Is Protein Shake Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Fairlife
Fairlife's Protein Shake is reviewed here as a soft drink. Zerotox gives it 60/100 based on the current ingredient profile, so it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The ingredient review below focuses especially on Carrageenan, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes several processed ingredients like maltodextrin and artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame potassium and sucralose, raising quality concerns. Natural flavors and stevia leaf extract are present but do not fully mitigate the risks associated with synthetic additives.
Main concern
Presence of artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium and sucralose raises concerns about synthetic additives.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains filtered low-fat Grade A milk, providing a source of calcium and protein.
- Includes stevia leaf extract, a natural sweetener with lower calorie content compared to sugar.
Concerns
- Presence of artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium and sucralose raises concerns about synthetic additives.
- Carrageenan is included, which has been associated with digestive issues in some individuals.
Ingredients breakdown
Below, each ingredient is described in the context of this soft drink, not just listed as a raw label.
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Is Filtered Low Fat Grade A Milk safe in this soft drink?
Good
Filtered Low Fat Grade A Milk is used here as base. Filtered low-fat Grade A milk serves as the primary ingredient, providing essential nutrients like calcium and protein. Its quality is generally high, contributing positively to the drink's nutritional profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: Filtered low-fat Grade A milk
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Is Natural Flavors safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Natural Flavors is used here as flavor. Natural flavors are used to enhance taste but can vary in composition. Their processing raises some concerns about transparency and potential allergens.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: natural flavors
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Is Cellulose Gel safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Cellulose Gel is used here as stabilizer. Cellulose gel acts as a thickening agent, improving texture. While derived from plant sources, its processing may raise concerns about additives in food products.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: cellulose gel
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Is Cellulose Gum safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Cellulose Gum is used here as thickener. Cellulose gum is used to stabilize and thicken the product. Although derived from natural sources, it is processed and may not be well-received by all consumers.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: cellulose gum
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Is Maltodextrin safe in this soft drink?
Medium
Maltodextrin is used here as thickener. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starch, used for texture and sweetness. It is processed and can raise concerns about its impact on blood sugar levels.
Role in formula: thickener
Original: maltodextrin
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Is Carrageenan safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Carrageenan is used here as stabilizer. Carrageenan is a thickening agent derived from seaweed, but it has been linked to digestive issues in some studies, raising safety concerns.
Role in formula: stabilizer
Original: carrageenan
-
Is Lactase Enzyme safe in this soft drink?
Good
Lactase Enzyme is used here as enzyme. Lactase enzyme is added to aid digestion for lactose-intolerant individuals, enhancing the product's accessibility and usability.
Role in formula: enzyme
Original: lactase enzyme
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Is Acesulfame Potassium safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Acesulfame Potassium is used here as sweetener. Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener used to enhance sweetness without calories. Its long-term safety is debated, raising concerns about synthetic additives.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: acesulfame potassium
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Is Sucralose safe in this soft drink?
Bad
Sucralose is used here as sweetener. Sucralose is another artificial sweetener that provides sweetness without calories. Its safety has been questioned, contributing to concerns about synthetic ingredients.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: sucralose
-
Is Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate safe in this soft drink?
Good
Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate is used here as sweetener. Monk fruit juice concentrate is a natural sweetener that provides sweetness without calories, offering a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: monk fruit juice concentrate
Read the full ingredient profile for Monk Fruit Juice Concentrate
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Is Salt safe in this soft drink?
Good
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor in the product. While necessary in moderation, excessive intake can lead to health issues.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: salt
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Is Stevia Leaf Extract safe in this soft drink?
Good
Stevia Leaf Extract is used here as sweetener. Stevia leaf extract is a natural sweetener that provides sweetness without calories, contributing positively to the product's overall composition.
Role in formula: sweetener
Original: stevia leaf extract
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Is Vitamin A safe in this soft drink?
Good
Vitamin A is used here as fortificant. Vitamin A is added to enhance nutritional value, supporting vision and immune function. Its inclusion is beneficial for overall health.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: vitamin A
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Is Vitamin D3 safe in this soft drink?
Good
Vitamin D3 is used here as fortificant. Vitamin D3 is included to support bone health and immune function, enhancing the nutritional profile of the product.
Role in formula: fortificant
Original: vitamin D3
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 4150680
More from this brand: Fairlife products in Zerotox
Similar products: soft_drink in Zerotox database
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.