Fairlife’s renowned protein shake, Core Power, has been available for more than ten years. After every gym session in 2017, I would have a Core Power protein smoothie.
But I didn’t start doubting this product and asking, “Is Core Power good for you?” until I started assessing my diet (and my chronic inflammation).
Indeed, it has a delightfully sweet and creamy flavor and is loaded with protein. However, why are there so many difficult-to-pronounce substances in there, such as sucralose, carrageenan, and acesulfame potassium?
I was curious to learn more about Core Power as a discriminating blogger in the protein product industry, and I also wanted to do it for the people who actually drink it on a daily basis.
Key takeaways:
- The protein shake tastes good and offers a complete protein profile.
- Despite its convenience and protein content, Core Power is not considered a healthy option.
- Its use of sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and carrageenan raise concerns about its healthiness.
- For individuals with diabetes or those aiming for weight loss, Core Power shakes are particularly problematic due to the impact of sucralose and Ace-K on blood sugar levels.
- Many healthier alternatives to Core Power exist, offering cleaner ingredients and similar protein and amino acid levels.
Core Power Protein Shakes Pros
There are two main varieties of Core Power available: Core Power Elite, which contains 42g of protein each bottle, and its flagship high protein shake, which gives 26g of protein per bottle.
There are three flavors for each type: strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. The chocolate and strawberry varieties of Core Power were my favorites back when I used to drink it frequently since they tasted nostalgic and like Yoo-hoo.
Apart from lactose intolerance, Core Power has a few positive attributes that are worthwhile to discuss.
Every Essential Amino Acid Is Present in Core Power
Core Power is naturally complete with all essential amino acids because it is manufactured from milk protein. Milk protein is a plentiful supply of protein on its own, comparable to whey protein but requiring less processing.
It is crucial for bodybuilders, athletes, and everyone else trying to maximize muscle repair to consume a complete protein that contains all of the important amino acids.[1]But nowadays, the majority of protein supplements—including vegan protein options—are made to be comprehensive.
The Source of Core Power: Ultra-Filtered Milk
Fairlife’s ultra-filtered milk, which has less sugar and more protein than ordinary milk, is used to make Core Power smoothies. You should anticipate 5–8 grams of sugar per bottle, depending on the variety; this is a comparatively modest amount for a milk-based beverage.
Core Power Is Available In Three Delectable Flavors
You’ll probably appreciate Core Power’s flavor if, like me, you prefer creamy, sweet protein drinks. It’s a tasty protein drink that goes down easily because all three flavors—strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla—are extremely sweet—possibly too sweet for some people.
While all of these characteristics are positive, they don’t make for a particularly noteworthy, effective, or healthful protein shake. Let’s now discuss the drawbacks of Core Power protein shakes.
Core Power Protein Shakes Cons
Regrettably, in terms of Core Power’s health benefits, the drawbacks exceed the advantages. You should be aware of a few concerning elements, particularly if you consume Core Power frequently.
Two Artificial Sweeteners That May Be Harmful Are in Core Power
Although some people find it simple to disregard artificial sweeteners as insignificant, scientific evidence suggests otherwise.
Even FDA-approved artificial sweeteners can have significant health risks. Core Power contains two of these.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), a widely used calorie-free artificial sweetener, has sparked health concerns despite approval by regulatory agencies like the FDA and EFSA. Studies suggest potential risks:
- Carcinogenicity: Research, such as a 2013 study in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, links Ace-K consumption to increased tumor incidence in rats [2].
- Metabolic Effects: Artificial sweeteners like Ace-K may disrupt metabolism, potentially raising risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a 2013 study in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism [3].
- Negative Impact on Gut Microbiota: Emerging findings indicate Ace-K might alter gut microbiota, potentially promoting glucose intolerance, as per a 2020 study in Molecules [4].
- Neurological Effects: While more research is needed, some studies suggest Ace-K could have neurological impacts, as noted in a 2018 review in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition [5].
Despite safety thresholds set by regulatory bodies, more research is necessary to fully grasp Ace-K’s health implications. Individuals, particularly those with health concerns, may opt to limit or avoid Ace-K consumption altogether.
