Protein powder is one of the most popular supplement categories in the health and fitness industry with one drawback—mixing a protein shake isn’t always the most convenient thing, especially if you’re looking for a quick snack at work or something you can grab on your way out the door.
If you’re tired of carrying around an empty shaker cup and a Ziploc bag of protein with you, ready-to-drink protein shakes offer a convenient alternative. They’re pre-mixed and ready to go, so you don’t need to deal with messy powders or find a way to rinse out your shaker cup once you’re done.
In this Fairlife Protein Shake Review, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about one of the best protein shakes on the market. I’ll explain the formulation, ingredients, and taste (spoiler: it’s delicious), and help you decide whether these shakes are worth adding to your nutrition plan.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. GGR also recommends choosing a product that has been third-party tested for quality.
Tested by Nutrition Experts
Our testers include a diverse group of fitness professionals, including certified nutrition coaches, registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, and athletes with all sorts of backgrounds and specialties.
Many of us have spent years drinking protein shakes, and as a team, we’ve tested over 20 ready-to-drink protein shakes, not to mention over 120 types of protein powder. To make sure all reviews are unbiased, we carefully score each product we test using our supplement testing methodology, which pays attention to specific aspects of a product, including:
- Price
- Formulation
- Side Effects
- Taste and Solubility
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shake
Product Highlights
- 30 grams of protein per serving
- 150 calories per serving
- Two flavors available
- Uses ultra-filtered low fat milk
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 grams of protein per serving
- Delicious flavor and texture
- Convenient protein source
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive
- Thicker than whey protein shakes
Bottom Line
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes are formulated with ultra-filtered milk, rather than protein powder, resulting in a smooth shake that's packed with protein. They contain 30 grams of protein per serving, and are available in Chocolate and Vanilla.
A Quick Look at Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
Fairlife, a nutrition partner of Team USA, was founded in 2012, and in 2015 Fairlife ultra-filtered milk was launched nationally in major retailers. The milk contains 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than traditional milk, making it a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content.
The company has gone on to release Core Power protein shakes, Core Power Elite shakes, and Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes, the subject of this review. Compared to the original Core Power Shakes, Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes have more protein and fewer calories, and they’ve become extremely popular in recent years.
In fact, when they first launched it was nearly impossible to find them, and retailers like Costco would regularly sell out the day the product was restocked. Thankfully, it’s a bit easier to order them now.
With 30 grams of protein per bottle, only 150 calories, and two delicious flavor options, these shakes are a great option for anyone looking for a convenient grab-and-go protein drink that can be used any time of the day.
Before You Buy
- Each bottle contains 30 grams of protein and only 150 calories, which is more protein and fewer calories compared to Fairlife Core Power Shakes.
- The protein source is filtered low-fat milk, rather than whey protein, so the shakes are thicker than traditional whey protein shakes.
- As the shake is pre-mixed, you can’t customize the taste or texture in any way.
Are Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes Worth It?
Fairlife protein shakes are packed with protein, but the price per serving can vary widely depending on where you order them from. While I think they’re a great choice and one of the best-tasting shakes I’ve tried, they’re not for everyone.
Great for:
- Busy individuals looking for a convenient protein option
- Anyone who enjoys the taste and texture of milk
- Those looking to boost their protein without excess calories
Not recommended for:
- Athletes who want the fastest-digesting protein possible
- People who don’t like the texture or taste of milk
- Anyone on a tight budget
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes Specs
| Price per serving | $2.05 – $4.49 |
| Serving Size | 1 bottle (340 mL) |
| Type of protein | Filtered Lowfat Grade A Milk |
| Protein content | 30 g |
| Carb content | 3-4 g |
| Fat content | 2.5 g |
| Notable ingredients | Alkalized cocoa, natural flavors, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, salt, carrageenan, lactase enzyme, monk juice concentrate, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, stevia leaf extract, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3 |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Vanilla |
| Third-party tested? | No |
Experience Using Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
For this review, Lauren Strong, CPT, a senior staff writer at GGR, tested both the chocolate and vanilla protein shakes.
I’ve also been using the shakes myself for 2 to 3 years, though I’ve only tried the chocolate flavor, never the vanilla. I’ve had more Fairlife shakes than I can count over the years, so between Lauren and I, we’ve got you covered with hands-on testing experience.
