This one is dedicated to my husband, Joe. Who rarely reads my blog and will probably never see this. But whose quest for a better quality coffee creamer has been a big discussion point in our house lately.
He’s been trying to cut back on dairy, while simultaneously trying to cut back on sugar. Ouch! That creates a big creamer conundrum.
Because dairy is the most usual solution for your cup of coffee. But if not that, then there’s non-dairy creamers. But they’re pretty much always filled with sugar. Even the non-dairy milks used in most coffee houses are high in sugar. Ye gads!
(Something you need to know about me: I was in the show The Music Man when I was 9 years old which had a character that always used the expression ye gads. I started using it then because I thought it was funny. And now I totally can’t shake it! Embarrassing, I know.)
But there’s always an answer. Seriously, if you look hard enough, you’ll find it. Because some of the best options take some creativity to discover. But they’re out there! So here are my 6 favorite healthy substitutes for conventional coffee creamer that totally rock!
Please note; This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a product using one of these links, I’ll make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Nutpods Coffee Creamer
Not only is this creamer more natural. It is also completely unsweetened. Made from simple ingredients like coconut cream and almond milk. You might need to add more of this than you would a conventional creamer. But it’s worth it if you’re looking to go the all-natural route. And they even have fun, healthy varieties like french vanilla and hazelnut! (Whole30 compliant, Paleo)
Try this variety pack with hazelnut, french vanilla and original flavors!
BaristaBoost
This is something people really rave about. Here’s a collagen protein powder blend filled with spices and herbs that relieve stress, balance hormones, and just help you feel good. Think maca, cinnamon, cocoa, and amino acids. Plus some natural stevia to help give your coffee some sweetness. Definitely check this out!
Omega Power Creamer
OK, the health nerd in me loves that this is made with completely organic and grass fed ingredients. The main ingredients are ghee (clarified butter) and coconut oil. With stevia added for sweetness. This is definitely not a low-fat product. But it is made from healthy fats that can be health promoting in moderation. And it does break my husband’s dairy requirement (though definitely healthier dairy!) But it’s a great option for anyone else who is looking for a more natural creamer. (Paleo)
Try the new vanilla and cacao varieties!
Laird Superfoods
This is an interesting one. Made from a combination of coconut milk and a sea algae. Hence the label Superfoods! You might want to go heavy handed with this one if you want a more creamy consistency. And this is easier to use in hot coffee than iced because it takes some mixing to get it to dissolve. But, if you use the unsweetened variety, you’ll get a completely guilt free coffee creamer. And if you want to treat yourself, there’s also many sweetened flavored varieties as well!
Califa Farms BetterHalf
This one is another coconut/almond mix. Made with all natural ingredients. It is soy free, gluten-free and paleo. And the thing that I like about this one is that it is really reasonably priced. Because I often feel like there’s such a thing as a “healthy” surcharge. But this one definitely won’t break the bank! (Whole30 compliant, Paleo)
Unsweetened non-dairy milk with a drop or two of vanilla extract
Come on! Sometimes the answer can just be simple. And it doesn’t get any more simple than this. And if the non-dairy milk isn’t creamy enough for you, you can also throw in some coconut cream. Just make sure to stir it well to help it blend thoroughly!
Coffee creamer done better
Coffee creamer is the Achilles heel for many transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of options. But that’s because many of the best options are currently only online.
I wish I could go to my neighborhood market and see a really healthy creamer But most of what you’ll find on the shelf will be junk. Pretty tempting junk, but junk nonetheless. However, if you move your search online, you’ll start to see a whole new world. With a lot of impressive options.
Don’t be afraid to try different things. We all have different desires from our creamer. Don’t give up if the first one you try isn’t for you. There are other fish in the sea! And other milks for your coffee. So get creative! Who knows what you’ll come up with!
I will have to try some of these out. I love creamer, but I know it is probably the most unhealthy part of my morning cup ( or three) or coffee. It would be nice to have some alternatives.
I’ll show this to my husband. He loves creamers in his coffee. I love mine black. Thanks for the post.
Well, this will be good for my husband, he likes cream in his coffee.I enjoy in black with no sugar no cream at all.
