Coffee Mate’s sugar free hazelnut creamer has been a popular dairy-free and low calorie option for coffee drinkers looking to add flavor without extra sugar or significant calories. However, some reports have indicated that this product may have been discontinued, leaving coffee aficionados wondering if they need to find a new go-to creamer.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll examine the history of Coffee Mate’s sugar free hazelnut creamer, look at indications that it may no longer be available, see what the company has said about potential discontinuation, and suggest some alternative creamers coffee lovers can try if this favorite flavor is indeed gone for good. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the sugar free hazelnut creamer or just learning about its potential disappearance, read on for the full scoop.
The History of Coffee Mate Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer
Coffee Mate, a brand of non-dairy creamers owned by Nestlé, has been around since 1961. The company’s original creamers contained casein, a milk protein, and vegetable oil. In the 1980s, Coffee Mate switched to using hydrogenated vegetable oil in their creamers instead.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Coffee Mate expanded their line of flavored non-dairy creamers as demand grew for more variety. In 2004, they introduced a sugar free line of creamers, including popular flavors like French Vanilla and Hazelnut.
The sugar free hazelnut creamer provided the sweet nutty taste of hazelnut without any extra sugars. It was lower in calories than the regular hazelnut creamer too, making it appealing for people watching their sugar and calorie intake. The sugar free variety soon became one of Coffee Mate’s most beloved creamers.
Fans especially loved adding it to lattes and other coffee drinks to complement the coffee’s natural flavor. The creamer quickly developed a loyal following of coffee drinkers who didn’t want to add sugar to their drinks but still craved flavor and creaminess. For years it was a staple on grocery store shelves and in home refrigerators.
Signs the Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer May be Discontinued
In 2022, some concerning signs about the status of the sugar free hazelnut creamer started to emerge. Shoppers began noticing empty spots on store shelves where the creamer usually sat. Some grocery stores stopped carrying it, and those that did had limited and sporadic stock.
Online retailers also seemed to be out of the product, with no indication of when more would be available. The sugar free hazelnut seemed to be vanishing from store inventories.
When shoppers asked about the supply issues, they received confusing or contradictory answers. Some were told it was discontinued, others were told it was just temporarily out of stock. The limited availability went on for months, and still there was no official notice about the creamer’s status.
Social media posts from the brand didn’t mention supply chain issues or a discontinuation. But without an official announcement, coffee drinkers were left having to sleuth out the creamer’s fate on their own. All signs kept pointing to the sugar free hazelnut creamer potentially being gone for good, much to the dismay of its devoted fans.
Coffee Mate Has Not Officially Confirmed Discontinuation
With sugar free hazelnut creamer supplies dwindling and availability extremely limited since 2022, many fans have reached out directly to Coffee Mate to ask if it has been discontinued. However, the brand has not provided a straight answer.
When questioned about the creamer on social media, Coffee Mate has provided vague responses about how they evaluate products and adjust their offerings. They have not directly confirmed or denied whether sugar free hazelnut is being discontinued.
Coffee Mate’s customer service line has reportedly given conflicting information, with some representatives saying it’s discontinued and others claiming it’s only temporarily unavailable. But there has been no official statement on the Coffee Mate website or in any press releases.
Emails asking directly about the status of sugar free hazelnut creamer have received responses apologizing for empty shelves but not addressing discontinuation. Coffee Mate seems to be avoiding giving a definitive answer either way.
Many fans are still holding out hope for its return. But without transparent communication from Coffee Mate, the real fate of this beloved creamer remains unclear. Lovers of the sugar free hazelnut flavor are left uncertain if their favorite creamer is truly gone forever.
Potential Reasons for Discontinuation
While Coffee Mate has not confirmed that they are permanently discontinuing the sugar free hazelnut creamer, the extended shortage and lack of availability indicate they likely are. If this beloved item has gotten the ax, what would prompt Coffee Mate to do away with such a popular product? Here are some possible reasons:
Supply Chain Issues
Like many companies, Coffee Mate has likely faced supply chain challenges over the past couple years, making it difficult to source ingredients and produce their full range of products efficiently. Discontinuing some line extensions like sugar free hazelnut could help streamline production.