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Overall, Lauren was very impressed and loved the flavor and texture, saying it was very similar to drinking regular Fairlife milk. Her biggest issue was the price, as she paid quite a bit for her shakes, but I can say from personal experience that the shakes are usually available at a much more affordable rate.
These shakes are certainly on the thick side and have a texture quite similar to whole milk, rather than a traditional whey protein shake which often has a thinner texture. Lauren and I enjoyed this, but if you’re looking for a thin, light protein shake, this isn’t the one.
These shakes don’t have enough carbs, fat, and micronutrients to be used as a meal replacement shake, so I like to use them as a high-protein snack between meals, as they fill me up more than regular protein powder and water shakes.
RELATED: Protein Snack Ideas
Price Per Serving
For the price per serving, Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes earn a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating based on our testing methodology.
Lauren ordered a variety pack and ended up paying $35.99 for 8 shakes, which is a very high price per serving. However, she noted that the price may vary depending on which retailer you use—for example, at my local Costco an 18-pack costs $36.99.
Prices can fluctuate, as Lauren paid $4.49 per shake while I’ve been paying $2.05 per shake, so be sure to shop around to find a good deal. Many retailers on Amazon also sell 12-packs at a variety of prices, so the actual price you’ll pay may change.
Formulation
The formulation is interesting, as the primary ingredient is Fairlife’s ultra-filtered low-fat milk, rather than a specific type of whey or casein protein. Fairlife processes its milk through special soft filters designed to remove most of the sugar while increasing the protein and calcium content.
To score this category, we look at the amount of protein compared to carbs, fats, and total calories, and these shakes earn a solid 5 out of 5 for the formulation. The protein content is very high at 30 grams per serving, with only 3 to 4 grams of total carbohydrates depending on the flavor, and only 2 grams of total sugars.
RELATED: How Much Protein Do I Need?
Fairlife also contains other beneficial nutrients, including calcium, iron, and potassium, and only has 25 mg of cholesterol. It uses sucralose and stevia, so if you’re looking to avoid artificial sweeteners, you may need to choose something else.
Taste and Solubility
For both taste and solubility, Fairlife protein shakes earn a 5-out-of-5 rating.
Lauren said, “I tested both the chocolate and vanilla, and they taste very similar to Fairlife milk, with the exception that there is a hint of vanilla that doesn’t just taste like plain milk.”
I can vouch for this as well, and if you close your eyes, the chocolate protein shake tastes identical to chocolate milk.
The texture is very smooth, similar to whole milk, with a thick and creamy texture that reminds me of a melted milkshake. If you’re used to something like a whey protein isolate mixed with water, which is very thin and fast digesting, this texture may seem strange at first, but if you like the texture of milk, you’ll like this.
Side Effects
Lauren didn’t notice any side effects, awarding a final score of 5 out of 5. I’ve also consumed hundreds of these shakes over the years and have never had any issues.
Of course, anyone on a lactose-free diet will probably need to avoid these, but as someone who’s mildly lactose intolerant, I’m very impressed with how easy these shakes are to digest. If you tend to experience any of the potential whey protein side effects, you may have the same issues with Fairlife Protein Shakes.
Third-Party Testing
There is no third-party testing on the final product, but this isn’t required, as pre-made shakes are regulated as food products, not dietary supplements.
Team USA partners with Fairlife, which speaks to the quality, and Fairlife regularly conducts third-party audits on the milk suppliers it uses. It’s also CARE Certified by Where Food Comes From and Validus Certified by Animal Welfare Review.
For this category, we’ve given a score of 5 out of 5 stars.
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes vs Premier Protein Shakes
Premier Protein Shakes
Premier Protein Shakes
Product Highlights
- 30 g of protein
- Only 1 g of sugar
- Widely available at many different retailers
- 24 vitamins and minerals
- Won American Masters of Taste Gold Medal
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Widely available
- Low in sugar and carbs
- High in protein
- Lots of flavor options
Cons
- Contains carrageenan
- Sweetened with sucralose
Bottom Line
Premier Protein Shakes are a great tasting, widely available protein shake option with a great amount of protein and very low sugar content.
If you’re shopping for a ready-to-drink protein shake that’s equally high in protein, Premier Protein is another option to consider. Both shakes have 30 grams of protein, though Premier Protein is available in 14 different flavors, and is usually cheaper than Fairlife.
