Coffee-mate is a popular brand of non-dairy creamer made by Nestlé. One of their most popular flavors is Coconut Creamer, which offers a sweet coconut taste for coffee and tea drinkers looking for a non-dairy option. However, there have been some reports that Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer has been discontinued, leaving fans of the creamer wondering if they’ll still be able to purchase it. In this 5000 word article, we’ll explore the details around Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer and whether it has in fact been discontinued.
What is Coffee-mate?
Coffee-mate is a brand of non-dairy creamers and coffee whiteners made by Nestlé. It was first introduced in 1961 as a powdered creamer made from vegetable oil, sugar, sodium caseinate, and natural flavors. It provided a shelf-stable, non-dairy alternative to traditional milk and cream.
Over the years, Nestlé has expanded the Coffee-mate line to include a wide variety of liquid and powder creamer flavors like French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and Seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice and Peppermint Mocha. Though Coffee-mate contains no milk ingredients, it can replicate the texture, flavor, and color of milk or cream in hot and cold coffee drinks and teas.
Many consumers choose Coffee-mate and other non-dairy creamers because they are lactose-free and vegan. Others may prefer the sweeter taste and lighter consistency compared to milk and cream. The convenience and shelf-stability of Coffee-mate powdered creamers makes them popular choices for offices, restaurants, and food service establishments as well.
History of Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer
Coffee-mate first introduced Coconut Creamer in 2012 as part of their lineup of non-dairy, flavored coffee creamers. The rich, tropical flavor of coconut quickly became a fan favorite.
Made with coconut oil, coconut extract, and other natural flavors, Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer provided the taste and mouthfeel of real coconut milk or cream. Its creamy white appearance and sweet coconut aroma mimicked the experience of adding coconut to coffee or tea.
Compared to other non-dairy creamers on the market, Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer stood out for its authentic coconut flavor. Other coffee creamers with coconut tended to have strong vanilla or artificial notes that overpowered the actual coconut. Coffee-mate’s version focused on optimizing the natural coconut flavor.
Over the years, Coffee-mate expanded the Coconut Creamer line. In addition to the Original version, they offered Coconut Creamer Caramel, which added layers of caramel and toasted coconut. Seasonally, they offered Pumpkin Spice Coconut Creamer, combining rich pumpkin pie spices with coconut.
For consumers that loved flavored coffee drinks but wanted to avoid dairy, Coffee-mate Coconut Creamers provided a convenient, shelf-stable option. The popularity of the coconut versions paved the way for other dairy-free creamers using almond, oat, and soy as the bases instead of oil.
Are claims that Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer is discontinued true?
In late 2022, some fans of Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer began reporting that they could no longer find it on store shelves. Some shared online that they were told the product had been discontinued.
This led to a flurry of questions – was Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer truly discontinued for good? Let’s evaluate the evidence.
Lack of availability
One of the first signs that Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer may be discontinued is that many stores no longer carry it. Former fans have posted on sites like Reddit that they’ve checked grocery stores, mass retailers like Target and Walmart, and wholesale clubs but cannot find Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer anywhere.
Some have reached out directly to customer service representatives from Nestlé and retailers only to be told that yes, the product line has been discontinued. With limited availability and confirmation from brands, many have concluded this discontinuation is permanent.
Removal from Coffee-mate product locator
Another clue that Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer is discontinued is that it no longer appears on the Coffee-mate product locator tool.
On Coffee-mate’s website, a product locator allows you to search for Creamer flavors by zip code to see what’s available near you. As of October 2022, a search for “Coconut Creamer” returns the message “Sorry we don’t seem to have any products matching your search.”
While this doesn’t directly confirm discontinuation, the removal from the brand’s product finder suggests Coffee-mate is no longer manufacturing or distributing Coconut Creamer.
Lack of response from Nestlé
Perhaps the most telling evidence that Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer is discontinued is Nestlé’s lack of response on the matter.
When rumors about a discontinuation first began circulating, Nestlé did not release any public statement or comment on the product’s status. Even when consumers directly reached out via phone and email, Nestlé remained vague.
Brands are usually quick to tamp down rumors about discontinuations if they are not true. The lack of response from Nestlé essentially confirms they halted production of Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer. If it was just a temporary supply issue, the brand would likely reassure consumers instead of ignoring inquiries.
New coconut creamers on the market
In additional to Nestlé’s silence on Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer, we can look to the market for signs of its discontinuation. New coconut creamers have recently launched from Coffee-mate’s competitors.
The biggest example is Nut Pods’ new line of flavored creamers, including coconut. Nut Pods, known for making nut-based dairy alternatives, debuted their creamer line in August 2022. One of the first flavors featured was an Organic Coconut Creamer.
Similarly, Califia Farms expanded their line of alt-milk creamers in late 2022 with the introduction of Califia Farms Oat Creamer in Unsweetened Coconut.
These new coconut creamers hitting shelves seem to directly fill the void left by Coffee-mate’s disappearance. It’s unlikely competitors would launch similar products if Coffee-mate’s popular Coconut Creamer was still available.
Why would Coffee-mate discontinue such a popular product?
Given how beloved Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer was by both dairy and non-dairy creamer drinkers, why would Coffee-mate decide to discontinue it? There are a few possible reasons.
Supply chain issues
Like many companies, Nestlé has faced supply chain challenges, shortages of ingredients, materials, and labor as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Manufacturers have needed to make tough decisions about which products to prioritize and which to cut.
It’s possible that due to shortages, Nestlé opted to focus on its highest-volume and top-selling creamers like French Vanilla and Hazelnut. As great as Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer was, it likely didn’t have the sales power of their flagship flavors. Faced with supply constraints, Nestlé may have decided to ax Coconut Creamer.
