Update- Fairlife has made a lot of news lately and I do cover that in this post. Please read to the end to see my thoughts on what happened.
What is fairlife milk?
fairlife milk is milk. That's the simple answer. To answer more in depth, fairlife is a milk that has been filtered in a way that allows the components of milk; fat, protein, minerals, water and lactose to be divided into its most basic parts. Once the milk is divided into its most basic parts, fairlife recombines the parts, leaving out the lactose, some of the fat and increasing the protein and nutrients.
The filtration process is not some sort of chemical process, nothing is added to the milk for it to be filtered. Filtered means just that, the milk is sent through filters to strain the different parts out. You can read more about the filtration process on the fairlife website.
If you have a big bowl of fruit salad but you take out the blueberries because someone is allergic to them, it's still fruit salad right? fairlife is milk, end of story.
Why is Coca-Cola involved with fairlife milk?
First things first, fairlife isn't that new. Back in 2012 the people behind fairlife had their product on some store shelves but they didn't have the distribution that they thought their product deserved. So they began talking to Coke about a partnership.
If I had a business that made a drink that I wanted to see on as many store shelves as possible, I'd talk to Coca-Cola too! Coke saw the opportunity to bring a new, innovative and healthy option to the dairy case and signed on.
Update- Coca Cola Purchases Fairlife.
Who are the people behind fairlife?
Mike and Sue McCloskey are not only the founders of fairlife, they are the owners of Fair Oaks Farms. Fair Oaks, fairlife... see the connection?
If Fair Oaks Farms sounds familiar it may be because Mike Rowe played cow midwife in an episode of Dirty Jobs there. Or maybe you've visited their farm? With over 500,000 people stopping to visit each year, Fair Oaks Farms isn't just any old farm. It's a destination that connects people to how their food is created from the very start.
While Fair Oaks Farm is a very large farm, Mike and Sue and everyone there farm with absolute transparency.
Random cool fact, Mike is also a veterinarian! Fair Oaks Farms is a thoroughly modern dairy farm that is constantly innovating to be the best stewards of the environment and caretakers of their cows. After visiting the farm myself, I can say that I have zero qualms about buying their products. Anyone reading this can visit for themselves and see exactly what goes on behind the scenes of fairlife.
Is fairlife lactose free? Will it compete with regular milk?
In my opinion, probably not. People who are happy with their standard gallon of milk probably won't be ditching it for a jug of fairlife. Since the lactose in fairlife is removed in the filtration process, it's a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or are on a lower sugar diet. It's also a great product for people who want to add protein to their diet. I think fairlife brings more options to the dairy aisle and choice is a good thing. I'd rather people grab fairlife than milk alternatives. You can learn more about milk HERE.
How does fairlife stack up to regular milk nutritionally?
So what's the big difference between regular milk and fairlife? While I love me regular milk, I have to say, what fairlife offers ounce for ounce is pretty awesome. Especially for people who are seeking out this kind of product.
When you compare a serving of fairlife to 2% Milk, fairlife offers 5g more of protein, almost 100mg more calcium and only 6g of sugar compared to the 12g of standard milk, with the same calorie content.
Should we gather all the fairlife and burn it at the stake?
While it may appear that there is witchcraft involved, it's just a combination of cows, science and innovation. I think we can probably save the firewood for something more deserving.
Update- 6/6/19
This week an undercover video was released that was filmed on Fair Oaks Farms. You can read my thoughts on it HERE. I also recommend watching the video from Fair Oaks Farms founder, Mike McCloskey.
You can read more about what is and isn't in milk HERE.
Brian
I've gone through several jugs of Fairlife since I found it at my local Kroger. It came in at our Walmart last week. I agree most people won't replace their regular milk with it. It works out to over $10/gallon. I use a cup each day at breakfast and lunch to mix with my Shakeology. It's cheaper and healthier for me to run home for lunch instead of going into town where I will definitely eat fast food.
One thing I would like to find out is where some of the things filtered out like sugar go. Does Fairlife have a byproduct they sell? Maybe it goes back in their silage fields as fertilizer. Inquiring minds want to know!
dairycarrie
I was wondering the same thing! I'll see what I find out!
loel
I have a question. As a vegetarian I would like to know if fairlife is vegetarian because it has vitamin d3 in it usually derived by sheep wool and fish liver oil. Thanks!
TheManFromTaco
Is that a trick question? Fairlife Milk is obviously a dairy product. So it is definitely not vegan. It would be okay if you are lacto-vegetarian.
Robert Seward
Fairlife is 52 ounces versus 64 ounce half gallon
Miller
I know this is an old comment but vegetarian is not vegan. I do not know the source of the d3 sadly but wanted to clear the confusion if anyone else comes across this
Barbara Bassill
I would like to know if the fairlife cows get injected with any kind of hormones or antibiotics.
D
Your analogy with fruit salad is not applicable. Fruit salad is man-made. Blueberries being taken out of a bowl have nothing to do with filtration of a single, naturally occurring food item. It's the same reason why Pringles are not allowed (legally) to be called potato chips. So no, it's not "simply milk".
Andrew
Fairlife Chocolate milk contains an artificial sweetener, sucralose. I personally avoid products with artificial sweeteners, so I will no longer be purchasing it. I noticed that with the listed 12g of sugar it was tasting way too sweet.
Van
None of the Fairlife milk varieties contain sucralose.
The chocolate variety contains acesulfame potassium.
Krise
@Van
The chocolate variety contains bathe sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Both are listed in the ingredients. That’s probably why it’s so sweet. I stay away from the chocolate one, for that reason.
milk drinker
This stuff opened new smells like rotten eggs. Why?
Van
Did you get a bottle that wasn't properly refrigerated? I've been drinking FairLife (regular and chocolate) for years and never experienced your issue. My sniffer is very good.
Bety Lapp
The product was probably expired, which would be a rarity! The product has a much longer expired date than regular milk. I have been drinking Fairly fast free milk for over 4 years. It is always great and there is no smell. The economic times in which we are now suffering requires serious budgeting. Fairlife is more expensive than regular milk, but so worth the expense! I buy other less expensive food item to allow me to buy Fairlife. As to other milk products (i.e., oat, almond, soy, etc.) I want my milk to be from a cow, not grass, seeds or nuts!
Christine McTague
I have always hated milk even as a child until I found Fairlife. I love the chocolate milk and the protein shakes. The protein shakes don’t have that chemical flavor all the other brans do. Sam’s Club can’t keep it in stock. It is expensive but I work out everyday and I think it helps fuel my body for HIIT, Zumba and weight training. Thank you Fairlife!
Stan Erwine
You are a talented writer and storyteller. I love the bowl of fruit analogy. Technical can be and needs to be made simple. You excel at it. Simple, visual and memorable. I learn how to improve my writing when I read yours'. Thank you.
David L. Cadwallader
Solids nonfat can go into many different products. Cheese vats , protein shakes, milk shake mix. We produce a commodity milk, but it is used as a food ingredients in a zillion different products. That is why we should have a different pricing mechanism. Not one based on the price of corn and beans.
Lisa T.
Pricing of milk for the vast majority of producers is not based on the price of inputs. It is derived from average prices paid for the products made from the milk.
Maddie P
I read on the Fairlife website that some farners in their coop may feed the cows GMO silage. What’s up with that? You take an almost perfect product and then introduce GMO. There goes me buying Fairlife for sure!!!
dairycarrie
Pretty much all dairy cows, unless they are on organic dairy farms are fed GMO feed. I'm not sure what your specific issue with GMOs are, but as a farmer I can say they have greatly improved our crop yields and lowered the need for pesticides.
Van
Maddie P, I'm sorry have fallen victim to the huge industry spending billions promoting non-GMOs. You might want to read some science. It could save you some money and open up the range of healthy foods you can eat. Not to mention, GMOs are better for the earth's environment than many of their traditional counterparts.
Nanny
At one of the grocery stores here in Wisconsin I bought the (red) whole milk product and it was only $3.19 so I think it depends on the store and where you live. I just tried it on some Special K cereal and it was good. (I will be eating the cereal every other day with my Cameron Coffee non flavored coffee. I also have become somewhat lactose intolerant now as I will be 51 years old in November. So the price for me to buy the product is actually almost the same price of whole milk gallon.
Joplyn
I currently work for Fair Oaks farms and I assure you if you come visit all questions will be answered and you can try the original Fair Oaks Farms milk. However if you have any specific questions and can't come.. I can find you an answer!
Tammy
Are the cows antibiotic free as well as hormone free?
Kasey Klein
Milk from cows treated with antibiotics NEVER gets into any product that you buy in a store. We only use antibiotics when a cow is sick to make her better (usually mastitis, which is an infection in a quarter of an udder, or she had surgery for a twisted stomach, etc.) YOu MUST withhold the milk from your bulk tank until it tests free of all antibiotics. If you do put it in your supply, your dairy plant will reject your milk and you pay for THE ENTIRE TRUCK OF MILK THAT YOU CONTAMINATED!!! So it is in the best interest of the farmer to make sure that the milk from the cow treated with antibiotics is dumped out until she is tested free. As for hormones, the word going around to all the farms is that the bovine growth hormone rbst is on its way out and more and more milk plants are saying they won't accept any milk from cows treated with the hormone that makes them give more milk each day. Don't know how they are going to test for it as it is a natural occuring hormone and found in milk already. Time will tell with that one.
Dawn
I had been buying the nonfat for about two years. I enjoyed it because it wasn't that blue -gray color most nonfat milk is. Most recently, I noticed a label change and also discovered that the nonfat is now that blue-gray color. What happened? I have been forced to buy the dark blue colored label which is 2%.
Bob Abrahams
Is there any BPA or BPH in the plastic?
Mollie Waller
In a word...Perfect!
John Amey
While I have been concerned about soft drink companies getting into the dairy business, I think this if fine. While it is conventional milk, it is more expensive than organic, a product that we choose to produce. If it is clean and healthy food and there is a market for Fairlife so let it be. When the tide comes in , all boats rise together. It seems an admission by Coke that while they have a huge market following, they may not have had the best product.
What a wonderful time to be a dairy farmer?
P Schonard
Why does it last so long without going sour?? That's my problem with regular milk...I couldn't use it fast enough before it spoiled.....
dairycarrie
It lasts longer because of the pasteurization process and the packaging.