This is such a great post! You’re so right that many of the coffee creamers you see at the store are really unhealthy for you. On my health quest, I have to admit, this has been one of the hardest things for me to cut back on/give up. So happy you shared these great alternatives – I’ll have to check them out. I love putting cream, a bit of coconut oil and Stevia in my coffee now.
Ohhh so many great options. I don’t drink coffee but clicked over to see what you had found. There’s definitely something for everyone and every diet. So great to share.
These sound like really good alternatives for coffee creamers. It’s really awesome what you can find online! I’ll be sure to check these out.
Thanks for this post. Coffee creamer is another area I’ve been looking at as I make changes to my diet.
This post is spot on! I drink coffee every single day and have omitted creamers and sugars for the simple fact that they pack too much into my coffee. I will have to try some of these great ideas!
All of these sound interesting! I usually take my coffee black, so it’s not an issue. I AM trying to stop dairy and sugar, though, so if I ever wanted to start using stuff many of these alternative creamers would work!
I’ll have to try out some of these that I haven’t heard of before. Right now my favorite thing to do is using flavored extracts or homemade chocolate syrup with almond milk.
This is a great list. I am always looking for healthier options, and I have to have creamer in my coffee. Thank you for the ideas!
Thanks so much for sharing this! Coffee and tea are my favourite things and cutting them out is hard.
This way I can at least make the experience healthier!
These are interesting ideas, I never would have thought of. I wonder how they would taste in tea, as I am not a coffee drinker but I love milk in my teas. I have used coconut milk and it’s okay in some but not all.
I recently tried the Califia creamer and I did like it. I occasionally use it in my tea when I want more of a latte than just straight tea.
I’ve never used any of these before but considering that there are members in our family that’s lactose intolerant, I might have to look into these creamers. I think my husband will appreciate it.
Now that I’ve become more of a coffee drinker, this will come in handy.
I don’t drink coffee but I love to drink hot chocolate every morning and I’m putting coffee creamer on my drink! Thanks for these awesome ideas!
These are some really great alternatives! I don’t drink coffee but my husband does. He used to have a few sugars in it but now he has none. It’s great to make hot drinks as healthy as possible because we tend to consume them quite a lot!
I typically drink vanilla almond milk in my morning cup of coffee, but adding something with extra protein and nutrition is a great idea!
I have been trying to cut the sugar from my coffee too. I usually lace my coffee with some soy milk for an extra vitamin D boost but love the idea of a little extra protein and nutrition to start the day off.
Because I am spoiled with a Nespresso machine at home, I whip up a latte with whole (organic) milk. So, I don’t know much about creamers. That said, it would sure be good to try some of these when traveling and only the icky hotel packets are available. Oh ick.
I’ll be checking out some powdered options.
HI Erica. Interesting to read this post today, as I just bought my husband some hazelnut flavoured almond milk coffee creamer. He is lactose intolerant and I’d been buying those International Coffee Creamers for him, but I know they are filled with unhealthy things. Will see how he likes this healthier version.bfir me, it’s 18% coffee cream.
It would be interesting to know what kind(s) of coffee everyone here is drinking. Medium roast, dark roast, an espresso-like blend (e.g., Café Bustelo), espresso itself – the more potent the blend, the greater the need for a sweetener, yes?
I’d love to try that barista boost, sounds yummy! I really need to get off dairy, I have Asthma and it would go probably mostly away..if I did.
Thanks for sharing!
Valerie
This is really helpful. I have been looking for healthier coffee cream
I like to make my own creamer with coconut milk and almond milk, like a couple of them that you mentioned. I sweeten it with stevia. I also make one with dates.
I haven’t heard of most these! However, I was just searching for a nice creamer substitute.
Thank you for including so many different types, I think almond or coconut milk makes for a very creamy option! =) especially if you shake it in a little jar and then let it foam in the microwave for a few seconds
I’ve never tried the microwave trick…great idea!
I’m surprised no one mentioned Silk Original Coffee Creamer. This is the only one I use daily and can beat the taste of half and half with sugar. I tried other soy creamer and coconut creamer, none taste as good as silk creamer.