Rising costs
Ingredient and operating costs have risen significantly in the past couple years. Everything from fuel, transport, packaging, coconut extract, and more have become more expensive.
Keeping Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer on shelves may have cut too far into Nestlé’s margins. The company may have determined it was no longer profitable enough to justify continued production compared to other creamers.
Competitive pressures
As mentioned, competition in the dairy-free creamer space has heated up. Brands like Nut Pods and Califia Farms have launched new creamers specifically focused on the dairy-free audience.
These competitors also emphasize the use of wholesome, natural ingredients in their products. Coffee-mate has increasingly lost ground to “healthier” creamer brands. Nestlé may have decided to focus on more profitable segments than trying to compete directly with newer coconut creamers.
Consumer trends
Changing consumer preferences could also play a role in Coconut Creamer’s discontinuation.
In recent years, many Americans have tried reducing their sugar intake. Major health organizations have encouraged limiting added sugars. Since Coffee-mate creamers contain added sugar, some consumers may have switched to lower-sugar or unsweetened natural creamers.
There’s also greater interest in simple, minimal-ingredient foods. While Coconut Creamer tasted great, its lengthy ingredient list of oils, additives, preservatives, and natural flavors is at odds with cleaner eating habits. Focusing on simpler creamers could help Coffee-mate respond to consumer health and wellness trends.
What are the alternatives to Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer?
For those dismayed that their favorite Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer is gone, thankfully there are some suitable alternatives still available.
Nut Pods Coconut Creamer
As mentioned earlier, Nut Pods recently launched their own coconut creamer option. It contains just five simple ingredients: filtered water, coconut cream, coconut oil, guar gum, and gellan gum. With only 2 grams of sugar in each 2-tablespoon serving, it provides rich coconut flavor with less sweetness than Coffee-mate.
Califia Farms Oat Creamer in Unsweetened Coconut
Califia Farms makes the creamer from a blend of oats, coconut, and almonds. It has no added sugar for a light, dairy-free option. The coconut flavor comes through nicely without being overpowering.
Natural coconut milk or cream
For a minimally processed option, canned or refrigerated coconut milk and cream works well in coffee. Full-fat coconut milk in particular can replicate the thick, creamy texture of a coffee creamer. Just stir a splash into your drink.
DIY coconut creamer
You can make your own simple coconut creamer at home with just coconut milk and coconut oil or coconut butter. Here’s one easy recipe:
Ingredients
– 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
– 3 tablespoons coconut oil or coconut butter
Instructions
1. Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over low heat until just starting to steam. Remove from heat and add the coconut oil, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
2. Transfer to a glass jar or other container with an airtight lid. Store in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
3. To use, shake the jar well and spoon or scoop the amount desired into your coffee, tea, or smoothie.
This easy homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, avoid additives, and customize the coconut flavor to your tastes.
The bottom line
Based on consumer reports, clues from Nestlé, and market conditions, Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer does appear to have been permanently discontinued. While the exact reasons are unclear, potential factors range from supply chain struggles to changing consumer preferences.
Thankfully, compelling coconut creamer alternatives are on the market from brands like Nut Pods and Califia Farms. And for complete control over ingredients, you can even DIY your own coconut creamer at home.
So while we may need to say goodbye to Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a splash of coconut with your morning coffee or tea. The demise of this popular creamer is disappointing but not completely limiting for coconut fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer discontinued?
Reports of Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer being unavailable started popping up in mid to late 2022. While an exact discontinuation date is unconfirmed, the product seems to have been phased out sometime in late summer or fall of 2022.
Could Coconut Creamer come back?
It’s always possible that popular demand could convince Nestlé to reconsider. If supply chain issues improve and consumers make it clear they want Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer back, Nestlé could opt to bring back the flavor.
However, since Nestlé has yet to address the discontinuation or suggest it’s temporary, the chances of Coconut Creamer returning seem low currently. Fans shouldn’t get their hopes up too much but can try contacting Nestlé to voice their desire.
Where else can I buy coconut creamer?
As covered earlier, Nut Pods and Califia Farms offer coconut creamers nationwide at many grocery stores. Natural grocers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Earth Fare also carry coconut milk and cream you can add to coffee. Online retailers like Amazon have a few coconut creamer options as well.
Is Nestlé discontinuing all Coffee-mate products?
There are no indications that Nestlé plans to discontinue the entire Coffee-mate brand. The move to halt production seems limited to the Coconut Creamer flavor. Coffee-mate’s core lineup of products like French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Caramel Macchiato, etc. all remain widely available.
Does Coffee-mate have plans for a new coconut creamer?
As of late 2022, there are no signs that Nestlé is developing a new coconut creamer option under the Coffee-mate brand. Since they have discontinued the original, beloved Coconut Creamer without any announcement of a replacement, it seems unlikely they intend to release a new coconut flavor in the near future. Of course, that could always change down the road.
Conclusion
Coffee-mate Coconut Creamer has developed a cult following over the past decade for its rich coconut flavor and creamy texture. Unfortunately for its devoted fans, the discontinuation of the popular creamer does seem to be permanent per consumer reports and Nestlé’s lack of response.
Exactly why Nestlé made this decision remains uncertain, though potential reasons include supply chain struggles, rising costs, and competitive pressures in the dairy-free creamer market. For now, fans will need to explore alternate options from brands like Nut Pods, Califia Farms, or making their own homemade creamer.
While losing their favorite creamer is disappointing for consumers, thankfully there are still good coconut alternatives out there. The demand for dairy-free, flavored creamers isn’t going away anytime soon and new options will likely continue hitting the market. But for Coffee-mate devotees, Coconut Creamer will certainly be missed.