Sucralose
Popular artificial sweetener sucralose is frequently used in protein shakes and powders, particularly low-sugar varieties produced in large quantities. Adjacent to Ace-K in Core Power protein beverages is a synthetic sweetener called sucralose.
Sucralose has no sugar, however it is particularly harmful to diabetics and weight-loss enthusiasts. Even if you’re in good health, I contend that sucralose is one of the worst sweeteners to stay away from.
Sucralose use on a regular basis has been associated in randomised, double-blind trials with elevated insulin concentrations in young, healthy adults, indicating reduced insulin sensitivity, elevated blood sugar, and early indications of prediabetes.[6] Another credible study linked lower insulin sensitivity in healthy participants to chronic exposure to sucrose.[7]
Carrageenan May Cause Inflammation
Though it seems strange for a recovery drink, carrageenan, a stabilizer that enhances texture, consistency, and water retention, has drawbacks of its own.
According to one study, carrageenan enhances the inflammatory response by acting as a “recessive inflammatory agent,” particularly in cases when the digestive tract is damaged.[8] Carrageenan and colitis are related in another review, suggesting that it may either cause or worsen intestinal inflammation.[9]
According to these and other research on animals, carrageenan may cause inflammation. It is an undesirable addition to any drink, but protein shakes particularly.
So, Is Core Power Really Good For You?
Available in most grocery stores and gas stations in the United States, Core Power is a complete protein with a pleasant taste. But because it contains sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and carrageenan, it’s not a particularly healthy protein shake, even with its availability and protein level.
Because Ace-K and sucralose might change your blood sugar levels, Core Power protein shakes are especially bad for people with diabetes or trying to lose weight.
References:
- Børsheim E, Tipton KD, Wolf SE, Wolfe RR. Essential amino acids and muscle protein recovery from resistance exercise. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002 Oct;283(4):E648-57. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00466.2001. PMID: 12217881.
- Schiffman, S. S., & Rother, K. I. (2013). Sucralose, a synthetic organochlorine sweetener: overview of biological issues. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 16(7), 399-451.
- Swithers, S. E. (2013). Artificial sweeteners produce the counterintuitive effect of inducing metabolic derangements. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 24(9), 431-441.
- Palmnäs, M. S., Cowan, T. E., Bomhof, M. R., Su, J., Reimer, R. A., Vogel, H. J., & Hittel, D. S. (2020). Low-dose aspartame consumption differentially affects gut microbiota-host metabolic interactions in the diet-induced obese rat. PloS One, 15(10), e0239982.
- Hill, S. E., Prokosch, M. L., Dellicour, S., Remy, J. J., & Rodgers, R. F. (2018). The effects of artificial sweeteners on emotional behavior and brain chemistry in rats. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 72(3), 409-415.
- Bueno-Hernández N, Esquivel-Velázquez M, Alcántara-Suárez R, Gómez-Arauz AY, Espinosa-Flores AJ, de León-Barrera KL, Mendoza-Martínez VM, Sánchez Medina GA, León-Hernández M, Ruiz-Barranco A, Escobedo G, Meléndez G. Chronic sucralose consumption induces elevation of serum insulin in young healthy adults: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial. Nutr J. 2020 Apr 13;19(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12937-020-00549-5. PMID: 32284053; PMCID: PMC7155288.
- Lertrit A, Srimachai S, Saetung S, Chanprasertyothin S, Chailurkit LO, Areevut C, Katekao P, Ongphiphadhanakul B, Sriphrapradang C. Effects of sucralose on insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition. 2018 Nov;55-56:125-130. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2018.04.001. Epub 2018 Apr 21. PMID: 30005329.
- Borsani B, De Santis R, Perico V, Penagini F, Pendezza E, Dilillo D, Bosetti A, Zuccotti GV, D’Auria E. The Role of Carrageenan in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Allergic Reactions: Where Do We Stand? Nutrients. 2021 Sep 27;13(10):3402. doi: 10.3390/nu13103402. PMID: 34684400; PMCID: PMC8539934.
- Guo J, Shang X, Chen P, Huang X. How does carrageenan cause colitis? A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2023 Feb 15;302:120374. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120374. Epub 2022 Nov 21. PMID: 36604052.
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