Fairlife Nutrition Plan Review

Fairlife Nutrition Plan is a line of dairy shakes delivering 30g of protein per bottle, marketed as filtered, low in sugar, and lactose-free. We looked into the company, nutrition facts, and supporting research behind these shakes.

Do they offer genuine health benefits, and are they easy to find in stores? Here’s what our research turned up.

What Is Fairlife Nutrition Plan?

These nutrition shakes are marketed to help busy, on-the-go consumers curb hunger whenever it strikes. Is that genuinely realistic?

• Journal of the American College of Nutrition: appropriate cow’s milk consumption genuinely benefits all age groups, supplying essential micronutrients with possible protective effects against obesity, per a 2018 article.
• Journal of Dairy Science: milk protein genuinely helped with post-meal glucose control and satiety in one October 2018 study, though it didn’t significantly change intake at the following meal.
• European Journal of Nutrition: 10g of milk protein paired with low/medium exercise genuinely increased muscle mass in older adults per a 2020 trial — Fairlife Nutrition Plan delivers 30g per serving.

Who Is Behind Fairlife Nutrition Plan?

Mike and Sue McCloskey founded Fairlife in 2012, partnering with The Coca-Cola Co. and Select Milk Producers (a dairy cooperative the McCloskeys had also founded, in 1994). Mike drew inspiration from a well-water filtration experience to explore milk filtration.

Fairlife’s signature “ultra-filtration” process removes much of milk’s sugar while concentrating protein and calcium, producing products like Core Power protein shakes and Yup flavored milks. Coca-Cola gradually increased its ownership stake, taking full control by 2021 (from an initial 42.5% at launch). The Chicago, Illinois-headquartered subsidiary is now solely owned by Coca-Cola. These details reflect manufacturer claims.

Fairlife LLC Customer Service

No Trustpilot or Yelp presence exists. Retail-site feedback discusses the products themselves rather than company service, beyond occasional price complaints.

Contact: Fairlife, LLC, c/o Communications Dept, 1001 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60607. Phone: (312) 624-9444. Toll-Free: 855-LIVEFAIR.

Popular Products From Fairlife

Based on retail feedback, the high-protein shake and Ultra-Filtered milk flavors are the most popular products, with Core Power shakes drawing more limited feedback and somewhat lower ratings.

Fairlife LLC and the Better Business Bureau

Fairlife’s BBB file opened April 4, 2022, currently unaccredited with an F rating, based on a single 1-star review. One complaint has been resolved within the past 12 months.

Fairlife Controversies and Lawsuit

In 2020, Fairlife faced serious controversy tied to alleged animal welfare abuses at supplier farms, most notably Fair Oaks Farms, exposed through footage from Animal Recovery Mission showing workers abusing cows and calves. The fallout was swift — products were pulled from many grocery shelves, and Mike McCloskey issued a video apology within 24 hours outlining corrective measures.

A subsequent class-action lawsuit alleging false advertising around humane treatment claims reached a $21 million settlement in 2022, with Select Milk Producers, Fair Oaks Farms, and the McCloskeys committing to enhanced animal welfare oversight.

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Claims

The company claims its shakes deliver health and vitality through cow’s milk, satisfying hunger whenever it strikes, with an array of hard-to-find vitamins and minerals concentrated through its filtration process while removing unwanted compounds.

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Ingredients

Nutrition facts stay largely consistent across flavors, with minor variance in some nutrients (shown as ranges). Per 340mL serving:

• Calories 150
• Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated 1.5g, Trans 0g)
• Cholesterol 10mg
• Sodium 190-230mg
• Total Carbohydrate 3-4g (Fiber 0-1g)
• Total Sugars 2g
• Protein 30g
• Calcium 730mg
• Potassium 410mg
• Iron 0-1.8mg
• Vitamin A 200mcg
• Vitamin D 5mcg

Common ingredients: filtered low-fat grade A milk, natural flavors, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, maltodextrin, carrageenan, lactase enzyme, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, monk fruit concentrate, salt, stevia leaf extract, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3.

Do Fairlife Nutrition Plan Products Work? Benefits

The headline feature — 30g of protein — genuinely supports body composition in resistance-trained individuals per the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Versus carbohydrate drinks post-exercise, milk products genuinely provide equivalent or superior recovery for muscle protein synthesis, glycogen replenishment, and rehydration, per a review in the International Journal of Sports Science.

Calcium, the body’s most abundant mineral, genuinely supports bones, muscle movement, nerve signaling, blood flow, and hormone release — Nutrición Hospitalaria notes dairy is genuinely the best dietary source given its bioavailability.

Potassium, at 410mg per serving, is a genuine shortfall nutrient rarely found in fortified foods per Advances in Nutrition — improving potassium-to-sodium intake genuinely supports heart health.

Vitamin A supports vision, growth, epithelial and mucus integrity, plus anti-inflammatory function, per a 2018 article in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Fairlife Nutrition Plan and Weight Loss

Per the British Journal of Nutrition, milk protein’s satiety response is genuinely individualized — sensitivity may be blunted in people managing obesity.

Per Nutrition & Metabolism, dairy consumption is genuinely associated with reduced metabolic disorder risk, and milk protein may indirectly aid metabolism through favorable shifts in lean mass and reduced adiposity.

Fairlife Nutrition Plan Side Effects

Though lactose-free, these products can still trigger dairy-related reactions like allergies, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Stevia Leaf Extract, one of the sweeteners used, may also cause similar symptoms or dizziness in some people.

Cost and Where to Buy

Not sold directly from the company website — Fairlife links to retailers based on your location, with prices varying regionally. Sample pricing:

• Walmart: $13.99 for 4-pack (11.5oz) or $36.19 for 12-pack (1.5oz), Chocolate or Vanilla
• Sam’s Club: $20.98 for a 12-pack, Vanilla or Chocolate

Core Power and Ultra-Filtered milk are widely carried, though Nutrition Plan protein shake flavor availability can be inconsistent by region.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 30g protein per bottle
• Chocolate and Vanilla widely available at grocery chains
• Filtering process makes it lactose-free and low in sugar

Cons

• Costs more than standard milk brands
• Not carried by all major retailers, including some Costco locations
• Flavors like Salted Caramel and Strawberry are harder to find
• Supplier farm history includes documented animal welfare concerns

Bottom Line on Fairlife Nutrition Plan Results

Fairlife Nutrition Plan delivers a genuinely strong 30g protein dose per bottle, sourced directly from milk rather than added protein powder — a real distinguishing feature. Vanilla, Strawberry, Salted Caramel, and Chocolate flavors are available, though some can be difficult to find depending on your region.

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