Nomalice
I have my own beefs (pun intended) with Coke but if you can't find organic, I'm hoping this is not a terrible substitute. What is your milk called John?
Nomalice
Never mind...found organic in another section.
Marcia
Why is there carrageenan in Fairlife dairy products?
Van
It’s a thickener and emulsifier. It comes from red seaweed.
Azure James
While I'm not a fan of milk being changed from its natural state, it definitely doesn't seem like there's anything actually wrong with this product. I also would prefer the protein and lack of lactose. As far as store milk goes, it seems somewhat better since store milk has always been pasteurized etc... anyways.
Deb
Okay...now I'm convinced. I've been on the fence, not sure of your motivations but this seals it for me. I'm convinced you're a paid mouthpiece for the GMA (grocers manufacturing association) or one of it's many MANY minion companies.. Even if it's true that this is simply "filtered milk" (which I doubt)...will Fair Oaks, or Fairlife, or Coke, bother to make sure this "filtered milk" isn't rife with antibiotics and hormones (some of which are genetically modified)? What are the thousands of cows consuming - GMO corn/soy? Will Coca-Cola (who uses GMO high fructose corn syrup and cancer causing caramel coloring).... care enough about the consumer to voluntarily label this product as such? Don't bother answering....I know the answer to these questions..no and no and no. All one has to do, is know their history. It is unconscionable what is going on with the food and water (and our planet) today and you're either part of the problem, or part of the solution. I seriously don't know how you all look yourselves in the mirror every day
dairycarrie
This has to be one of the most hilarious comments ever left on my blog! Thanks for the laugh Deb!
roseann miksich
I am one of many who agree with Deb
dairycarrie
Oh? Well that's cool. Maybe you guys can form a club!
Gayle Kuhlberg
I love the Fairlife milk and the whole idea! Now please ship it to France as I am relocating there!
Anthony
Hilarious? What Big Food (including Coke) has done and continues to do to our collective health and our planet is unconscionable. Perhaps this product is not quite Frankenfood, but many, many years of poor stewardship of the land and animals at the hands of these multinational conglomerates for the sake of profit and greed is bound to create its detractors.
As for the fruit salad analogy: yes, taking a blueberry out of the bowl does not mean it is no longer a fruit salad. But using technology to suck the nutrients out and then cram some of the more fashionable elements back into a similar form means it is no longer a bluberry...its a food substance. Call it what you want. Call it good food, even (I suspect it isn't since science has adulterated it). But Fairlife is a milk product, not Milk. For that matter, lactose free milk isnt milk, its a substance made from milk.
America does not have a food culture. No matter what science and technology brings to the supermarket, it cant be better than what nature provided in its original form. And, no, by nature I don't mean God. I mean the natural world and millions of years of evolutionary change. Until Americans, and a growing number of cultures that are switching to the American "diet," can distinguish between real food and science-based, food-like substances, we'll continue to see spiking rates of metabolic syndrome in all its forms, and a weaker planet.
That all being said, say what you will about Fairlife or Kraft or Nestle dairy-derived products. They are all produced and distributed using an assembly line factory-style system that promotes quantity and efficiency over sustainability and good heatlh (for the animals, workers and consumers). Is it ever appropriate to expend gallons of fossil fuel and remove nutrients to extend shelf life just to get a half-gallon of milk 1,000 miles across the country to a Walmart megastore? Maybe this business model works for now while fossil fuel-derived energy is so cheap. In short order, however, this whole government subsidized food system is going to break down once we run out of dead dinosaurs to feed our cows and ship our milk- like substances across the planet.
I hope this isnt the MOST hilarious comment you've ever read, Carrie. It's too bad we've all become so desensitized to our assembly line method of agriculture (read: agribusiness) to realize that none of this is normal.
Sgt.
The nature made it that way and therefor its better argument is bro science not real science. Yes the way we grow and produce food etc is sad the chemicals we use in manufacturing etc the fact you need to pay extra for natural food is rediculious. The point is idiots like you make everyone like me laugh at your tinfoil hats your liberal protests and your ever out reaching hand looking for something for nothing take off the multi colored sweater the lead free chasity belt grab your balls and speak like a real person listen to facts (those aren't on the news) until then go burry your head in the sand and continue to waste away smoking all the legal pot you can handle.
Tiffany
If you had a young son that could only consume limited sugar, you might realize there is a market for this product. I already add 6 oz water to two ounces of milk and love that I now have an option to further reduce his sugar consumption while allowing him to drink his favorite drink. This is why we as consumers have so many choices out there. You are always welcome to milk your own cow and drink that. My aunt still does this on her country farm today. We should make informed choices for ourselves and our families, not others.
Jack Flinn
Hi DAIRY CARRIE. I like what you are doing here. Lol. O’l DEB is a little too serious I thin? My question is. Do you know if Fairlife chocolate milk has EPA in it and how much? I read that DHA and EPA works best together. Also I want to say if people don’t like a product? Don’t buy it.
Bruce
Note to Deb. "Don't confuse me with facts, my mind is already made up!"
Sue McCloskey
Hi Deb,
First off, if you read the Carrie's article this milk is not made by Coke. Let me say that again a little slower. T h i s m i l k i s n o t m a d e b y C o k e. Ok, hopefully you got that. Now, the next point, it is made by real-live, non-GMO, American dairy farmers. If you have a fight to pick with Coke about soda, go have that conversation somewhere else.
Second, you really need to go visit a farmer and have a face-to-face discussion about antibiotics and hormones because obviously ingesting all the factual information out there about how diligent dairy farmers are and how safe milk is to drink is not working for you. If you'd like to visit a farm but be incognito, Fair Oaks Farms was made for you. You can slip in with a group of school kids or join up with a random family. Come on down!
And, third, if you are clairvoyant enough to know all those answers, would you be a dear and tell me the next Powerball combo? Much appreciated.
Trena
Sue, I just bought my first bottle at my Kroger near Spring Hill, TN. I haven't had the chance to try it yet, but am looking forward to it. The only reason that I came across it is because of this darn weather we're having. I had to go back to the regular milk cooler to get something. I am an avid Googler and made a point to look up the back story on this product as soon as I got home. I read a "scary, I don't trust this product" blog first, then the material on the Coke website which should contain a link to Fair Oaks, and then I came across this excellent article. Having come from an Indiana farming background and then working for the State of Indiana with farmers marketing directly to the public, I applaud you and your husband for what you have accomplished. Everyone making the I-65 trek between Chicago and Indianapolis should make a point to stop at Fair Oaks and learn about the business before criticizing it. Thank you.
Sue McCloskey
Thanks, Trena, for being a proactive, informed consumer. And, I'm honored by your kind words. As a few commentators have said, this milk might not be for everyone but at least it's adding some variety to the dairy case that's real milk! And, btw, if your drinking Kroger brand milk in Tennessee then your drinking our milk,which I am equally proud of for its quality, nutrition and taste!
Josh Pruss
LIKE!
Terry
Sue,
it's great to see you in here taking part in the discussion. I understood from the first 5 minutes of web search that Coke is not the producer. But I choke up a bit when you tell me it's made by "real-live, non-GMO, American dairy farmers." Are you really non-GMO? I must've missed that part on your label. Who makes your certifications? I'm not going to get into the grass vs. grain debate, but I would like to know who grows the grains for the 100% grain/soy/corn diet of your girls? All non-GMO?
Now, let me admit something. I have corralled a few heads, tagged a few ears, sprayed the purple juice in their eyes for pink-eye and zapped them in the haunch with a bit fat dose of Ivermectin, WHEN THEY WERE'NT SICK!!! All that was on a small mid-west family farm, back in the 80's. And yes, I have been knee-deep in a few large scale facilities (can't call them farms with that level of industrial "assembly line" style production.)
The point, Sue, is that I wish you and all the American farmers the absolute best. I do hope things work out for you and your family. I really, really hope you sell the whole thing to Coke and let them own it outright, because this crosses the line from healthy and wholesome into ULTRA PROCESSED, lightly-veiled GMO super-production milk-like beverage, and you don't appear to me to be offering a farm product anymore. You are creating something entirely different and should be named "milk-based product" or simply "made from real milk."
That's just my $0.02. I will register my consumer votes ($) elsewhere. If anyone is interested and thinks that being in business with Coke is OK, please do some more research into the dealings of Coke, Pepsi and the GMA.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Terry,
The email immediately after the notification that I got from your response was this;
"I'm 61 years old, born & raised in the dairy state (Wisconsin), a lover of all things dairy, and also a Type II diabetic.
I recently discovered your ultra-filtered fat free milk and cannot thank you enough for introducing this product. As a diabetic, every bit of sugar in my diet must be counted, as do fats. And, while I don't have any issues with lactose, I am at the age when this can start. I've always loved milk, but because of the concerns I just mentioned, I drank it in limited amounts.
I bought the first bottle with trepidation, thinking it will taste terrible. In fact, it tastes richer than regular 2% milk and is delicious!!
Now, I can drink milk with my meals and I thank you sincerely!
Keep bringing us the good stuff!"
Weekly, I receive emails such as this from people who have moved away from drinking milk for one reason or another. The fact that we figured out a way to make a milk (and, yes, by golly, it is "milk") for these types of people to enjoy is something that let's me sleep at night.
As far as progress in our industry goes, I'm married to one of the most progressive thinkers out there who happens to be an awarded alumni from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He's turned down more recognition than I can remember and has been a trusted vet for dozens and dozens of dairy families before becoming a full time dairy farmer. On our own farms, we have always pushed the envelope in cow care and environmental sustainability, even before "sustainability" was the new black.
You're entitled to your own opinions and actions regarding what you believe or not and what you will buy or not but, please, don't insult me, my family, and my peers by insinuating because I'm a big farm that I'm not a farmer who cares about her animals, her land and her industry. That "milk like beverage" was literally born at my kitchen table almost 20 years ago because we saw that there was a gap that needed to be filled amongst the gallon jugs.
And, as far as the GMO comment... that was a jest-ful phrasing. I, as a human, cannot be a GMO, but, I'll have my burrito with some extra GMO, please!
Linda
I am thrilled to discover your milk because of my digestive and health issues. Thank you. I hope your product is available for many years. Thank you.
