Quick Answer
Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate is the leaner sibling. An 11.5 oz bottle delivers 30 g of protein, 150 calories, 2.5 g of fat, 3 g of carbohydrates, and 2 g of total sugar with zero added sugar. Core Power Chocolate at 14 oz gives 26 g of protein, 170 calories, 4.5 g of fat, 6 g of carbohydrates, and 5 g of sugar.
Use Nutrition Plan for daily protein support, weight management, or anyone targeting low calorie, low carb intake. Use Core Power around workouts when you want the casein and whey blend and slightly more carbohydrates for recovery.
Both shakes are made by Fairlife from ultra filtered milk and both are naturally lactose free. The main differences are sweetener type, calorie density, and macro split.
Side by side at a glance
| Per bottle | Nutrition Plan (11.5 oz) | Core Power (14 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 170 |
| Protein | 30 g | 26 g |
| Total fat | 2.5 g | 4.5 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.5 g | 2.5 g |
| Total carbs | 3 g | 6 g |
| Total sugars | 2 g (0 g added) | 5 g (0 g added) |
| Sodium | 180 mg | 260 mg |
| Calcium | 500 mg | 700 mg |
| Sweeteners | Sucralose, acesulfame potassium | Monk fruit, stevia |
What each shake is designed for
Fairlife pitches the Nutrition Plan line as a daily, low calorie, high protein option. The 150 calorie bottle is small enough to sit between meals or after a light workout without crowding out other food. The 30 g protein hit makes it useful for anyone working toward 1.6 to 2 g per kilogram of body weight without adding extra calories or sugar.
Core Power is built around training. The slightly higher calorie count, the small amount of carbohydrate, and the casein and whey blend favour muscle recovery in the 30 to 60 minutes after a workout. The standard 26 g bottle is a reasonable post lift drink. The Elite 42 g variant covers a heavier athlete.
The sweetener difference
Nutrition Plan uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium, both non nutritive sweeteners with a long history of use in diet drinks. Core Power uses monk fruit extract and stevia, both plant derived non nutritive sweeteners. The flavour profile differs slightly. Nutrition Plan tastes cleaner and a touch more synthetic. Core Power tastes slightly fuller with a subtle herbal aftertaste from the stevia.
If you avoid sucralose specifically, Core Power is the easier fit. If you prefer the standard diet drink sweetness profile, Nutrition Plan reads more familiar.
Protein quality is identical
Both shakes use the same ultra filtered milk protein base from Fairlife. That means the same complete amino acid profile, the same casein and whey ratio of roughly 80 to 20, and the same naturally lactose free formulation. The protein in either bottle is high quality dairy protein. Differences in protein quantity per bottle are about portion size and intended use, not about protein source.
Which shake for which goal
- Weight loss or cut. Nutrition Plan. 30 g protein for 150 calories is hard to beat.
- Post workout recovery. Core Power. The small carbohydrate count helps replenish muscle glycogen.
- Meal replacement light. Nutrition Plan paired with a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts.
- Bulk or mass gain. Core Power Elite at 42 g and 230 calories.
- Bedtime casein. Either. Both contain casein for slow overnight release.
Cost comparison
Pricing varies by retailer and pack size, but on a per gram of protein basis, both shakes sit at the premium end of the market. Expect to pay 3 to 4 dollars per bottle at retail, or about 12 to 15 cents per gram of protein. Whey powder runs 2 to 4 cents per gram of protein. The ready to drink premium is real and the value comes from convenience.
How they taste
Nutrition Plan Chocolate is light and milky with a clean cocoa note. The thin texture makes it easy to drink fast. Core Power is creamier and more like chocolate milk, with a slightly richer mouthfeel from the extra fat. Both are best served cold straight from the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink Nutrition Plan after a workout?
Yes. The 30 g of protein is plenty. Add a banana or a handful of berries if you want the carbohydrates Core Power provides naturally.
Is one safer for diabetics?
Both have similar carbohydrate counts and zero added sugar. Nutrition Plan is slightly lower in total carbs. Discuss specific targets with your healthcare provider.
Are these shakes suitable for kids?
They are formulated for adults. Kids generally do not need supplemental protein shakes. Real milk and food cover their needs.
Why are both lactose free?
The Fairlife ultra filtration process removes lactose during processing, so both lines are naturally lactose free without added enzymes.
