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Core Power vs Core Power Elite
The main difference between Core Power and Core Power Elite is protein. Regular Core Power has 26 grams of protein and 170 calories per bottle. Core Power Elite has 42 grams of protein and 230 calories. Both come in the same 14 oz bottle, both are made from ultra-filtered milk, and both have 0 grams of added sugar.
So which one should you buy? If you want a solid snack or an easy post-workout shake, go with the 26g. If you train hard, have a big protein target, or want a shake that can stand in for a meal, Elite is the better pick. It’s often the better deal per gram of protein, too.
Here’s the full side-by-side.
Core Power vs Core Power Elite at a Glance
Elite gives you 16 more grams of protein for 60 more calories, with a little more sugar and a little less fat.
| Per 14 oz bottle | Core Power 26g (Chocolate) | Core Power Elite 42g (Chocolate) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g | 42 g |
| Calories | 170 | 230 |
| Total fat | 4.5 g | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g | 9 g |
| Total sugar | 5 g | 7 g |
| Added sugar | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg | 260 mg |
| Lactose-free | Yes | Yes |
| Flavors | Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Banana | Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry |
| DrinkWorlds price (12-pack) | $31.99 ($2.67 a bottle) | $35.99 ($3.00 a bottle) |
| Cost per gram of protein | about 10.3¢ | about 7.1¢ |
Nutrition from the bottle labels as listed by Albertsons (26g Chocolate) and Giant (Elite Chocolate). Prices checked at DrinkWorlds in November 2026.
Want every flavor, not just chocolate? Our Core Power nutrition facts guide lists all six.
Protein: 26g vs 42g
This is the reason Elite exists. One bottle of Elite gives you 16 more grams of protein than the regular shake, which is 62% more, in the same size bottle.
Most people don’t need 42 grams in one sitting. A shake with 20 to 30 grams covers a snack or a normal workout. Elite earns its place if you:
- lift heavy or train most days
- have a high daily protein target and struggle to hit it with food
- want a shake to replace a skipped breakfast or lunch
If none of those sound like you, the regular 26g bottle will do the job for less money per bottle.
Calories and sugar
Elite has 230 calories against 170 for the 26g. That’s 60 extra calories for 16 extra grams of protein, which is a good trade.
Neither shake has added sugar. The sugar you see on the label (5g in the 26g chocolate, 7g in Elite chocolate) comes from the milk itself. Both are sweetened with a blend of monk fruit, stevia, sucralose and acesulfame potassium. If you avoid those sweeteners, that applies to both versions equally.
Taste and texture
Both shakes are built on the same ultra-filtered milk, so they taste similar: smooth and milkshake-like rather than chalky. Elite is a little thicker because of the extra protein.
In TODAY’s blind taste test of 37 drinks, testers scored regular Core Power Vanilla higher than Core Power Elite Vanilla on overall taste and texture. If flavor matters most to you, the 26g has the edge.
Price: which is better value?
Per bottle, the 26g is cheaper. Per gram of protein, Elite usually wins.
At DrinkWorlds, a Core Power 26g Chocolate 12-pack costs $31.99, or about 10 cents per gram of protein. A Core Power Elite Chocolate 12-pack costs $35.99, or about 7 cents per gram. You pay $4 more for the case and get 192 more grams of protein.
Prices vary a lot between stores. We compared Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Sam’s Club and others in our guide on where to buy Core Power protein shakes.
Which one should you buy?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want a snack or light post-workout shake | Core Power 26g |
| Care most about taste | Core Power 26g |
| Want Strawberry Banana | Core Power 26g (Elite comes in Strawberry instead) |
| Lift heavy or train hard most days | Core Power Elite 42g |
| Want the most protein per dollar | Core Power Elite 42g |
| Are replacing a meal | Core Power Elite 42g |
A lot of people keep both: the 26g for everyday snacks and Elite for heavy training days.
Still deciding whether Core Power fits your diet at all? Read is Core Power good for you? for the pros, cons and ingredient breakdown. Or see how both compare with Premier Protein, Ensure and OWYN in our best protein drink guide.
FAQs
What is the difference between Core Power and Core Power Elite?
Core Power has 26g of protein and 170 calories per 14 oz bottle. Core Power Elite has 42g of protein and 230 calories in the same size bottle. Both are lactose-free, made from ultra-filtered milk and have no added sugar.
Is Core Power Elite worth it?
Yes, if you need a lot of protein. Elite usually costs less per gram of protein than regular Core Power. If you only need 20 to 30 grams at a time, the regular 26g shake is enough.
Is Core Power Elite too much protein?
Not for most healthy adults, but it’s more than many people need in one sitting. You can split a bottle into two servings if 42 grams feels like a lot.
Does Core Power Elite have more sugar?
Slightly. Elite Chocolate has 7g of sugar, against 5g in the 26g Chocolate. Neither has added sugar; it comes from the milk.
Are both versions lactose-free?
Yes. Both are lactose-free, but they are still dairy, so they aren’t suitable for a milk allergy.
The Bottom Line
Choose Core Power 26g for everyday snacking, lighter workouts and the better taste. Choose Core Power Elite 42g if you train hard, need more protein, or want the best value per gram.
Shop Core Power and Core Power Elite at DrinkWorlds → Free US shipping on orders over $35.