Cowrazy
It is nice to know that you have all the answers to your questions. Where would diabetics be without the GMO technology?
dwpbike
thank you for your comment. if they aren't filtering antibiotics, why would you pay more?
Kasey Klein
you CAN'T filter out antibiotics, that is why they NEVER are allowed in the product to begin with!!! EVERY dairy, cheese, etc. plant that has milk delivered by milk truck tests EVERY truck before it is unloaded into their milk silos. If there are antibiotics in that load, they test the samples from each farm that truck picked up at and that farmer is charged the price OF THE ENTIRE TRUCKLOAD OF MILK!!! So we as farmers, send a sample to our plant for each cow treated with antibiotics (which is only when they need it to make them better, just like humans, you wouldn't let your child die if an antibiotic would make them better, we treat our cows the same) to the plant to test if she is free of antibiotics before re-entering her milk into the bulk tank. I wish people would get this into their thick skulls!!!
Bill
The arrogance of your self righteousness is quite off putting, Deb.
In this complex new world, I trust American business far more than the lunatic fringe.
Finally, Deb, I like Fairlife. Being lactose intolerant, i handle it very well. And it tastes great, even the nonfat version.
Let me decide.
steve
Deb, you are right on here.
Daniel
"I'm convinced you're being paid ... because ... unsubstantiated hypotheticals?" P.s. if you're such a fan of the naturalistic fallacy, I suggest you abandon milk and just drink blended poison ivy.
CAnn sorrell
First off Deb I am in NO WAY a 'minion or minion company' for Fairlife. I just simply love the taste of this milk. It takes me back to my childhood days (50+ yrs) when my uncle ( a dairy master ) brought home a gallon each evening after the filtering process that readied it for consumer consumption. The flavor rememberance was resurrected when I tried Fairlife the first time!!! I am a Type ll diabetic so an even better reason to love it as I do LOVE my moo juice. So for all you undecided's out there this milk has some 'YUM' factor and is also better for you. Enuff said...;)
CAnn
Roger Losey
It's late at night and have to get up in a few hours to cover for my drunk hired hand, who should be drinking this product instead. I'm not going to get into a lot of detail with my thoughts but wanted to say a couple things. First, I think this is a great product and glad it is hitting the shelves like it is, and with coke distributing it is OK with me. I also do not see how it would be in any competition with regular milk on the shelves based on the price alone. However, I'm wondering who thought of the marketing ideas written on its label? I do have a couple issues with it. Of course they are trying to sell their product, but labeling it in bold letters that the cows were not given rBST only reinforces the fallacies that consumers have about rBST and what they think is wrong with it. As the farmer knows, this is total bullshit (only as a figure of speech). Another thing on the label is that it is 38 percent less fat than whole milk. It says right on the top of the label that it is 2 percent milk. ...duh? It also says contains vitamin A and D. Okay, I'll go along with that....so does regular milk but I agree on labeling that way. Did coke have any say on the labeling? I was somewhat disappointed but all in all, probably a good thing for the consumer to know another choice of milk is healthy. ..
Angie
We do believe that if our milk wasn't 'changed' from the wholesome product our cows produce, consumers would be happy and a new product wouldn't be needed. That being said, we welcome 'fairlife' to the grocery shelves.
Joanna
Well done, Carrie. Thanks for the information. I hadn't really paid too much attention until those ads, either. I think innovation is badly needed in the conventional fluid milk market, and am looking forward to see where this is headed.
Darcy
Great post! I haven't heard of this product yet, but it's always good to see a healthy milk product on the shelves for consumers to be able to purchase. 🙂
Tami Smith
Great article Carrie! This is definitely a timely topic. I agree that anyone who has questions about where Fairlife comes from should visit Fair Oaks Farm. Ignorance is no excuse to condemn a product or an industry. Seek out both sides of a conversation before setting your path in life. Fair Oaks Farm is a great place to start. That being said, I tried both the chocolate and white options of Fairlife last time I was traveling through MI (it hasn't made it to PA yet) and thought it was a great tasting product that I categorized as a value added milk product. When you look at the store shelf, it doesn't compete with regular milk based on price and the nutritional content. My thought after reading the packaging was this great for after a workout or for someone who is lactose intolerant. While I will continue to stick with my regular milk I am glad for a new dairy option that will be a great fit for more people!
Heidi
We have been purchasing Fairlife for about a month now at Target in PA. I have not found it anywhere else (Wegmans, Weis, etc). To us, it is not a substitute for our normal milk purchase, but an add on beverage. I think it is wonderful that we are finally getting a real value added product in fluid milk that tastes great. (In a perfect world, the rBST claim would be gone.) Now where are the flavored creamers that are actually dairy?
Ron G
What does from grass to glass mean on the chocolate jug I purchased? Chocolate milk tastes pretty good 12 grams of sugar they add artificial sweeter called SUCRALOSE. Google that word and tell me what u think.
Carl Baumann
Carl B.
Well done Carrie! The dairy industry needs innovation, thanks to Mike and Sue!! Do the nay-sayers really know the contents of milk as it comes from the cow? Butter fat 3.6% , not 1/2 or 2 or 3.25 %. Develop a product that tastes good and is good for the consumer. Innovation creates a great product for a specific market and as the tide comes in all boats afloat will rise. FIRST CLASS
thekaylaross
I was excited when I recently heard about this product and I'm even more excited now. I'm also looking to loose a significant amount of weight but I refuse to go against my roots and beliefs and buy these foods that are hyped up in what they are and in price. I was needing to do some more research on this, but you did it for me. Thank you. Looks like I will be looking to try this for myself, but we will still keep a gallon of the whole milk right next to it. Sometimes I won't cook if I don't have whole milk and its my husbands favorite. Thank you again, I look forward to spreading this story.
Ken Conrad
Those involved in developing and promoting the Fairlife product suggest in the following Hoards Dairyman article that they are reinventing fluid milk in order to reinvent themselves. https://www.hoards.com/T14nov-fluid-milk-not-tapped-out
They’re not reinventing themselves! It’s more like they are reinforcing their longstanding distorted, corrupt, twisted and depraved marketing philosophy. And they intend to do this not by reinventing fluid milk but rather, by continuing with the prevailing practice to pervert it.
“Fairlife”!!! It sounds to me that it should be called “Basterdizedlife”
my2cents
just give me good unadulterated whole milk, thank you
Angie
that's exactly what I said...read my lips...Feb. 18th comment. we only drink milk from our tank.
Susan
Thanks for a very informative article to a food scientist who is a new consumer of Fairlife chocolate milk. I found however, that I was initially attracted to it because of the lower sugar aspect. I love chocolate milk, but the amount of sugar just made it seem to indulgent (even though I exercise 5-6 days a week).
I convinced myself it was a better version of chocolate milk as a recovery drink, but if the key to the exercise recovery was the sugar to protein ratio (3:1 or 4:1), then maybe Fairlife chocolate milk can't stand alone as a recovery drink (sugar/protein is closer to 1:1), but should be consumed with another carbohydrate source (e.g., fruit). I wonder how many people fell into that same trap?
Sue McCloskey
Susan, that's a good point about recovery drink ratios. However, carbohydrates, as you well know, are the easiest source of nutrition to find. And, there's healthier ways to get carbs than the simple sugars in chocolate milk.
lucy
Are the cows grass fed or grain fed?
dairycarrie
While I can't speak exactly to what they feed the cows at Fair Oaks, I do know that they receive feed that is formulated by a dairy nutritionist. The diet contains both forages and some grain. We feed a diet that's pretty similar to many other dairy farms. I wrote about our cow feed and had several other dairy farmers from around the country share what they feed as well, you can read that post here- https://dairycarrie.mystagingwebsite.com/2013/12/20/what-do-cows-eat/
Janet
Coca Cola should be ashamed of itself.
dairycarrie
Your comment tells me you didn't actually read the post.
Bo kenney
Carrie , what is the amount of potassium in this product per 8 oz . I love all the products from Fairlife . My whole family uses core power 26 as well as the 2% milk
Thanks
Bo
dairycarrie
I don't know Bo, I'd look on the label but I'm currently all out.
Mandy
I too am wondering what the potassium content is. It doesn't tell you on the label.
I love this milk and it's been pretty much all we buy, but I need the potassium so hopefully that didn't get removed in the filtering process.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Mandy, Sue McCloskey from fairlife, here. I checked with our Chief Scientist, Shakeel, and he said that a glass of fairlife has just a bit more potassium than a glass of regular milk. We don't want to concentrate the potassium like we do the calcium as more potassium gives a bitter flavor. Hope that answers your question and thanks for being a fan!
Veneece Bufford
I love Fairlife Chocolate milk. A friend turned me on too it. I had stopped drinking milk a long time ago. So when I tried the chocolate milk it was so good and it didn't mess with my belly. It's also good for me now that I'm getting older also I do need the added protein. It gets a A+ for me
Susan salisbury
I love love love the chocolate milk. I was looking for a lower carb chocolate milk. This one is very creamy and delicious. Tastes better than Altadena's True Moo and lower carb. It is my go to chocolate treat. My only complaint-- my local Winco store is sold out!
Kit
https://blog.primalpastures.com/uncategorized/coca-colas-fairlife-milk-isnt-fair/ <-- Worth reading.
dairycarrie
Doesn't surprise me at all that a promoter of raw milk wouldn't like Fairlife. Their opinion is just that.
Kit
It doesn't surprise me, either, but its definitely worth a read, all the same. 🙂
Dave
Hey I just want to say that I bought this today, and I wish I would have read your post first. I feel completely lied to, misled, duped, and angry. What does "From Grass to Glass" mean to you? Any reasonable person intereprets this to mean that the cows have access to pasture. But they don't, if you're right, and if they did, they'd feature this on their website, which they don't. I'm working on figuring out who to complain to/sue. I don't like being duped, I don't like being tricked.
jill
Really that is what I've been wondering too. Wondering if the cows are walking on grass? or seeing the light of day?
dairycarrie
Check out Fair Oaks Farms on the web, you can see exactly where the Fairlife milk comes from.
AbeandAngie Boyd
In late to the game, but.. Being 35 weeks pregnant and one who usually does not drink milk (lactose intolerant) unless I'm dunking cookies in it.. I bought this milk because I needed the calcium. I'm normally vitamin d deficient and have to take supplements. I don't want to do this with baby.
