Fairlife vs Premier Protein: Head-to-Head Review
⚡ Quick Picks — Our Top 3
Fairlife vs Premier Protein: The Ultimate Comparison
These two shakes sit in millions of American fridges, and for good reason. But they're very different products at very different price points. If you're trying to decide between them, this comparison has everything you need.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Fairlife Core Power Elite | Premier Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 42g | 30g |
| Calories | 230 | 160 |
| Sugar | 7g | 1g |
| Fat | 4.5g | 3g |
| Protein Source | Ultrafiltered milk | Milk protein concentrate |
| Lactose | Lactose-free | Contains traces |
| Refrigeration | Required | Shelf-stable |
| Flavors | 5 | 15+ |
| Price/shake | ~$3.50 | ~$2.00 |
| Bottle Size | 14 fl oz | 11.5 fl oz |
| Taste Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Fairlife Core Power Elite: The Premium Choice
Fairlife uses a proprietary cold-filtration process to separate and concentrate the protein naturally found in milk. The result is a shake that tastes remarkably like chocolate milk — because it essentially IS chocolate milk with concentrated protein and removed lactose.
Best For:
- Post-workout recovery (42g protein is enough for most people's entire post-workout needs)
- People who want the highest quality dairy protein
- Taste-driven consumers who want a premium experience
- Lactose-intolerant individuals (ultrafiltered = lactose-free)
Premier Protein: The Value King
Premier Protein shakes offer incredible value. At Costco, you can get a 15-pack for about $25 — that's $1.67 per shake with 30g of protein. No other RTD shake comes close to that price-to-protein ratio.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious consumers
- People who drink protein shakes daily (cost adds up fast)
- Low-sugar dieters (only 1g sugar vs Fairlife's 7g)
- Variety seekers (15+ flavors vs Fairlife's 5)
- On-the-go — shelf-stable, no refrigeration needed
The Verdict
Buy Fairlife if: You want the best-tasting, highest-protein RTD shake and don't mind paying a premium. It's the Tesla of protein shakes — objectively better, but at a cost.
Buy Premier Protein if: You want reliable, solid protein at an unbeatable price. It's the Honda Civic of protein shakes — not the sexiest, but the best value proposition.
Our pick for most people: Premier Protein. At nearly half the price, 30g of protein is plenty for most goals, and the flavor variety keeps things interesting. Save the Fairlife for special occasions or particularly heavy training days.
FAQ
Can I use these for weight loss?
Both work well. Premier Protein has a slight edge with only 160 calories and 1g sugar vs Fairlife's 230 calories and 7g sugar.
Which has better protein quality?
Fairlife's ultrafiltered milk protein is slightly higher quality than Premier's milk protein concentrate, but the real-world difference in muscle building is negligible.
Where to buy cheapest?
Premier Protein: Costco ($1.67/shake). Fairlife: Amazon Subscribe & Save (~$3.25/shake) or Sam's Club.