Is Fairlife Nutrition Plan Salted Caramel Nutrition Shake Halal?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is Halal, we look beyond the obvious ingredients like sugar and salt to focus on the processing aids and enzymes. For the filtered lowfat grade a milk, there is no concern; milk is universally Halal (provided the animal is treated ethically, which Fairlife claims). However, the controversy lies in the lactase enzyme.

Lactase is used to break down lactose, making the shake easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance. While lactase is naturally found in the human body, the industrial version used in food production can be derived from two sources: yeast/fungi (Halal) or the stomach lining of slaughtered animals (Haram). Without a specific Halal certification on the bottle, the source of this enzyme remains unverified.

Additionally, cellulose gel is listed. This is a thickening agent derived from plant cellulose (usually wood pulp or cotton). It is a carbohydrate and is completely Halal. The natural flavors are vague, but in a Salted Caramel flavor profile, these typically refer to vanilla and caramelized sugar notes, which are plant-derived and safe.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Fairlife Nutrition Plan Salted Caramel shake is quite robust. It is designed as a meal replacement, packing 30 grams of protein per bottle. This is an excellent amount for muscle maintenance or satiety.

Regarding sugar, it contains 2 grams of sugar, which is very low for a sweet-tasting shake. This is achieved without artificial sweeteners, relying instead on the natural sweetness of the salted caramel flavoring. With 150 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving, it fits well within the limits of a calorie-controlled diet or a weight loss plan.