With this pregnancy I can't
eat meat. Makes me queasy.. Can't drink regular milk... Makes me have stomach cramps..
With all that said this milk is so tasty! I really like it.
I like it has the protein I'm missing and missing the lactate I don't want.
As long as the cows are happy then I'm happy. 🙂
dairycarrie
I totally understand! I'm 19 weeks and dairy has been good to me!
Kit
The problem is the cows aren't happy, they're not a good farm. Also you should just drink calcium enriched Lactaid brand instead of this junk... Just my opinion.
dairycarrie
I'm curious as to why you think Fair Oaks isn't a good farm? I've been there and was thoroughly impressed with how they care for their girls.
Sue McCloskey
Hmmm, Kit. I wonder if you've ever tried fairlife. It sure tastes better than Lactaid! Also, since I'm one of the owners of Fair Oaks Farms, I wonder if you've ever been down to visit? If you haven't I would love to personally show you around so that you can see how well taken care of our girls are.
Kit
Alas, my wheelchair and I are not very "farm friendly". I appreciate the offer, all the same. But, personally, I find the perpetual penning of animals to be absolutely inhumane. My family doesn't do it, we have pastures, and I would say the same to any turkey/chicken/dairy farmer who keeps their animals in such a manner. -Shrug.-
Sue McCloskey
Kit, you'll be glad to know that Fair Oaks Farms welcomes all, including wheelchair-bound friends. Our buses and facilities are all handicap compliant so you wouldn't miss one beat of the experience! So if you can make it into your own vehicle, you can make it here (assuming you're not halfway across the country!). The offer still stands.
As to your family owning a dairy farm, that's great! So then you understand that what cows really want, what really makes them "happy", is feeling safe and comfortable in their environment and not stressing about where they will get their next meal or drink of water. That is something that we definitely provide at our big, family farm with feed available 24 hours/day, clean nearby drinking fountains and soft sand beds.
You know, what's interesting, and something that my husband and I talk a lot about, is that we actually started out with a very successful dairy veterinary practice and a 300 cow dairy. We were very good at both things but enjoyed dairying far more. So we sold the vet practice and concentrated on our farms, and like a lot of people who are good at what they do and willing to take on risk, we grew. From 300 to 1000, from 1000 to 5000, from 5000 to 15,000. Over the course of 20 years we grew our business because we wanted to and were able to figure out better ways to farm and take care of our cows. But the thing that has never wavered or changed is our core values; being good stewards of the land, caring about the comfort and well being of our cows, treating our employees fairly and respectfully and providing a safe, nutritious and affordable product for the families of our country. So, it's funny that somewhere along the line we went from being "good" "small" dairy farmers to "bad" "big", "corporate", "factory" dairy farmers based solely on the number of cows that we milk. Talk about stereotyping!
Like a few people have commented, and I'm sure that your family would agree, if your cows are not content, if you haven't taken care of their needs then you will not be a successful farmer, both morally and financially. I have seen dairy farmers who have not taken care of their cows and ultimately their businesses fail. Not taking care of the environment you farm, the people you employ and the cows that work so diligently for you is simply not sustainable.
I'd love to know more about your family's farm. Are you an organic farm? If not the what percentage of your dry matter feed comes from your pastures? I'm sure that you provide some type of shelter from the elements (sun in the South, wind and snow in the North).One of our dairies is organic (800 cows) so it's very interesting for us to see the operational differences. It does make it easier to dairy organically by having conventional farms nearby to take the cows that need conventional medical treatment (those cows, obviously, never go back to the organic farm).
Anyway, I still hope that you could make the trip down to Fair Oaks Farms where I will be glad to personally take you and your family around. I've found that all dairy farmers have more in common than difference and we are all supportive of each other. We might have different ways of farming but our end goal is the same; comfortable, content cows, sustainable farming, fair treatment of our employees and producing a safe, affordable, nutrition packed food for the 98%.
Kit
I completely understand what you mean, people DO tend to assume that big and corporate are inherently bad, and on one hand I can understand why, a lot of people get burned by such things. But, obviously such things are not mutually exclusive. And I think its great that you guys care so much about your employees and cows alike, and I don't doubt the truth of that in the slightest. Its just my personal belief that being locked up is really sad. I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do, really. I'm just expressing that I feel its healthier and happier for animals (and people!) to get some sunshine on their backs and grass under their feet. Again, this is my personal belief, and I admit I'm rather adamant about it. I also know that there are definitely pros and cons to outdoor pastures, but I also feel that a lot of the cons can be mitigated by proper planning and care. Its wonderful that you guys were able to grow that way, and I think the word factory is considered such a "dirty" word, but it really isn't. Automating the milking process, for example, is the best thing a lot of farms have done.
Unfortunately with the current state of farm subsidies I think we can all agree that organic farming is a bitch and a half, and as much as I enjoy the idea of organic, the reality of it isn't what most people think, or so I've found. (I won't even get into my complaints about lax FDA regulations and misleading labeling) so no, we are not. And yes, there are absolutely shelters, but I guess I consider what we do a healthy mix of natural versus factory? I wonder if that's the best way to describe it, maybe, maybe not. So the cows can wander, and graze, but we still have feed troughs (Am I the only one who loves the smell of alfalfa? My sister hates it.) as well and we utilize an adorably small rotary milking parlor.
Roger Losey
I was just talking to someone about this very subject. People often say that "factory farms" mistreat their cows, maybe due to radical animal rights you tube videos. The truth is exactly opposite. Large farms put more money into the facilities to make their cows more healthy, comfortable and happy. They know the value of this and have the means to do it. People say this without even being on a farm, a real farm. I have never seen and never will see, unless the plan on going bankrupt, a large farm where the cows are not properly fed nutritionally and properly taken care of.
Kit
Or let outside... -_-;
Roger Losey
Someone who is around livestock knows animal behavior and what makes them content and happy. Can you honestly say that you have been on a large farm and the animals were not properly taken care of. Large farm have Nutritionists, and know that the better the animals are taken care of and healthier they are, the more quantity and quality the product. I have to assume you are a vegetarian and you assume all livestock are mistreated due to them being food animals. Is this how you feel? The philosophy of dairy producers are to invest in the animals well being and the return of investment is a better product and more of it. The happier the animal, the better it benefits the farmer. What experience do you have in the livestock industry? Specifically the dairy industry? Have you walked through a "factory farm" and said the cows were not happy, not chewing their cud, depressed, ears drooped, etc. What makes you happy is what you are used to and is a human emotion. You apparently don't know animal behavior and what makes them happy. I challenge you to take the owner of Fair Oaks up on his offer and tour his cows. Also talk to farmers, like myself, veterinarians, and people who know more than you and people directly in the industry before forming an opinion. A smart person would. ..
Kit
Uhm, I hope you're joking. Assuming someone is a vegetarian because they believe in humane practices is absolutely silly, at best, and fucking stupid, at worst. Also, despite the fact that it has nothing to do with this discussion and is none of you business, yes, I eat meat. But, again, we're talking about DAIRY cows. I know that seems to be confusing you, but these are the ones we get milk and cheese and yogurt from... not steaks. My family owns a dairy farm, again, not that its any of your business. So if you'd care to move past your ignorant assumptions (and yes, I did pick up on the implied insults, I'm ignoring them) then we can maybe have rational discourse. If not, please go away. And, if I wasn't in a wheelchair these days, I'd be happy to tour the farm. I can't, though, and I don't need to. Others already have checked out this story and confirmed that its a true factory farm. I find it disgraceful that someone can keep animals like that. They need to be able to go outside at least sometimes. Hell the pound keeps their dogs better. They go for walks and run outside, every animal is meant to be able to roam. I'm not against the factory processing, its efficient and it makes sense, but penning animals indoors perpetually is NOT humane, and it shouldn't be done. A smart person would know that.
Roger Losey
Now I see where your bitterness is coming from. Most people who are totally ignorant of animal behavior are radical animal rights people with an agenda and yet has no knowledge of livestock and who has never been on a farm. They don't talk to many farmers or veterinarians or people directly in the industry yet they think they know what is best. There's no reason to show anger or use profanity as you just did. You day you want a rational discussion yet from your first post you obviously did not wish for this to happen. What do you expect? You also keep using the fact you are in a wheelchair as a way out. I'm sorry that you are, but guess what? If you can wheel yourself out the front door of your home, you can go on some tours of farms and see that the cows are happy and content for yourself. How can a smart person say something as if they know what they are taking about without seeing it for themselves or talking to farmers and people in the industry. I'm not talking about communication with just one or two people. You need to get a feel of what is normal and talk to many people. It seems that you are an expert yet you have never seen these cows for yourself in order to say they are not happy. ..some people,like yourself, are already set in your opinion without concrete knowledge of what you ate talking about. Quit using the excuse you are in a wheelchair and go see it for yourself. I am sure the owner of Fair Oaks will accommodate you and i am sure that many many many handicap people go through the farm and are able to see it. I'm done wasting by breathe on someone who is closed minded and is unwilling to see this for yourself.
Kit
Lmao, what? I'm not angry. Profanity is part of language, get used to it. <3
Also, its not a "way out". I'm just explaining why I can't do something. Its just a fact, don't get it confused. And you say "keep using" when it was mentioned, once. How about not dwelling on things that aren't relevant, again, please. It has nothing to do with this at all, and frankly I don't really appreciate it being used the way you are. My disability is none of your business, and isn't up for discussion.
Oh, and its breath, just so you know. I used to do that all the time, myself.
Anyway its clear you're deviating from the topic at hand any way you can, so... I'm done. I offered you a chance to discuss it, you've clearly decided not to accept that. So, have a lovely day! 🙂
Roger Losey
In order to get at the heart of your bitterness toward something you refuse to see for yourself, you brought up your handicap. You are able to see that you are wrong if you would just go see it. You would not be able to say the cows are unhappy if you did. The environment they are in has a lot of investment in order to insure they are happy. That is the philosophy of almost every dairy farmer. It's a win win for the animal and the farmer. Again, go see it for yourself. But I guess you are the expert. ...
Kit
Please don't try and twist my words, thank you!
