Despite our love for dairy, sometimes it doesn’t love us back. Whether you are lactose
intolerant, have a dairy allergy, or just prefer to be dairy-free, it can feel like your options are
limited, especially when it comes to products like coffee creamers.
Sure, you could go for black coffee but if that’s not your thing, it doesn’t mean you are limited to
soy creamers. Many dairy-free creamer options are on the market to make that
morning brew a delightful start to your day. Let’s get into it
Collagen Creamer
A trending favorite, collagen creamer is delicious, packed with protein, and may benefit our skin, gut, and joint health—all without the dairy.
As we learn more about the benefits of supplemental collagen, there is a rise in consumer
demand. While collagen powders have been around for a while, collagen creamer is relatively
new and quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Collagen creamers are similar to regular collagen powder but with tweaks in the ingredient
profile to support a better flavor when added to coffee. Just be sure to take a peek at the
supplement label, particularly if you have an allergy to fish, shellfish, or eggs.
Not all collagen creamers are dairy-free so it’s important to confirm that on the supplement label
as well before purchasing.
Coconut Milk Creamer
Coconut milk is another great dairy-free creamer option. Coconut milk creamers provide a
creamy texture that is similar to dairy with a touch of natural sweetness and a longer shelf life
than most other creamers.
Coconut milk may also provide additional antioxidants and is rich in many essential nutrients
including iron and vitamin C. However, coconut milk is high in saturated fat so it’s important to
be mindful of your portions [1].
There are several brands of coconut milk creamers but you can also just add plain coconut milk
to your coffee. Be mindful that the consistency of coconut milk can vary depending on the brand
and this may impact your taste preferences.
Almond Milk Creamer
Another popular dairy-free option for coffee creamer is almond milk. Almond milk creamers are
typically low in calories and can be a great option for those trying to lose weight; however, they
also tend to be lower in protein compared to dairy and soy-based creamers. It’s also low in fat
compared to other creamer options like coconut milk and cow’s milk.
Almond milk creamers can include high amounts of added sugars to improve the flavor profile.
Always check the nutrition label when choosing a creamer product to ensure it aligns with your
health goals.
Cashew Milk Creamer
Cashew milk is a lesser-known dairy-free and lower-calorie creamer option compared to cow’s
milk. While it’s a little harder to find than other varieties, like almond milk or soy milk creamers, it
contains a good source of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
Like almond milk creamer, it is low in calories compared to soy or cow’s milk varieties but is also
subject to high amounts of added sugars for flavoring. Always read the nutrition label for
information on added sugars before you purchase a creamer to avoid any surprises.
Love Your Coffee Black
If you are looking to cut down on extra calories, and potentially extra sugar, choosing a black
coffee is the ultimate dairy-free, cost-effective option available.
Be sure to choose a high-quality coffee to maximize the taste. Without a creamer or other
flavoring added, it’s easy to tell the quality of your brew.
Lighter roasts tend to be more favorable for those who drink their coffee black because they are
more acidic and tend to contain more flavor than those that are roasted longer. However,
individual preferences may vary so allow yourself some time to try out different varieties.
TL;DR
Dairy-free doesn’t mean you are doomed to drink your coffee black if that’s not your thing. It just
means you need to find a good dairy-free coffee creamer. What you choose will depend on your
health goals and taste preferences.
While soy tends to be the most well-known dairy-free option, you can get a great collagen,
almond, cashew, or coconut milk creamer that suits your fancy without sacrificing your health or
your enjoyment of your morning brew.
All have their pros and cons as well as texture and flavor differences. All options are subject to
added sugars and may potentially include dairy in some cases. Make sure to always read your
ingredient list to ensure you know exactly what is in your product before purchasing.
If this is new territory, try out a few options before settling. Dairy-free doesn’t have to mean
bland and it doesn’t have to mean goodbye to your favorite latte. But it may mean you have to
try something new.
