Costco is selling two types of Fairlife Protein Shakes, Nutrition Plan and Core Power, and they are both delicious. I buy the chocolate Nutrition Plan shakes but for some people the Core Power product would be the better choice.
Let’s take look at these two shakes to understand the differences and figure out which one is right for you!
Core Power vs Nutrition Plan
The big differences between the two products are:
- Available Flavors
- Calories
- Protein Content
- Added Electrolytes
I prefer the Nutrition Plan shakes because they have fewer calories but a higher amount of protein than the Core Power shakes. On the flip side, the Core Power shakes have added electrolytes which would make them better for a post workout recovery drink.
Nutrition Plan Shake Flavors
The Nutrition Plan Shakes come in 11.5 ounce bottles and are available in the following flavors:
- Chocolate
- Salted Caramel
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
At my Costco I could only find the Chocolate and Salted Caramel. I don’t know if these were the only two flavors offered or if the other two flavors were simply sold out.
Nutrition Plan Shake Calories and Protein
These Nutritional Plan Shakes have the following nutritional information for a single serving (1 bottle):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 2.5g (3% DV)
- Cholesterol: 10mg (3% DV)
- Sodium: 230mg (10% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 4g (3% DV)
- Protein: 30g (60% DV)
These shakes are relatively low calories, low sugar and packed with protein. If you are looking for a meal replacement shake, or something to curb your afternoon hunger, then this is the product you want.
Core Power Shake Flavors
The Core Power Shakes come in 14 ounce bottles and are available in the following flavors:
- Chocolate
- Banana
- Vanilla
- Strawberry Banana
At my Costco I could only find the Strawberry Banana flavor,
Core Power Shake Calories and Protein
These Core Power Shakes have the following nutritional information for a single serving (1 bottle):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 4.5g (6% DV)
- Cholesterol: 20mg (7% DV)
- Sodium: 280mg (12% DV)
- Carbohydrates: 7g (3% DV)
- Protein: 26g (52% DV)
The Core Power Shakes are really similar to the Nutritional Plan Shakes but have a few more calories and added electrolytes. The target market for these shakes is for gym rats who want a tasty post workout recovery drink.
Fairlife has a different version of their Core Power Shakes, Core Power Elite, with even more protein (42g) but this product is not available through Costco.
What Makes the Fairlife Shakes Different
What sets the Fairlife shakes apart from other protein shakes on the market is the fact that the milk is ultra-filtered.
The ultra-filtration process removes the lactose from the milk while concentrating the protein and calcium. Just to make sure that all of the lactose is removed, Fairlife adds the Lactase Enzyme to the drink so any residual lactose is broken down before consumption.
It is estimated that 12% of all Americans and 20% of African Americans are lactose intolerant. These numbers are on the low end of previous studies with some numbers suggesting that almost 70% of the global population can’t properly digest lactose.
These shakes are also naturally gluten free.
The end result of Fairlife’s ultra filtration process is a drink that is creamy, easier to digest and loaded with protein.
Storage
The protein shakes are shelf stable and will last, unopened for about nine months.
Once opened, the shakes need to be refrigerated and consumed within 14 days.
I prefer to keep my unopened shakes in the refrigerator simply because the milk tastes better when cold.
Costco Value
I bought the 18 pack of 11.5 ounce Nutrition Plan chocolate shakes at Costco for $24.99 which works out to a cost of $0.121 per ounce.
You can buy a 12 pack of the same shakes at Sam’s Club for $16.98 which works out to a cost of $0.123 per ounce.
This means that you will save $0.002 per ounce….nothing really….when you buy the shakes at Costco.
Alright, so these shakes are not a Costco exclusive bargain but they are an excellent product!
Fairlife changed their formulation and now they taste like chemicals. They are seriously gross now