Adam
My question is how does it stay good for so much longer than regular milk? I bought a jug of Fairlife in early April and the best by date is October 22.
dairycarrie
It's processed with ultra high temp (UHT) pasteurization, similar to most organic milk brands. That combined with packaging allows it to last much longer than regular pasteurized milk.
Adam
Is Fairlife organic?
dairycarrie
No.
oldmilk
Remember, it says right on the package that once opened, it has the normal milk shelf-life.
Rachel
I did replace my regular organic whole milk with fairlife when offered a sample while headed down the milk aisle. It is very tasty, and while not lactose intolerant, I do watch my overall sugar intake and drink ton of milk in my numerous cups of hot tea daily.
Why not switch to a milk that packs more nutrition for the calories?
Anne
I'm a high protein - low carb person. I often use chocolate milk in my post workout fruit smoothies. Bought the Fairlife chocolate the other day and it is perfect for me. I will buy the reduced fat white milk tomorrow. Protein powders are too expensive for me, but this I can handle. Did I mention it taste great?
Laura
Are your cows given hormones and antibiotics? We only drink milk that is free of those. Willing to try yours if they are free of those drugs.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Laura, this is Sue McCloskey of fairlife. To answer your question, I think I need to start by telling you that all the milk that is sold to make all of our favorite dairy products is antibiotic-free. Milk goes through multiple antibiotic residue testing all the way down to one part per billion. The farmer tests before it is ever put in a milk truck, the milk truck driver tests it before it gets loaded into the truck and the milk plant tests it before it ever gets transferred into their silos to be made into bottled milk, cheese, ice cream, cottage cheese, etc..
But what I think that you are trying to ask is whether we use antibiotics on our cows. And to answer that question I would tell you yes and no. Yes, we do use antibiotics to treat a cow when she has an illness or an infection. Just like you would give your child or your pet the proper treatment that they need so they don't unnecessarily suffer, we do so for our cows. However, as long as they are receiving antibiotics and then for the prescribed withdrawal time (the amount of time it takes for the antibiotic to completely pass through her system) our cows who are being treated have their milk segregated from the milk that leaves our dairies for the public's consumption.
And, no, (and I'm speaking on behalf of all dairy farmers here) we do not give our cows preventative daily doses of antibiotics as I think you are asking.
Again, just as you wouldn't randomly use antibiotics on your loved ones, we as farmers take that responsibility very seriously. It would not only be a disservice to the public but to our cows in particular and one of our highest priorities is to keep our girls comfortable, healthy and happy!
Roger Losey
Amen....very well said sue. This is an aspect that many people do not understand. They hear the word "organic" and assume that is the best product when it actually isn't. Companies such as chipolte are jumping on the consumer scare bandwagon for their own profits rather than telling the truth and relying on science, rather than emotional consumer misconceptions and scare tactics. A lot of people can't grasp the testing of parts per billion and the extreme penalties of the farmer for a violation. The farmer doesn't even take a chance of sending contaminated milk or risk fines and being shut off from production. I'm glad this was explained, as you just did. We care for our animals deeply and want to get them better when becoming ill yet this milk is dumped down the drain until all medicine is out of her system. Preventative care with proper nutrition and the least stress as possible is always the best medicine, however animals can get sick just as you or I...
Roger Losey
....and another thing that consumers should know, is that "ALL" milk in the retail store is free of antibiotics....!!!
JenT
I'm happy to hear responsible use of antibiotics. I steer away from businesses who use them for prevention. This was the last question I had before trying Fairlife for my family!
Gail
What about the calves? Do you starve them and not allow them to nurse? As to not take from your supply to sell? Turn them into veal or cheap meat? And yes I've seen videos and documentaries. It sure isn't pretty.
dairycarrie
Hi Gail,
One of the things that frustrates me the most as a dairy farmer is all the misinformation and outright lies that I see from animal rights groups about how dairy calves are treated. It frustrates me enough that several years ago I wrote a post that shows step by step how we care for our calves and why we do each thing along the way. Please take a moment to read this post, I think you'll find it to be very interesting.
https://dairycarrie.mystagingwebsite.com/2012/04/16/newbaby/
Aaron poyner
This milk will replace the Organic milk I would buy occasionally.
Organic milk ~ $7 / gallon
Fairlife ~ 10/ gallon
Organic milk is 50/50 on if that particular batch will trigger my lactose intolerance.
Fairlife is 100% safe so face. I drink it by the jug where with organic I still only had a cup here or there.
If you are on the fence about trying it, I love it and have a happy tummy! I don't have to miss milk anymore. Now if Coke can develop Iodine free Shrimp life will be great again! (another late life allergy development).
Robert Seward
I buy Fairlife for $3.99 in a "half-galllon-looking" container that is actually 52 OZ! Would compute out to be $9.82 per gallon. I like the long "shelf life" dates so I can buy several without worrying about "turning towards sour".
Dannielle Root
I too have a lactose intolerance so I have been enjoying fairlife milk. I noticed today,5-29-2015 that my fairlife milk will not expire until August 13 2015. How is that possible?
dairycarrie
Because Fairlife milk is ultra pasteurized and the packaging it has a much longer shelflife.
Beatrice
And, the package is recyclable!
Elaine
Thank you for this article. I first purchased Fairlife a month ago and now buy it exclusively. Fairlife milk has such a clean, fresh taste. I prefer Fairlife to every brand of milk I've tried, including organics.
Corinne
If your cows are eating a diet of GMO corn, soy, and wheat (over 90% of which is, unless it is organic or GMO free) and not able to roam in fresh air and eat grass like nature intended, then this is frankenmilk period. More than 60 countries have banned genetically modified/engineered products as it is slowly wreaking havoc on all of nature. Just because it tastes good and is FDA and/or EPA approved doesn't mean it's good for you 🙁 Sorry, not buying into this.
dairycarrie
To each their own but you should probably know that there is no GMO wheat commercially available for farmers to grow.
Thelma Zamora-Addeo.
I saw the ad/ in the Chew/ABC today 6-4-2015. I was impress, I love cows and dairy prod/(lactose-free/low-fat and high Protein.). Your girls look very happy, and farm and facilities very good. I get into the Web I have the information, I will try your product.and I am so happy does not come from China or out from USA. Good and best wishes for this healthy USA dairy product.
dairycarrie
I personally don't have anything to do with Fairlife, I just wrote about their product because I think it's great!
GBB
Interesting article, but I have to ask: did you receive any money from anyone to write this piece?
dairycarrie
No, I did not. If I had I would have mentioned it.
sg
Wow! Thanks Carrie for the great article and a big thanks to Ms. McCloskey for representing the company and answering questions with complete transparency.
I typically purchase milk produced by a local farm that utilizes glass bottles for packaging, to support my local economy and for the amazing fresh taste. My only issue is remembering to take the empty bottles back to the store for the $2 deposit return! 🙂 Anyway, I picked up a bottle of fairlife for a comparable 1/2 gallon price to my usual brand and I love it!
After taking another look at the packaging, I did have a couple of questions so I decided to look up the company for clarification. I read the whole fairlife site and then found this article, and I'm so glad I did. I wanted to know what was considered "ordinary milk" as noted on the label, was it ordinary 2% milk? Or are those stats the same between all the fairlife products? Similarly, I was also wondering why the 2% label says "38% less fat than whole milk" right on the front? I don't care how it compares to whole milk, I want to know how it compares to the actual product? Apples-to-apples, ya know...?
Obviously I didn't dig into the product details until I got home and downed a big glass, so it's not really a big issue with me, but as a designer/marketer these things jumped right out. I also think there is a huge missed opportunity with not including benefit that it's lactose-free right on the front. I had absolutely no idea until looked at the back of the bottle. I understand that the marketing strategy should be focused on that it's "real milk" but why not include that it also happens to be another option for the lactose intolerant right from the start? That's just my 2¢ on the 2%.
Now, aside from my questions/critique, I really do love fairlife for its taste and clear farming practices and look forward to buying it again and again (when my yummy local Shatto milk isn't available) in support of my local Midwest economy.
Great job on the article and for all the in-depth positive explanations to squash the troll comments. There's always a few. 😉
Kate
I love dairy products, milk, yogurt, cheese, you name it! So I was curious to try fairlife. I had an immediate (within minutes) and uncomfortable mild allergic reaction to the milk. My lips and throat swelled and my tummy bloated, which lasted hours and many cups of water. I get this reaction commonly with overly processed poultry and 90% of chicken, often with hives (so I just avoid it all to stave off a chance of a full-blown reaction). Any ideas out there what may cause this?
Kathleen M Moniz
I was brought up on milk. I love milk !! My son loved milk as a kid and still does to this day. When we would take him to Mc Donald's he would get the happy meal with milk. Friends and their kids all had soda.......not my son. As it became important to watch fat and calories, I could not stand fat free milk so i settled for 2% some times i drank 1% if i was trying to loose weight. Then Hood came out with Simply Smart and Garilick had Over The Moon . These had good tasting fat free that i liked.......Until Fair Life came along. I found about it on a tv commercial........at first it was hard to find . Now it's everywhere the fat free is amazing !!!!! It is so rich and creamy it's tastier than whole milk. The other day my husband bought 2% by mistake.......OMG it tasted better than any whole milk ever thought of tasting. I'm sold !!! We will never change to any other milk. I believe in the way you raise you cows and the process you use. I love the extra protein and calcium. Please don't change a thing !!!! Thank You !!!!!
K
Love this milk. Has a wonderful clean taste and I get more milk with less of the "bad stuff"
Of course I did my research first and it was easy to spot the haters and fanatics and dismiss them.
I hope the milk takes off and is a success because I like options. Lactaid is horrible, almond milk is not milk... Fairlife is right for many of us.
No one is making you drink it. Many of us want options.
The organic Nazis are really desperate to find fault where there is none. Live and let live.
I'll continue to enjoy my iced latte made with Fairlife since I discovered it in February.
Thanks
Sarah
Hi Carrie!
I love how you broke this article down! I haven't tried fairlife, but it certainly sounds like something I should. I visited Fair Oak Farms last summer and love how they are combing consumer education, agritourism, and so much more! I also like how you highlighted the fact that "big" companies aren't always bad--they have the resources to help smaller companies flourish!
Thanks and I look forward to following you!
