Search our database for specific fairlife milk products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Fairlife Milk products →Fairlife Milk vs Regular Milk Comparison
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.
DairyQuick 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.
Fairlife Milk vs Regular Milk
Fairlife Milk
Regular Milk
Search our database for specific regular milk products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Regular Milk products →Our Verdict
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.
Important Note
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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