Creamers are a tasty and convenient way to enhance your morning coffee, but trying to find one that isn’t filled with irritating gums, carrageenan and hydrogenated oils is dizzying. Fortunately, there actually are a few clean, additive-free creamer options in the refrigerated dairy case at the supermarket. There are also quite a few clean non-dairy choices that are conveniently shelf-stable. Keep reading for the full breakdown.
Ingredients I Avoid
Since you’re likely consuming creamer daily as part of your morning ritual, the ingredients are especially important. Here are common additives in coffee creamers that could have detrimental effects to your health over time, and in the short-term:
- Carrageenan: emulsifier; Gut irritant that has been linked to cancer, GI distress, and general inflammation [1]
- Gums (Acacia, Gellan, Xanthan, Locust Bean, Carob Bean, Guar, Tara): emulsifiers; Gut irritants causing gas, bloating, inflammation [2]
- Mono And Diglycerides: emulsifiers; Contain trans fat [3]
- Vegetable/Seed Oils: thickeners; Inflammatory, industrial ingredients [4]
- Polysorbate 60: industrial emulsifier; Possible reproductive and organ toxicity [5]
- Soy Lecithin: emulsifier likely made from GMO soy; Allergy and hormonal issues [6]
- Corn Syrup: sweetener likely made from GMO corn; Linked to obesity and diabetes [7]
None of these additives are necessary components of coffee creamer, and are likely added as cheap fillers to mimic high-quality, naturally creamy dairy.
Best Clean Dairy-Based Creamers
Nestle Coffee-mate Natural Bliss
This creamer line is probably the most widely available creamer no matter where you live in the US. The flavors, Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Cinnamon Swirl and Sweet Cream, have a very surprisingly short and simple ingredients list. Be aware that the almond milk and coconut milk plant-based version of this Natural Bliss line have gellan and guar gums and are not clean.
Nestle Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Coffee Creamer Sweet Cream Ingredients: Nonfat Milk, Heavy Cream, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavor
Chobani Coffee Creamer
Chobani’s Coffee Creamer has a very simple ingredient list on all 8 flavors. They are available in grocery stores nationwide. Unfortunately, the Chobani Oat Creamer has rapeseed oil and gellan gum.
Chobani Coffee Creamer Sweet Cream Ingredients: Milk, Cream, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors
365 by Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods has a Vanilla and Hazelnut creamers that have a simple, clean ingredients list. Unfortunately, their almond creamer has gums and fillers.
365 by Whole Foods Market Refrigerated Coffee Creamer Vanilla Ingredients: Nonfat Milk, Cream, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors
Trader Joe’s Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer
Trader Joe’s Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer has a nice, short ingredient list. Be aware that other Trader Joe’s creamers, like the Coconut and Coconut & Almond creamers, have gums and other less than desirable ingredients.
Trader Joe’s Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Cream, Nonfat Milk Powder, Natural Flavors
Nature’s Promise Organic Creamer
Sold at Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Hannaford’s, Giant/Martin’s, Giant Food, Nature’s Promise organic creamers in Hazelnut, Vanilla and Sweet Cream boast a refreshingly simple ingredients list.
Nature’s Promise Organic Sweet Cream Creamer Ingredients: Grade A Milk, Organic Cream, Organic Cane Sugar
Best Clean Dairy-Free Creamers
Elmhurst Oat Creamer
Elmhurst Oat Creamer comes in Unsweetened, Chai Spice, Hazelnut, Vanilla, and Caramel Macchiato. The dipotassium phosphate in the ingredients list might sound scary, but it’s generally a safe ingredient, and it’s found at likely very, very low levels in this product.
Elmhurst Oat Creamer Unsweetened Ingredients: Oatmilk (Water, Whole Grain Oats), Hemp Cream (Water, Hemp Seeds), Contains 2% or Less of: Mineral Blend (Dipotassium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate), Natural Flavors
KOS Organic Coconut Milk Powder
This is just organic coconut milk powder, but when blended into coffee it forms a delightfully creamy froth. It’s only made from organic coconut milk—nothing else, and does not need refrigeration.
KOS Organic Coconut Milk Powder Ingredients: Organic Coconut Milk
Grasso
This is simply a blend of coconut oil and ghee, which when added to coffee become creamy. Grasso also makes different flavors, like mocha.
Grasso Ingredients: Virgin Coconut Oil, Grass-Fed Ghee
Thrive Market Powdered Coconut Creamer
This powdered creamer from subscription-only online health food store Thrive Market is shelf-stable and simple. Be aware that Thrive also sells a Keto Coconut Creamer that looks very similar, but it has acacia gum.
Thrive Market Powdered Coconut Creamer Original Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Organic Coconut Sugar, Natural Flavors, Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT Oil), Silicon Dioxide (Flow Agent)
Laird Super Food Creamer
This extremely popular dairy-free, shelf stable creamer has a cult following— and for good reason. It’s very convenient and comes in several flavors such as Turmeric and Pumpkin Spice. It’s touted to have “superfood” health benefits, and makes your coffee uniquely creamy. Unfortunately, the refrigerated version, found at some Whole Foods, has acacia gum.
Laird Super Food Creamer Original Ingredients: Coconut Milk Powder, Organic Coconut Sugar, Aquamin™ (calcium from marine algae), Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Joi Hazelnut Creamer
This plant-based creamer is concentrated and made from a blend of nuts and oats. It has no added oils or sugar, and one jar is said to makes seven quarts of creamer. It works for hot and cold beverages.
Joi Hazelnut Creamer Ingredients: Cashews, Organic Oats, Hazelnuts, Pea Protein, Himalayan Salt
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/carrageenan#side-effects
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6683227/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/monoglycerides#trans-fat
- https://www.jeffnobbs.com/posts/why-is-vegetable-oil-unhealthy
- https://healthyliving.azcentral.com/what-is-polysorbate-60-12290551.html
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/524606-what-are-the-dangers-of-soy-lecithin-ingestion/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/avoid-the-hidden-dangers-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-video/