~Sarah
https://www.theconventionalfoodie.com/
LB
I was surprised and thrilled to find Fairlife was a lactose-free option (for less than $4/half gallon where we are) as the packaging isn't labeled as such (but I read all ingredient labels). I was looking for options after Organic Valley Lactose free milk went from less than $4/half gallon to almost $6 at Whole Foods (literally over-night). My kids don't like the taste of the lactase-added varieties of lactose-free milk. The extra protein is helpful, given we are otherwise vegetarian.
I was concerned about the big-industry link, but this post is completely reassuring! We look forward to visiting the farm the next time we pass through that area of the country.
Thanks for being a company I can feel good about buying from!
nicole
Does the extra filtration help to remove the potential puss and blood that people keep telling me is in milk? Or is that not even an issue on their farm since they have better practices? Thank you
dairycarrie
It's actually not an issue period. Just one of those urban legends that refuses to die. I wrote about it here- https://dairycarrie.mystagingwebsite.com/2013/03/05/is-there-pus-in-milk/
Roger Losey
Every dairy farmer in the country would like to reply to that...
CarlL
All I can say I love Fairlife Milk and spend over 100.00 a week on it. The low fat is very good and the chocolate is the best in the industry. You try this stuff once you will never go back. This is catching on nicely in San Diego, CA. Thank you for bring this incredible milk to our community.
One question. I mix half cup of fat free with a cop of the chocolate milk to help bring down the calories and i do this 4-5 times a day. Am i consuming too much milk? I hated milk until this product came out so I making up for lost time.
Sue McCloskey
Hey CarlL, In my opinion, you can never have too much milk. We all know that 3 servings a day is what's recommended but depending upon your activity level, adult males need around 56 grams of protein daily. 5 glasses of fairlife would provide you 60 grams plus all the other vitamins and minerals that go along.... so you're in good shape!
We at fairlife are so glad that you've come back to milk!
LivingMCM
Looking at online discussions lately, I really don't understand why everybody is *suddenly* in this big tizzy over the concept of milk that's been filtered for lower sugar and higher protein .
Lucerne (Safeway) rolled out a product that is almost exactly the same TWO YEARS AGO, and I don't recall anybody ever making such a big stink about it!
Is it just because this new product is from a high-profile company like Coca Cola, and it's hip to vilify such companies, or what??
Jen
Thanks for the informative article. I picked up a bottle of Fiarlife Whole milk this week, because they were out of the Alta Dena milk that I usually purchase. I looked at the ingredients and basically just saw "milk" so I assumed that it was just milk. Interestingly, I think it tastes sweeter than my normal milk. Just today, I figured I would see what the internet had to say about this "new milk" and found your article.
Overall, I think I will stick with my original brand.
hath-no-fury
I love it .. Been using it for 4 months now.. My wife is pregnant now. Wondering if the UHT filterization affects pregnant women ? My wife consumes it ..so far its been great with no issues. its a great protein addition . Extra calcium helps.
Sue McCloskey
Hi there, this is Sue McCloskey, one of the founders of fairlife. Man, I wish this was around during the years I was pregnant... especially our chocolate milk! Totally safe for everyone! The ultra filtering uses no chemicals, additives, heat or foo-foo powders! It's a simple process much like using a Brita filter for your drinking water.
Hope that helps!
Lucas
I love your product!!! I even got the local Giant to stock it just for me!!!! The only bummer is that since I'm such a hypochondriac (jokingly) and health coach, and due to my recent research on carrageenan, I have banned myself from your delicious chocolate milk!! Ahhhh!!! So my question to you Dear Sue is that isn't there some other way to thicken the milk or some less controversial ingredient that can be used?!? Pleeeeease lol. It was my post workout go-to allowing me to ditch the expense protein powders but now I'm back looking for chocolate milks without carrageenan (they all have it, darn). Anyway thanks again for the product and until I reach the age that my genetic heart disease precursors start showing up I will be buying six of the half gallon jugs per trip to the store! More protein and exercise people and less sugar!!!!!!!!!!
Robert Seward
52 OZ jugs...[not 64]
Nunya Bidness
I think this "blog" is a fairly transparent shill and its author needs a better education on forensics and debate.
dairycarrie
Ah yes, you caught me. I'm a shill. Which is why I've spent 4 years writing about everything from cow boggers to corn sex to awkward photos to Fairlife... and not being paid for any of it.
I guess I'm the worst shill ever.
Christy
I love Fairlife (hate the price) love the product! I had gastric bypass 6 months ago and I hate protein shakes!!! So Fairlife has been my saving grace! I was never thrilled about the $2.97 price (at Walmart) but I was willing to pay it and have for 2 months now. However literally over night the price jumped from the $2.97 to $3.98!!!! That's over 25% price increase and when I tried to ask a Walmart employee of course I got a stupid uneducated answer or probably more like a guess than an answer. He said because it's costing farmer more to take care of their cows. When I said then why is all the other milk brands (Walmart included) still priced the same? I got a blank look and a "I don't know" response. I hate to say it but I don't think I'm willing to pay over a $1 more. I see protein shakes again in my future
carol shook
I absolutely LOVE Fairlife mike. I'm 65 and I have never tasted a better milk. Great taste, very smooth. Try it! If your a milk lover, you'll never go back to regular milk again.
Patti
I think fairlife is the creamiest and best tasting milk I've tasted in a long time. The chocolate is incredible. I tell people about it all the time. Biggest drawback, the price. It is not low cost.
Tanya
I'm always raving about Fairlife milk, so here is an article that I think you will find informative. As a mom, I'm always looking for more natural, healthy choices, while being animal / earth friendly. (No, I'm not a natzi about it, but if I can find all 3, I'm happy) .
Growing up "straight from the cow" milk was the "affordable thing". (YIKES if you got a bitter weed batch) So, if you have ever had the processed milk, and the unprocessed, you would understand just how much sugar is in our milk. If you have big milk drinkers, you need to reduce that sugar, remove some additives, and get more protein in them. Fairlife does that for us, at about $2.89 for a half gallon. Yes, about the same amount as a gallon of "regular" milk, but a more healthy option. The added benefit is its lactose free, so ALL my 5 kids can drink it. I can eliminate buying almond milk, goat milk, fat free regular milk, and can just buy fairlife for everyone.
I'm not going to lie, the first drink, after drinking highly processed, sugar added milk, will be a shock. It's creamy, smooth, and almost like straight from the cow. Give it a few days to adjust, and you want drink anything else.
No, I'm not a spokes person for them, lol, I just like to share really good products with other moms/dad's.
Currently, I buy 10 a week 🙂
dairycarrie
I'm glad you like Fairlife! But I do want to clarify that there is no sugar added to regular white mik.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Keisha, I'm so glad that you're able to meet all of your family's varying needs with fairlife! And, I agree with you on the taste, it's hard for me to drink anything else... especially our chocolate milk.
As a dairy farmer who also sells fresh milk in the conventional way, I support Dairy Carrie's statement that regular milk doesn't have any sugar added to it and is a super nutrient packed drink that many of us take for granted.
But as my grandmother said, "It takes all kinds", and so, we at fairlife are excited to bring a little innovation and recognition to milk!
Keisha Arline
I have been drinking this milk for about a month now.I guess as I get older the whole milk is just not working for me.I really like it.I have not had not one problem..It tastes great.It you don't like it move on..But for me I'm hooked.
jacki
oh lord......NOT REAL MILK PEOPLE...BY THE TIME U HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS IT WILL BE TO LATE...WOW GROW UP
Sue McCloskey
Dear Lord, Jacki,
To now warn us
To be cautious is more than
Two millennia
Too late.
Louise
The info on fair life!!!
Nancy Kiertzner
Sister and I (We're widows living together) have been drinking Fairlife for a few months, a Nutritionist recommended it...we LIKE it, sure it's more expensive than the fat free milk we were buying.....but we like that there's less sugar and really, really like that it is lactose free....Yea!
debbie
Been drinking FairLife for about 10 months now…LISTEN: We Loved it at first, and for the first 9 and 1/2 months. It was $2.97 at WalMart which was fair because it is not a 1/2 gallon. We bought all 4 varieties and drink a LOT of the chocolate milk. I figured Wal Mart would go up as soon as people started buying and they did….to $3.50 quite a jump! So, I cut down on what I was buying. Well a couple week ago, I picked up a 2% and opened it and drank a small glass but stopped when I noticed a foul, pungent smell! It was horrible! Like rotten eggs, or maybe sulfa water! I pushed on the container and smelled and yes indeed it was coming out of the carton! i KNEW something was wrong! i called the website number and no one seemed concerned, but after 2 days someone did call and leave a message. There was no sense of urgency. I know the public may pull some things, but if I were concerned about my product and more importantly the HEALTH of my customers, I would call as many times per day till it took to get through! I have yet to talk to them and this has been 8 days since I called! I even went to another store to buy the same kind and YES, the SAME awful, nasty smell! It has changed my buying and recommendations for this product. As a Registered Nurse, i feel that I have a responsibility to say something. Even not being the Nurse, but just being the consumer, I feel I have something to say as well. Shame on them for not taking a greater interest in what could be a potential hazard for consumers! So, we are having the milk tested and I am going to buy another one and if it has the smell, I'll have it tested too. Even if it doesn't have the smell….there was something that went wrong in these two containers! Who knows, it may have been a whole lot shipped to this area! One store was Publix and one was Wal Mart. I'm concerned. Until then, it's Organic Valley, or Horizon.
Karen
Thank you for posting this. I thought I was crazy. Every single carton of Fairlife I have bought the cap seems to smell like rotten eggs. I will pour the milk in a different container or cup and then I can't smell it. The milk tastes fine it just seems to be the cap regardless of where I buy it from.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Karen,
Sue McCloskey, from fairlife, here. I wanted to reach out and first, thank you for being such a fan of fairlife milk!
Second, I wanted to address the "smell" that you're getting off of the caps. I asked, Tim Doelman, who is "the man" when it comes to running our state of the art milk plant in Michigan. Tim's response regarding the smell was basically this,
"During processing, the milk is exposed to high heat and the sulfur bonds in the protein break. When they break, they create hydrogen sulfide compounds that give off the smell of eggs."
