract.

All Fairlife Protein Shakes contain low-fat, ultra-filtered milk. They also contain lactase enzymes, vitamins, natural flavors, artificial flavors, carrageenan, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, maltodextrin, monk fruit juice concentrate, stevia leaf extract, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose.

Let’s explore the main ingredients and what they might mean for your health.

The primary ingredient in Fairlife Shakes is Grade A ultra-filtered milk.

It is a dairy product made from milk that undergoes a specialized filtration process to boost its protein content and remove impurities. This process entails the removal of sugars while concentrating the high quality protein and other essential nutrients. 

Although ultra-filtered, it has some potential health advantages like reduced sugar levels, increased protein concentration, and prolonged shelf life compared to conventional milk, there are potential health considerations associated with this food.

One concern is the possible loss of certain beneficial nutrients during filtration, which could lower this milk’s overall nutritional value. The filtering process also transforms milk into a processed food as opposed to being in its original, whole-food state.

Lactase enzyme serves as a common additive or supplement in milk, facilitating the breakdown of lactose, the natural sugar present in dairy products, thereby enhancing digestibility for individuals with lactose intolerance.

While lactase enzyme supplementation in milk alleviates discomfort for many, there are potential health considerations to bear in mind.

Some people are sensitive to enzymes or other milk components. Another potential health risk is that relying excessively on lactase-treated milk may obscure symptoms of lactose intolerance and obscure underlying digestive concerns over time. 

According to experts, it’s important to be mindful and to consume products like this with caution because the long-term effects of regular consumption are unknown. 

Food manufacturers typically add Vitamin A and D to fortify foods, and these vitamins play pivotal roles in supporting various aspects of health.

Vitamin A contributes to vision, immune function, and skin health, whereas vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption and bone health. While these nutrients offer notable benefits, excessive intake can pose health risks. 

Overconsumption of vitamin A may lead to toxicity, manifesting symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and liver damage. Similarly, excessive vitamin D intake can induce hypercalcemia, characterized by symptoms like nausea, weakness, and kidney problems.

Monitoring your overall dietary intake of these vitamins is essential, especially if you consume other fortified foods or dietary supplements.

Fairlife Protein Shakes contain artificial sweeteners to enrich flavor profiles without increasing sugar content.

Acesulfame potassium and sucralose, widely used as sugar substitutes in various food and beverage items, serve this purpose. Despite offering sweetness devoid of added sugar, their consumption entails potential health risks. 

Acesulfame potassium has raised concerns due to its potential link to cancer, especially in high doses, as suggested by scientific research.

While regulatory authorities consider sucralose safe for human consumption, inquiries persist regarding its impact on gut health and metabolism, particularly with extensive intake.

Fairlife Protein Shakes contain many food additives, including artificial flavors, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, and carrageenan. Although some of these additives may not directly impact your health if you use them in moderation, they can add up quickly.

Drinking highly processed protein shakes like this regularly or consuming products with high levels of food additives can cause digestive problems like stomach cramps, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.

Some of these additives have been linked to severe health problems like oxidative stress, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even cancer. 

Fairlife Protein Shakes are lactose-free, which means that people who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate this product, even though it is made from dairy.

The high protein content makes this drink an option for people who want to increase their protein intake to support muscle growth, recovery after exercise, and overall nutrition.

Dairy in general is a complete protein which has potential health benefits for some people.

It’s also a convenient, ready-to-drink option available in three flavors. It is not overly expensive and can be found in most grocery stores and gas stations.