Are Fairlife Protein Shakes Gluten Free? What You Need to Know!

Looking to boost your protein intake with a tasty, convenient shake? Fairlife protein shakes could be a great option. But if you avoid gluten, you’re probably wondering – are Fairlife protein shakes gluten free?

This article dives deep into the world of Fairlife protein shakes and their gluten content. We are here to give you the full scoop on whether Fairlife’s protein shakes are safe for a gluten-free diet. So, without further ado let’s get started!

What is Gluten? Understanding The Basics

But first, let’s quickly cover what gluten actually is. Gluten refers to a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It acts as a binding agent, giving dough its elasticity and chewy texture.

For most people, consuming gluten is perfectly harmless. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can wreak havoc on the body.

In people with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, eating gluten triggers an immune response that attacks and damages the small intestine’s lining. This eventually leads to difficulty absorbing crucial vitamins and minerals from food.

So, for the gluten-intolerant crowd, carefully checking labels and steering clear of wheat, barley, rye and products derived from these grains is essential for feeling their best.

The FDA’s Gluten-Free Requirements: Are Fairlife’s Labeled as Gluten-Free?

In the United States, the FDA allows food products to be labeled “gluten-free” if they contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Essentially, this tiny trace amount is low enough that it’s considered safe even for people with celiac disease.

To earn that gluten-free stamp of approval, manufacturers must take rigorous steps to prevent cross-contamination during production, packaging, and transportation.

The good news? Fairlife proudly labels all of their protein shakes as “gluten free” right on the bottle.

Are they just saying that for marketing purposes, or do their shakes truly qualify as gluten-free? Let’s dig deeper.

How Fairlife Ensures its Shakes are Gluten-Free?

So how does Fairlife ensure its protein shakes meet the FDA’s strict gluten-free criteria? Well, Fairlife doesn’t stop at just carefully selecting gluten-free ingredients. They go the extra mile to prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of their gluten-free products.

Dedicated Production Lines

Fairlife uses dedicated gluten-free production lines for their protein shakes, ensuring that no gluten-containing ingredients or equipment come into contact with the products.

Rigorous Cleaning Protocols

In addition to dedicated lines, Fairlife follows strict cleaning protocols to eliminate any potential traces of gluten from their facilities and equipment.

Supplier Verification

Fairlife also works closely with their suppliers to verify that all incoming ingredients meet their stringent gluten-free standards, further minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Employee Training

To ensure their gluten-free protocols are followed to the letter, Fairlife provides comprehensive training to all employees involved in the production and handling of their products.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

Of course, for those with severe gluten sensitivities, cross-contamination is always a concern. But Fairlife takes measures to prevent this by using dedicated gluten-free production lines and following rigorous cleaning protocols.

What Ingredients Are Used in Fairlife Protein Shakes To Ensure They Are Gluten Free?

While some protein powders use grains like wheat or oats (which can contain gluten), Fairlife shakes get their protein punch from real dairy milk sourced from cow milk.

Ingredients in Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in Fairlife’s popular Core Power line of protein shakes:

• Ultrafiltered milk
• Milk protein concentrate
• Cream
• Vitamin & mineral blend
• Natural flavors
• Salt
• Gellan gum
• Sugar
• Monk fruit juice concentrate
• Acesulfame potassium
• Sucralose

As you can see, there are no gluten-containing grains or sketchy additives on the list. The main ingredients are simple, real dairy-based foods.

Why Gluten Free Fairlife Protein Shakes Are Important?

So, why is it important for some people to consume gluten free products like Fairlife protein shakes? Well, for the millions of Americans with celiac disease or gluten intolerances, avoiding gluten is crucial for their health and wellbeing. 

Consuming gluten can damage the small intestine and lead to nutrient deficiencies in people with celiac. Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivities may suffer digestive issues, inflammation, headaches, and other symptoms after ingesting gluten.

Steering clear of gluten requires carefully reading labels and vetting ingredients. Gluten-free convenience products like Fairlife protein shakes allow those on gluten-free diets to still enjoy tasty, nutritious foods and beverages without accidental glutening.

Nutrition Info for Fairlife Core Power Protein Shakes

Curious about the actual nutrition facts for Fairlife’s signature protein shake? Here are the stats for an 11.5 oz bottle of the Chocolate Core Power shake:

• 180 calories
• 9g fat
• 4g saturated fat
• 380mg sodium
• 15g carbs
• 3g fiber
• 9g sugar
• 26g protein

With a hefty 26g of protein and just 9g of sugar, these shakes strike a decent nutritional balance. However, they are a bit high in saturated fat compared to some other protein shake brands.

Where to Buy Gluten-Free Fairlife Protein Shakes?

Now that you know about your query “are fairlife protein shakes gluten free?”, you’re probably wondering where to actually buy Fairlife protein shakes.

These ultra-filtered milk beverages can be found at most major grocery chains across the United States, including:

• Walmart
• Target
• Kroger
• Publix
• Albertsons/Safeway
• And more

You can usually find them in the refrigerated dairy section, sometimes near other protein shakes and nutritional beverages.

Alternative Options for a Gluten-Free Protein Boost

While Fairlife’s protein shakes are a solid gluten-free option, they’re not the only game in town. For those looking to mix things up or explore other alternatives, here are a few ideas:

• Plant-Based Protein Powders: Options like pea, rice, and hemp protein powders are naturally gluten-free and can be blended into smoothies or shakes for a protein boost.
• Greek Yogurt: Packed with protein and naturally gluten-free, Greek yogurt can be a tasty and nutritious snack or meal addition.
• Nut Butters: Almond, peanut, and other nut butters are not only gluten-free but also offer a convenient way to add healthy fats and protein to your diet.
• Lentils and Beans: These budget-friendly sources of plant-based protein are naturally gluten-free and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to read labels carefully and do your own research to ensure products align with your dietary needs and preferences.

Let’s come to the final verdict – are fairlife protein shakes gluten free? Based on the ingredients, manufacturing processes, and FDA labeling requirements, the answer is YES. Fairlife protein shakes can be considered gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

So feel free to sip away! Fairlife protein shakes make a delicious, gluten-free addition to any healthy lifestyle.

Are Fairlife Protein Shakes Gluten Free – FAQs