That was actually his second response after I asked him to dial down his Masters degree and put it in more layman's terms. This is how he responded the first time,
"Heating milk at higher temperatures than traditional pasteurization temperatures causes increased formation of volatile sulfur compounds and give sulfurous odor (eggy smell) and cooked flavor. These volatile sulfur compounds result from heating of milk proteins specially whey proteins that have sulfur containing amino acids like cysteine, cystine and methionine. The volatile sulfur containing amino acids disappear during storage depending upon the type of package and exposure to oxygen. The traditional pasteurized milks have very low levels of the volatile sulfur compounds and the packages used for traditional pasteurized milk do not have good oxygen or air barrier properties, therefore, the eggy smell disappears within hours.
Fairlife milks contain higher levels of proteins, therefore, higher concentrations of sulfur containing volatiles are generated during ultra-pasteurization. Fairlife milks are also packaged in far better packages than traditional pasteurized milks, therefore, it takes more time for the sulfurous odors to disappear.
Volatile sulfur compounds that cause egg off aroma in ultra-pasteurized milks are present in different kinds of foods including beverages, fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy products. Sulfur compounds are basic components of food flavors when present in low concentrations for examples in heated strawberry puree. Sulfur compounds are contribute to the typical flavor of Cheddar and Muenster Cheese and to desirable flavor of butter.
The eggy /sulfurous aroma/odor observed in freshly consumed fairlife milks do not pose any health concerns but we are using strategies to minimize their generation."
So, basically, because fairlife milk has more protein and because of the short blast of high heat for pasteurizing and because we use bottles that are designed to keep light and air out and because you are purchasing fairlife within a couple of days of it coming from the cow, you are getting the sulphur smell! There's absolutely nothing wrong with your milk or bottles... and like Tim said, we are working on trying to minimize the smell but I'd hate to hold it back from getting on your grocery's shelf as quickly as possible! When I have had this experience, I simply leave the bottle open in my fridge for a few minutes and that seems to take care of it.
I hope that I didn't bore you with this explanation, but I wanted to make sure that you got all the information you needed to be assured that your fairlife is as safe as it tastes good!
Thanks, again, for your patronage and for being a caring customer!
Sue
neokewl
Been on this for almost a year now, my wife is loving it. I have a travel coming up with a net travel time { home to home } is 35 hours. The stores generally keep the UHT milk in the refrigerated section. I intend to take about 24 bottles of milk in my checkin luggage.
I am thinking of two options and leaning towards option 2:
1) Freeze the milk
2) Take it as is.
Can I take the UHT fairlife milk as part of checked in luggage for 35 hour journey ? Will the milk quality remain as is ?
Beach Bubba
I am somewhat lactose intolerant... but, not entirely so. As is typical, my ability to break down the lactose in milk has somewhat diminished as I've aged. Having read many articles and opinions on the so-called FrankenMilk, Fairlife, I've come up with my own solution.
I buy both Fairlife and organic milk at the same time. I mix the two in equal parts in a big tea pitcher, then pour the 50/50 mix back into the containers they came in.
The result is milk with increased protein content, 50 percent less lactose for a moderately lactose intolerant system to digest, and 50% reduction of any negatives of drinking only Fairlife milk, if any. Considering there is no conclusive evidence either way as to whether Fairlife's processing hurts or helps the milk's nutritional value, I think think my formula is a good one. It works for me!
My only real concern is the increased calcium content. I'm not at all comfortable with that. The promise that calcium builds strong bones is not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, the evidence indicates that extra calcium in the diet can potentially increase the risk of both kidney stones and heart attack. I drink a lot of green tea. So, the kidney stone issue does concern me. I'm not as concerned about the heart attack risk, at this point.
I can't blame Coke for seeing the writing on the wall and making money off of the distribution of Fairlife milk, or for Fairlife for being innovative in creating the product. It may not be for everyone. But, there is a place for it in the market. It is certainly better than drinking a Coke!
Peter Mullen
I understand the concept of filetring out the sugars so that the end product has less sugar. However, could someone please explain how the filtering process actually INCREASES the protein content? Thank very much.
dairycarrie
When they separate out the parts of the milk, they can put it back together in whatever ratios they choose.
mark lybarger
Recently got some fairlife milk at the store (it was on sale). Started to research and really liking the product. I'm Type II diabetic and anyway I can lower sugar is good. If this is UHT, why is it in the refrigerator at all? On the packaging it says "keep refrigerated". Most other UHT milk is sitting on the shelf... Just curious.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Mark, this is Sue from fairlife. Our milk is Ultra Pasteurized rather than UHT pasteurized (which is an aseptic process allowing for shelf stable products such as our Core Power). I copied this from our fairlife website, "It’s simply in the processing. Ordinary milk is pasteurized at a high temperature for 15-20 seconds. We pasteurize our milk at an even higher temperature for less time. That gives fairlife much longer shelf life unopened. After opening, its shelf life is the same as ordinary milk."
Hope that answers your question and thanks for your patronage!
Rachel
Just to clarify, the only difference between so-called ultra-pasteurized and UHT milks is the sterile, shelf-stable packaging -- the actual pasteurization process (how long at what temperature) is the same. I don't buy ultra-pasteurized dairy for my family because it tastes "cooked" and my children have rejected it because of this (it reminds of the milk we used to scald to use in baking). Never mind the cream that doesn't whip decently. I buy milk where I know I can get regular pasteurized organic milk -- most of the gallons in my area are, whereas the half gallons are ultra-pasteurized. I looked at the Fairlife chocolate milk at Sam's, and not only did I not buy it due to the ultra-pasteurization, but it contains sucralose! I understand why someone who is diabetic might choose to use artificial sweeteners, but there is just no benefit for my kids, who are better served to consume fewer sweets in general. Plus the vile aftertaste sucralose has. I can understand why someone with lactose intolerance would be interested in this milk (although as I said, I am not, due to the ultra-pasteurization), but why in the world would you put sucralose in a product that isn't sugar-free, anyway?
Sue McCloskey
Hi Rachel, I checked with our plant manager and Chief Scientist and there are actually differences between Ultra Pasteurized (or Extended Shelf Life) and UHT (shelf stable, aseptic) in the pasteurization heat and length of time. I'd be glad to share those exact times and temps with you if you'd like.
You really should try fairlife white milk because it doesn't have the cooked flavor (a caramelization flavor that comes burning the sugars) that you mention. The reason for this is because of the reduced amount of sugar in fairlife. It really does taste just like regular milk but even creamier because of the increased protein. Another benefit to keeping that clean dairy taste is that fairlife milk never sees the light of day, so no oxidized aftertaste either.
Carrie
https://blog.primalpastures.com/uncategorized/coca-colas-fairlife-milk-isnt-fair/
TheRicker
I love this milk. The way it tastes is what drew me in and then the nutrition facts capped it off for me. My only frustration is that I have seen, since it's popularity rise, prices rise from $3.29 Jan 2015 to $3.49 and now as of Jan 2016 $3.99 on sale from $4.99. I do feel that at some point since there is not too much difference between this milk and reg whole organic milk, that I will buy smaller quantities of regular whole milk should these price increases continue. I don't think there is anything wrong with Fairlife except the pricing.
Sue McCloskey
Hi TheRicker, Sue from fairlife here. Unfortunately, the suggested pricing that we give to stores is sometimes just that, "suggested". They will set the price according to their internal calculations. If you don't mind the trip, I would suggest picking up your fairlife from Walmart, as they have made a commitment to selling for another few months at a great price! And make sure you take your receipt back to your regular grocery and show them the price!
Pam de Butler
Great article. I just started noticing this milk on the shelf at my local grocery store and was curious about it. I noticed the extra protein claims but didn't realize the lactose free and increased calcium. Great for a lactose-intolerant, post-menopausal woman. Love your website.
dairycarrie
Thanks Pam! I've been adding chocolate Fairlife to my morning coffee, I'm out today so I added Rumchata instead! 😉
Wendell Miller
Fairlife is not simply milk. It is milk with an adjective. Skim milk is milk without cream; yogurt is milk with a certain bacteria culture; sour milk is milk that wild bacteria have gotten into; and so on. Actually, all milk needs adjectives, to distinguish the species that produced it. Fairlife is a dairy product, that everyone can choose to buy or not.
joan smith
I have been drinking it for a yr now.it good i can drink a cup &it doesn't raise my sugar like reg milk.it does cost about 3.00 dollars for 52ozs.but it worth it to me because i had to quit drinking reg milk soy just suck
Steve
I just tried Fairlife milk recently and really really like it!
A few worthwhile notes: there actually *is* lactase enzyme added to it (https://fairlife.com/our-products/whole/). Not sure why they add lactase enzyme if their filtration process removes lactose. What's the deal with that?
Their chocolate milk is super delicious. I didn't realize until after drinking an entire bottle of it: they achieve the "only 50% sugar of typical chocolate milk" by adding sucralose to it. Kind of a bummer (I'm not a fan of artificial sweeteners), however I (personally) couldn't even detect the typical sucralose aftertaste.
tim
Does it have the real seal ?
[email protected]
WOW where is my "I'm just hear for the comments," pic when I need it. Just goes to show that no matter how hard some may try, you can please everyone.....EVER.
To Dairy Carrie thank you for the article and adding a little more info on the subject.
To the other Commentators, thank you for this mornings entertainment.
To the big conglomerate Coke and the Fair Life Farms, thank you for making a product that allows my children a drink they can tolerate.
Shannon Warner
I love Fairlife milk, it's delicious and great for people who are watching sugars. Also, the lactose free part is great. Milk is one of my favorite beverages, and when I'm being healthier I always feel I should give it up, not anymore! Thanks Fairlife 🙂
Robin
Does Fairlife put antobiotics into their cows?
Never mentioned on/ in commercials.
Sue McCloskey
Hi Robin, this is Sue McCloskey from fairlife. I think that what you are trying to ask is whether we routinely (such as a daily feed supplement) give our milking cows antibiotics for the purpose of fighting off low grade infections. The answer to that is a resounding no.
On the other hand, if I have a cow who is ill or has an infection and will be cured with a treatment of antibiotics (just as my dog last week did with an ear infection and my son the month before with a sinus infection (interesting that I referenced my dog before my 24 year old son)) then, hell, yes, I'm going to give her antibiotics. In my mind, it would be inhumane to withhold proper and reliable treatment to cure her.
