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Comparison · Dairy

Fairlife Milk vs Regular Milk

Fairlife is ultra-filtered milk that passes through a series of membrane filters to separate and recombine milk components, concentrating protein and removing lactose. Regular milk undergoes only pasteurization and homogenization; standard processes unchanged for over a century.

Subject A

Fairlife Milk

26 products →
7.1
L3 · Highly Proc.
Avg processing score
Nutrition6.0/10
0% · 27% · 19% · 54%L1→L4
Difference3.3 pts
Subject B

Regular Milk

1,388 products →
3.8
L2 · Processed
Avg processing score
Nutrition4.7/10
40% · 38% · 19% · 4%L1→L4
The verdictRegular Milk is less processed

Regular Milk scores lower in our analysis.

Fairlife Milk averages 7.1 (Level 3) across 26 products; Regular Milk averages 3.8 (Level 2) across 1,388.

Regular Milk · 3.8Fairlife Milk · 7.1
L1 · MinL2 · ProcL3 · HighL4 · Ultra
Scale: 0 → 15+ (uncapped)3.3 point gap

Written by UPFL Editorial Team

Editorial standards

Quick answer

Regular milk (Level 1) is less processed than Fairlife (Level 2). Fairlife's ultra-filtration and lactase enzyme addition are extra industrial steps. However, Fairlife is still a real dairy product with a short ingredient list; far from ultra-processed.

Worth knowing

Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores. These comparisons evaluate processing level and ingredient composition only. They do not account for taste, price, convenience, cultural significance, or individual dietary needs.

How do they compare by the numbers?

Avg Processing Score
Fairlife Milk
7.1
Highly Proc.
Regular Milk
3.8
Processed
Dominant Level
Fairlife Milk
L3 · Highly Proc.
Regular Milk
L2 · Processed
Avg Nutrition Score
Fairlife Milk
6.0
of 10
Regular Milk
4.7
of 10
Avg Ingredient Count
Fairlife Milk
13.4
Regular Milk
7.8
Products in Database
Fairlife Milk
26
Regular Milk
1,388
Level Distribution
Fairlife Milk
0%27%19%54%
Regular Milk
40%38%19%4%

Sample products from each

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A product in Ketzal with a Processing Score and a Nutrition Score

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairlife milk real milk?

Yes. Fairlife is cow's milk that has been ultra-filtered: pushed through fine membranes that separate water, fat, protein, lactose, and minerals, which are then recombined with more protein and less sugar, and lactase is added to make it lactose-free. Regular milk is only pasteurized and homogenized.

What makes Fairlife different from regular milk?

Fairlife uses ultra-filtration to separate milk into its components (water, fat, protein, lactose, vitamins), then recombines them in different ratios. This concentrates protein (13g vs 8g per serving), reduces sugar by 50%, and the added lactase enzyme makes it lactose-free. Regular milk is simply pasteurized and homogenized.

Is Fairlife milk ultra-processed?

No. Fairlife is Level 2, processed but not ultra-processed. Ultra-filtration is a mechanical process (no chemicals), and the only added ingredient is lactase enzyme. It has far fewer ingredients than true ultra-processed beverages like sports drinks or sodas.

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