Core Power Protein Shake Review

Fairlife Core Power is another popular protein shake shaking up the nutrition industry, packing 26 grams of protein in a single bottle that’s easily consumed on the go. 

For the workout enthusiast pressed for time, it’s a convenient shake that ticks most boxes.

But while Core Power Protein Shakes deliver on convenience, they are not without a few downsides that are worth considering.

Still, there is a lot to be said about what the Core Power shake does bring to the table, on top of the straight-from-the-bottle high-protein content.

So, before you buy, this review offers everything you need to know about Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes.

Below, we take a look at the ingredients, taste, and overall value for money, so by the end of this review you can decide for yourself whether or not they are worth the cash.

Fairlife Core Power

First things first, if you haven’t heard of Fairlife, here’s a brief introduction. Fairlife started in the USA in 2012, producing ultra-filtered dairy products that now include milk drinks, protein shakes, and ice cream.

Overall, their products cater to health-conscious dairy lovers, with a focus on convenience and accessibility for a wider market. 

Core Power Protein Shakes, now among Fairlife’s best-selling products, offer high protein in a range of popular milkshake flavors, accommodating fitness enthusiasts who enjoy milkshakes, convenience, or both.

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake Review

As you have probably worked out by now, the biggest selling point of Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes is the convenience.

The amount of protein in one 14-ounce (414 milliliters) bottle is enough to match a typical scoop of whey protein powder, which is pretty impressive.

Despite that, convenience is also what you’re paying for here. On top of that, if you’re a fitness enthusiast who is serious about nutrition, you’re going to find a few things to criticize ingredients-wise. 

It’s worth mentioning that Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes are available in 11-ounce and 14-ounce bottles.

The 14-ounce bottle is the “new and improved” version, so it goes without saying that the nutritional value of each version is different – and not just in relation to the size.

For the purpose of this review, however, all the information provided is for the new 14-ounce Core Power Protein Shakes released by Fairlife. 

Ingredients And Nutritional Value

Like any product that’s designed to be nutritious, the ingredients are important to look at.

And where protein is concerned, the Core Power Protein Shake gets our nod of approval by delivering 26 grams of protein per 14-ounce (414-milliliter) bottle.

The bottle doesn’t state where the protein comes from, but it’s assumed that it comes from Fairlife’s milk, which goes through ultra filtering.

This gluten-free protein shake also includes all nine essential amino acids, which is a welcome bonus.

As for everything else, one bottle contains 240 calories, 28 grams of carbohydrates, 3.5 grams of fat, and 26 grams of sugar, in addition to vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin A.

If you’re wondering, that wasn’t a typo – in one bottle of Core Power, you’re getting the same amount of sugar as you are protein: 26 grams.

This comes alongside 240 calories, which is quite a lot considering the small size of the shake.

So, for serious health enthusiasts, the amount of sugar and calories in one serving is already going to be a red flag.

Still, we can’t fault the protein content, as well as the added vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids, all ready to consume straight from the bottle.

Taste

The taste of Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes is as you would expect – like a decent, shop-made milkshake.

Despite the high protein content, there is no dull aftertaste, but there is a thicker consistency to the shake, which may or may not be due to the added protein.

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes are available in chocolate, vanilla, banana, and strawberry banana.

Overall, there is nothing with how any of these taste, so rest assured that you can buy your favorite flavor and receive what you would expect.

If you love milkshakes, in particular, the Core Power Protein Shake is not going to disappoint; it’s thick, milky, and full-flavored.

But this is also due to the addition of artificial sweeteners – part of the new recipe of the 14-ounce Core Power shakes.

These sweeteners include sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and stevia, and those with a trained tongue will notice them instantly. Still, whether or not artificial sweeteners are a drawback is purely subjective.

Value For Money

Last but not least: value for money. As mentioned, the biggest advantage of Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes is the high amount of protein in a convenient, ready-to-drink bottle that can be consumed anywhere, anytime.

This makes the Core Power Protein Shake ideal for workout enthusiasts who prefer not to make their own protein shakes or simply don’t have the time.

But, for the price, more serious gym-goers would ultimately be better off buying a tub of whey protein powder.

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes are available in packs of twelve, and the cost of these, per bottle, is not exactly cheap or budget-friendly – especially if you are going to drink them daily.

As a result, Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes can be considered worth it if you enjoy the taste and convenience of a ready-made, high-protein shake in a compact bottle.

Overall, though, those are what you’re paying for and you can expect to be paying it on a regular basis. 

Core Power Protein Shake Pros And Cons

So, to summarize the points made above, here are the pros and cons of Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes. 

Core Power Protein Shake Pros

• High protein content - with 26 grams of protein, each bottle offers as much protein as a typical scoop of whey protein powder
• Convenience - offers high protein straight from the bottle, ideal if you are pressed for time or prefer not to mix your own shakes -- something you can easily eat before a run or a workout session. 
• Taste - comes in four popular flavors (chocolate, vanilla, banana, and strawberry banana), all of which taste great
• Added vitamins and minerals - contains vitamin D, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin A
• Includes essential amino acids - Core Power Protein Shakes include all nine essential amino acids
• Gluten-free - ideal for those with gluten intolerance

Core Power Protein Shake Cons

• High in sugar - each bottle contains 26 grams of sugar, which is more than what you would generally expect
• High in calories - 240 calories per bottle is not ideal for those looking to lose weight
• Artificial sweeteners - the new 14-ounce Core Power shakes include sucralose and other artificial sweeteners
• Expensive - for the price of a twelve-pack, these protein shakes offer less value than a typical whey protein supplement

Core Power Vs Core Power Elite

Conclusion - Should You Buy?

So, should you buy Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes?

The Core Power Protein Shakes definitely have a market: gym regulars who don’t have time to mix protein shakes or simply prefer not to.

With 26 grams of protein per bottle, getting your post-workout recovery fix is as easy as pulling the lid off and going to town.

Still, this protein shake is not the cheapest or healthiest option for more serious fitness enthusiasts.

High sugar, high calories, and artificial sweeteners are definitely this product’s downsides – along with the sheer cost that will inevitably come with buying them frequently.

If artificial sweeteners are one of your concerns, the older 11-ounce Core Power Protein Shakes do without them.

The bottles are smaller, of course, but still retain the same amount of protein, which might make them a more appealing alternative.

Ultimately, if you enjoy getting your protein from a conveniently bottled milkshake, don’t mind the sugar and calories, and have the budget to buy them frequently, nothing should stop you from trying the Core Power Protein Shake.

But if you are looking for something healthier (better for weight loss or weight maintenance), longer-lasting, and easier on your wallet, you’re better off buying an industry-standard whey protein supplement.