The main difference is the protein content, as Fairlife is essentially high-protein milk, while Premier Protein uses protein concentrate, water, and a long list of additional ingredients.
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Overall, Fairlife is better if you prefer a shorter ingredient list, but Premier Protein is better if you don’t mind the extra sweeteners and additives, and prefer one of the many available flavors.
| Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes | Premier Protein Shakes | |
| Price per serving | $2.05 – $4.49 | $2.49 |
| Serving Size | 1 bottle (340 mL) | 1 shake (11.5 fl oz) |
| Type of protein | Filtered Lowfat Grade A Milk | Milk protein concentrate |
| Protein content | 30 g | 30 g |
| Carb content | 3-4 g | 3-6 g |
| Fat content | 2.5 g | 3 g |
| Notable ingredients | Alkalized cocoa, natural flavors, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, salt, carrageenan, lactase enzyme, monk juice concentrate, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, stevia leaf extract, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3 | Water, milk protein concentrate†, calcium caseinate†, contains less than 1% of high oleic sunflower oil or soybean oil, natural and artificial flavors, cellulose gel and cellulose gum, salt, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, carrageenan, tripotassiumphosphate dipotassiumphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, vitamin and mineral blend(dl-alpha-tocopherylacetate manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, biotin, sodium molybdate, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate [vitamin b1], cyanocobalamin [vitamin b12], pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin b6], riboflavin [vitamin b2], [vitamin e], zinc glycinate chelate, ferric orthophosphate, vitamin a palmitate, niacinamide, phytonadione [vitamin k1], potassium iodide, cholecalciferol [vitamin d3], copper gluconate, calcium d-pantothenate, chromium polynicotinate), magnesium phosphate, sodium ascorbate |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Vanilla | 14 flavors |
| Third-party tested? | No, but none required | No, but none required |
Customer Experience
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes aren’t sold on the Fairlife website, only third-party retailers like Amazon, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. If you need to make a return, you’ll need to follow the return policy of the retailer you ordered from.
However, if you do want to reach Fairlife, you can call, email, or write them a letter, so they are accessible even if you don’t order from them.
For the overall customer experience, Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes earns a 3-out-of-5 rating.
Ordering Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
Ordering Fairlife protein shakes must be done at third-party or local retailers. At the time of writing, the shakes are sold on Amazon, as well as local warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club.
Customer Reviews
Fairlife Nutrition Plan shakes have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1,073 reviews on the Fairlife website, and a 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon based on 4,173 reviews.
Customers love the taste, texture, and convenience, though a few mention the price seems a bit high.
Final Verdict of Our Fairlife Protein Shake Review
If you’re looking for a high-quality protein shake that’s portable, easy to transport, and absolutely delicious, this is a solid choice.
The price may be high depending on the retailer you use, but if you can find a good deal, this shake is absolutely worth a try. With 30 grams of protein, only 150 calories, and a great taste, it’s hard to think of a better ready-to-drink protein shake than the Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shake.
- High protein content from ultra-filtered milk, rather than protein powder.
- The price can vary widely between retailers.
- Both flavors are very similar to Fairlife’s regular milk, though the vanilla has more of a vanilla flavor than plain milk.
Full Rating
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Shakes are formulated with ultra-filtered milk, rather than protein powder, resulting in a smooth shake that’s packed with protein. They contain 30 grams of protein per serving, and are available in Chocolate and Vanilla.
Product Brand: Fairlife
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 64.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.49
Fairlife Protein Shakes: FAQs
Are Fairlife protein shakes good for you?
As long as they fit your nutrition plan, Fairlife protein shakes are packed with protein, along with beneficial minerals like calcium which can support your health and fitness goals.
What protein shake is closest to Fairlife?
If you’re looking for a product with similar macros, Premier Protein Shakes are also a convenient option with 30 grams of protein per bottle, and plenty of flavors to choose from.
Can I drink 2 Fairlife protein shakes a day?
Yes, as long as you don’t have any dietary restrictions, Fairlife protein shakes are safe to consume as a regular food source.
What was the Fairlife protein shake lawsuit?
In 2021, FairLife settled a class-action lawsuit that claimed its cows were not treated humanely, despite saying so on its bottles. FairLife claimed the abuse was limited to one of its farms, which it has since stopped working with and has increased oversight of its dairy production.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
