Is Fairlife Milk Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?

Fairlife Milk is a brand of ultra-filtered milk that boasts higher protein and lower sugar content than regular milk. It is a product of Fairlife LLC, a subsidiary of The Coca-Cola Company.

Fairlife milk is mainly aimed at health-conscious consumers looking for dairy products with improved nutritional profiles. The target market includes athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those following high-protein diets.

The typical protein content of an 8-ounce serving of Fairlife Milk is around 13 grams, which is approximately 50% more protein than regular milk. Fairlife Milk contains approximately half the sugar of regular milk, with only 6 grams per 8-ounce serving. 

The product is available in 52-ounce and 14-ounce bottles and the following varieties at grocery stores:

• 2%
• 2% Chocolate
• Fat-free
• Whole

According to the nutrition label, Fairlife milk provides around 30% of the daily recommended (daily value) calcium intake per serving. It is also fortified with vitamins A and D and contains lactase, making it lactose-free and suitable for people who are lactose intolerant. 

All Fairlife Milk products contain ultra-filtered milk that is either whole, reduced fat, or non-fat. They also contain lactase enzymes, essential nutrients, and vitamins.

The chocolate-flavored Fairlife Milk product contains other ingredients like natural and artificial flavors, carrageenan, cellulose gel, cellulose gum, maltodextrin, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose.

Let’s take a closer look at all the ingredients and what they mean for your health.

This is the primary ingredient. Grade A ultra-filtered milk is a type of cow’s milk that has undergone a filtration process to remove impurities and increase its protein content. The ultra-filtration process removes some of the sugars while concentrating the protein and other nutrients. 

Despite having less sugar, a higher protein concentration, and a longer shelf life compared to traditional milk, there are potential health risks associated with ultra-filtered milk that you should know about.

One concern is the loss of certain beneficial nutrients during filtration, which may reduce its overall nutritional value. Another issue is that filtering milk transforms it into a processed food.

Lactase enzyme is commonly used as a milk additive or a supplement. It breaks down lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products, making milk more digestible for individuals with lactose intolerance.

While lactase enzyme supplementation in milk helps many people enjoy dairy without discomfort, there are potential health concerns. Some people are sensitive to enzymes or other components in the milk. 

Excessive consumption of lactase-treated milk may lead to an over-reliance on the product. Over time, it can mask symptoms of lactose intolerance and hide other underlying digestive issues. 

Some experts caution that the long-term effects of regularly consuming lactase-treated milk are not yet fully understood – it’s important to exercise moderation and be aware of individual health needs when incorporating products that contain additives into your daily diet. 

Vitamins A and D are commonly added to milk products by the dairy industry as fortification agents to enhance the nutritional profile.

Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and skin health, while vitamin D aids calcium absorption and bone health. While these additions may be beneficial, too much of it can lead to health risks. 

Excessive vitamin A may result in toxicity, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and even liver damage. Too much vitamin D intake can cause hypercalcemia, characterized by symptoms like nausea, weakness, and kidney problems.

It’s essential to be mindful of your overall dietary intake of these vitamins, mainly if you eat other fortified foods or nutritional supplements. You’ll need to be especially mindful if you are pregnant.

Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium

The chocolate-flavored version of Fairlife Milk contains artificial sweeteners to enhance taste without adding extra sugar. Acesulfame potassium and sucralose are artificial sweeteners commonly used by food manufacturers as sugar substitutes in various food and beverage products. 

While they offer the advantage of providing sweetness without the added sugar, there are potential health risks associated with their consumption. Acesulfame potassium has been linked to concerns regarding its safety in high doses, with scientific studies suggesting a possible link to cancer. 

Although regulatory authorities have deemed sucralose safe for human consumption, some studies have raised questions about its effects on gut health and metabolism, particularly when consumed in large quantities. 

Dipotassium phosphate is a food additive commonly used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and buffering agent in processed foods, beverages, and dietary supplements.

While it is generally recognized as safe by regulatory agencies when used by Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), there are potential health risks associated with its consumption in large quantities or by sensitive individuals. 

Excessive intake of dipotassium phosphate may disrupt the body’s mineral balance, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances and related health issues.

Additionally, some research suggests that phosphates in processed foods may contribute to adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease and impaired kidney function, particularly in people with pre-existing health conditions.

As a lactose-free alternative to traditional dairy milk, Fairlife Milk provides a solution for those with lactose intolerance. It allows them to enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of milk without discomfort. 

It is also enriched with extra protein compared to regular milk, making it an option for those looking to increase their protein intake for muscle recovery, weight management, or overall health.

But, due to its processing, it is not considered a clean product and is considered a processed food.

Despite the higher levels of protein and its suitability for people who are lactose intolerant, Fairlife Milk comes with some nutrition cons.

One concern is its highly processed ingredients, including the ultra-filtration process.

Fairlife Milk is also not organic, which means it may contain residues of pesticides used in conventional dairy farming (the Fairlife website does state that the types of milk it uses does not contain antibiotics or RBST growth hormones).

Some research suggests that raw, organic milk may offer potential health benefits compared to processed dairy products like Fairlife Milk. It’s worth noting that raw milk may also pose risks of bacterial contamination, although this has not been conclusively proven.

For those who can tolerate milk, it’s best to consider factors like how it was processed, the potential health risks compared to its health potential, and what else it contains. 

Fairlife Milk is a processed dairy product, and the chocolate-flavored version contains added ingredients that are not healthy. Although ultra-filtered milk still has some nutrition, it’s important to consider factors such as added ingredients and any potential changes in nutritional content that may result from processing. 

If you can tolerate dairy, organic, whole milk may be a better option. However, it’s important to note that this option has associated health risks. It’s best to research before including any dairy in your diet. Other options include plant-based milk alternatives or increasing your protein intake with organic meat, fish, eggs, or plant-based protein sources.

Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider or a nutrition professional to help determine if lactose-free milk like Fairlife is healthy for you.