Your next question is "Well, don't those antibiotics end up in her milk?" My reply to you is that all of that cow's milk is discarded until she has gone through the designated withdrawal period for that particular antibiotic. Once she is done with her withdrawal period, her individual milk is tested (and this part is very important) for antibiotic presence DOWN TO ONE PART PER ONE BILLION. A billion is such a thrown around number these days but it is the equivalent of 1 second in 32 years. So when that test is negative, we can be pretty darn sure that there are no antibiotics left in her milk.
Just to further alleviate your concerns, all tankers of milk are tested for antibiotics at least three times, again, down to one part per billion, before it is ever turned into the dairy products that we all know and love.
So, unless you are against treating animals with antibiotics for the purpose of aiding them in fighting an illness or infection, you can enjoy fairlife or any variety of milk. Otherwise, you can purchase organic milk which comes from cows who cannot be given antibiotics for the treatment of illness and remain an organic cow.
Ebony S Richardson-lowe
I really appreciate this product. My son has been on so many milks, but they all hurt his stomach he has extremely bad allergies. So I kept being moved to try this milk and honestly my son has not said his tummy hurts so I feel this is a true blessing the way there milk is. My son is 2 and he needs all the vitamins milk offers.so please continue to process your milk the way you are.and may Jehovah God continue to bless you.
Jacob Prezbindowski
Why doesn't anyone including the people themselves ever mention the fact it tastes 20 times better than regular milk and about 1.5 times better than regular organic milk. Of course it's a deserving product. It tastes great.
Matthew Murphy
Big milk drinker, fell in love with the taste and idea and have been living almost exclusively on 3-6 of the whole 52oz daily. I have a solid meal maybe once every three days?
Is this going to kill me? I've slimmed down to very low body fat and my short-term musculature is waning, but I am still strong, relatively energetic, and sufficiently intelligent..
just love, no vitriol!
DClinger
All I can say is Thank You Fair Life! I'm so excited I found you. I use to drink a half gallon of milk a day. I was told I need to cut milk out of my diet. I don't have to now because of you. Fair Life milk tastes amazing! I completely trust your company and your process of filtering. I love what your company has done to make milk a healthier option.
I see so many negative comments and it's quite ridiculous! If you don't want to tour the farm or learn more about the process then don't. But until you give it all a try don't judge. Thank you Fair Life!
Sue McCloskey
Yeah! Thanks, DClinger for the kind words and we're so humbled to know that fairlife is helping to keep your milk intake up! Keep on believing in better!
Sue McCloskey/founder
jobe
Humane treatment is clearly a concern for todays consumer (Just look at how eggs have done a 180 degree turn for this). I hope fairlife will consider access to the outdoors for the cows. This is what they would want if factory farms didnt force them to produce and they lived naturally. Its the one simple, small thing that makes life worth living for any being that you could simply provide in exchange to what they give up for your profits. It will be good for your business, and morally how you should progress, showing compassion, responsibility and appreciation. Forcing them to separate from their babies and endure slaughter down the road is the least you can do as a factory farm!
captain obvious 84
fairlife doesn't have lactose and doesn't suck like lactaid. you F**kers need to get your info straight...
dairycarrie
I think you need to work on your reading comprehension.
captain obvious 84
you guys need to get web-of-trust add on for your browsers, this site is not marked as trusted as i assume it shares misleading information about the "negatives" of fairlife.
dairycarrie
Ha! Nope my WOT ranking has zero to do with Fairlife milk and everything to do with Vegans.
What exactly do you think I've shared that's misleading?
Peggy
Calm down everyone! We're talking about MILK!!! Everyone's so fired up.....So i love the chocolate milk. I heat it up-yes heat it up. With a glass of water in a pan on the stove. Mmmmmmmmm. Try it.
Peggy
Annette
I loved the chocolate as well, until I read the label…..Acesulfame and sucralose as well as artificial flavors. I’ll take the sugar any day. It’s just too much going on in the ingredients label for me.
Andrew L Miller
I would like to note that I just drank a glass of healthy hot cocoa. Which was made using the Kroger Carbmaster (generic brand version from the supermarket) ultrafiltered chocolate nonfat milk, microwaved until nice and hot and then topped with a dollop of whipped cream. We also enjoy Fairlife, and the main reason I favor Kroger brand over Fairlife is because it's a lot cheaper. But whether you've got Fairlife or Kroger, I recommend nuking your chocolate milk and enjoying a nice HEALTHY version of hot cocoa when it's cold out... 🙂
Sue McCloskey
Hi Andrew! So glad that you're a fan of both fairlife and Carbmaster. Kroger came to us a few years ago looking for something that would be a super-low carb milk and we created the base for them. Kroger then adds their own flavorings or additional ingredients to make a healthy low sugar, higher protein milk. Great for diabetics and people looking to control their sugar intake. fairlife is a bit higher in protein and therefore a bit pricier. Keep in mind that we can't control pricing in stores like Kroger can with their own products so we are at a disadvantage there.
Regardless, glad that your looking for that extra nutrition in your glass of milk and glad that you reached out to Dairy Carrie!
Julie
Diabetic here who loves milk but had to stop drinking it. Found Fairlife and love it, especially the chocolate. If I'm ever in the area I'd love to visit the farm! There will always be haters out there..... Thanks for the awesome product Sue!
Nick
I've purchased this milk twice because of my girlfriend that likes to waste money on things like this and alkaline water. All a bunch of snake oil. I find this milk is going bad faster than regular milk and twice the cost.
Sue McCloskey
Hey nick says, Sue McCloskey from fairlife, here. I'm surprised that your fairlife is going "bad" faster than regular milk as I've left it in my fridge while traveling for two weeks and have found no problems. Of course, understanding milk, I take care to preserve all the work that goes into the great quality of fairlife; I don't let it sit at room temperature any longer than necessary, I replace the cap immediately after pouring and I keep my refrigerator at 34-36 degrees. All of these things you should do with any kind of milk your family uses.
As to your snake oil claim, well, the facts are the facts. fairlife is higher in protein and calcium and lower in sugar.... all good things that I would dispute as snake oil.
Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any other concerns or if you keep running into problems with our product.
Oh, yeah, thank your girlfriend for me for being a fairlife fan!
Anon8264
*rolls eyes*
Oh, please. There's absolutely nothing "snake oil" about Fairlife milk. It's a straightforward product: tasty milk with higher protein and lower carbohydrates. If you are watching these macronutrients for any reason, then this is a great product. But nobody is claiming any miracle cures for cancer, baldness, or impotence. "Snake oil," indeed.
Someone
They do not remove the lactose with the filters. They add a chemical called lactase which turns the lactose into more easily digestible sugars; it’s on the ingredients. Filtration couldn’t remove the lactose, it can only be changed via chemical process.
Sue McCloskey
Hi someone says. Sue McCloskey from fairlife, here. Just wanted to let you and any others that might stumble across this conversation that we do remove some of the lactose with filters. It's actually a series of filters that remove most of the lactose.
The lactose that we do leave in is then converted by adding the enzyme, lactase, to fracture the bond of the lactose molecule into glucose and galactose. Both glucose and galactose have a much sweeter taste profile than lactose and it was a was a long series of trials that got us to the point where the "sweetness" of fairlife milk exactly profiles that of regular lactose-laden milk. This is also why fairlife milk has a lower sugar content than regular milk.
And, just so we can all relive the nightmare of our high school chemistry classes, the breaking of the bond of sugars that make lactose is, indeed, a chemical process. However, it is done with the enzyme lactase which is a naturally derived enzyme.
And, that reminds me.... what do you call a wheel of iron? A ferrous wheel.
Nessa
I just want to say that Fairlife Milk combined with an Instant Pot makes the BEST yogurt around
Yael
I LOVE Fairlife Milk! As a diabetic, I can drink milk again!!! Heaven…
Van
I love Fairlife milk. It’s all I buy, and I have been buying it for quite a few years. One question, does the carton contain a plant code? I don’t see one. https://whereismymilkfrom.com/#
dairycarrie
I'm not sure.
Sehena
This is the only type of milk I can have that I actually like. I found out that I’m a type two diabetic about a month ag, so I’ve tried to stay away from sugar as much as I can. That’s not exactly easy when you’re a picky eater with a sweet tooth. I’ve tried other types of milk, including unsweetened almond vanilla but I just couldn’t get behind the taste. It’s just so bitter, even with the added vanilla. But with this, I can have chocolate milk again! Just add in a bit of Nesquick no sugar added and you’re good to go!
CAROLYN TAYLOR
The 52 ounce light blue container says Fairlife milk contains 52 ounces but it only contains 36 ounces. That's about two cups short.
Jeff
Does the filtration process remove estrogen or does it concentrate it along with the protein?
Stephanie rose
Bought the low fat option at a gas station as the regular milk wasn’t available. Being lactose intolerant I like this option as I typically buy lactose free milk, but I can’t get past the taste. I also am an avid weight lifter so I love the high protein content. My question is how is the protein increased because I am also sensitive to milk proteins. Is this the whey added? The fair life doesn’t taste like regular milk. Has anyone experienced this? Is the whole milk better in taste? Also I was confused because they advertise no artificial product then say that there is red seaweed as an emulsifier/ thickener added. Confused. Thanks so much!
Ketolicious Trucker
I just recently discovered Fairlife milk. I have tried multiple plant based milks, and recently began doing lazy keto. I used to drink a lot of whole milk, and love milk! While I can’t drink it like I used to any longer, I also don’t like the plant based options I have tried (which include almond, cashew, almond coconut, coconut, and macadamia). Oatmilk is not an option for me, so I did some research and decided to give Fairlife whole milk a try. I love it! It’s perfectly acceptable in moderation, and tastes wonderful! I have my solution! Thank you!
Debbie
I am having trouble with the thickners used in the Fairlife Milks. Would you consider producing the milk without the thickners? Maybe just the white milk would be fantastic. Please. I love the product just cannot get my stomach used to the thickners.
dairycarrie
You would have to reach out to Fairlife about that. I have no affiliation with the company. That being said, I just looked at the white milk's ingredient label and there are no thickeners in it.
Heidi D Young
Will you in the future switch over to glass or gallon containers?