Falling Sales
It’s possible sales for the sugar free hazelnut creamer were slipping before it became scarce in stores. Coffee Mate may have decided to cut the underperforming flavor. However, with no official word on low sales, this is just speculation.
Higher Costs
Ingredients, labor, shipping, and other costs have risen significantly. Discontinuing a product can sometimes offset rising expenses for companies. But again, without transparency from Coffee Mate, it’s uncertain if costs did play a role.
New Product Lines
Coffee Mate often introduces new creamer flavors, varieties, and packaging. Axing sugar free hazelnut could make room for new products they want to push out to consumers. But the lack of announcements about replacements makes this theory questionable.
Ultimately, without an official announcement from Coffee Mate, the rationale behind sugar free hazelnut’s apparent demise is uncertain. But the extended shortage strongly implies it has been quietly discontinued versus just being temporarily unavailable.
Where to Find Remaining Stock of Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer
Since Coffee Mate has not definitively said sugar free hazelnut creamer is gone forever, diehard fans have still been scouring stores hoping to find remaining stock. Here are a few places you may spot it still lurking on shelves:
- Small, locally owned grocery stores – Check smaller neighborhood markets rather than big chains.
- Specialty coffee shops – Some may have purchased excess stock before it sold out elsewhere.
- Office supply stores – Retailers like Staples or Office Depot sometimes carry creamers.
- Dollar stores – Check discount retailers like Dollar General or 99 Cents Only stores.
- Import shops – International markets sometimes have hard-to-find products.
- Online sellers – Sites like eBay or Etsy may have users reselling past purchases.
Be aware that any sugar free hazelnut creamer found at this point is likely past its “best by” date. But as long as it was properly stored and the container is not damaged, it should still be safe to consume. However, freshness quality may be diminished.
Finding untouched supplies not past their expiration may prove very difficult at this point if the creamer truly has been discontinued. But for diehard sugar free hazelnut fans, it doesn’t hurt to still look and hope you get lucky!
Alternatives to Try Instead of Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer
Assuming Coffee Mate has quietly dropped this prized creamer for good, fans will need a new go-to option that provides similar flavor and benefits. Here are some alternatives to consider that may help fill the void:
| Brand | Product | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nestlé Coffee Mate | Natural Bliss Hazelnut Creamer | All-natural creamer with no artificial flavors or colors. Does contain sugar. |
| nutpods | Hazelnut Creamer | Dairy-free, no sugars added, made from coconut and almonds. |
| Califia Farms | Better Half Hazelnut Creamer | Vegan, nut-based creamer with no sugar. Higher fat than Coffee Mate. |
| So Delicious | Coconut Milk Creamer | Coconut creamer available in Unsweetened and Hazelnut flavors. |
| Liquid I.V. | Hazelnut Mocha Flavor | Add to water for lightly flavored hydration without the coffee. |
There are also some DIY options to get a sugar free hazelnut creamer effect by adding flavorings to nut milks or oat milk. You could try hazelnut extract plus a sugar free sweetener like stevia. Or make your own flavored syrup from hazelnut and a sugar substitute.
It will take some experimentation to get the perfect flavor balance, but going the homemade route allows total control over the ingredients. For devoted sugar free hazelnut fans, a customized DIY version may be the best bet for replicating this now potentially extinct creamer.
The Bottom Line
Coffee Mate’s prolonged silence regarding the mysterious disappearance of the beloved sugar free hazelnut creamer doesn’t look promising. While an official discontinuation hasn’t been announced, empty shelves and vague company responses paint a rather bleak picture.
Diehard fans may still be able to find stray containers here and there if they’re diligent and lucky. But most will likely need to find a new go-to morning creamer, at least until Coffee Mate potentially brings this flavor back someday.
Luckily, there are excellent dairy-free, no sugar added options to try that can provide the same nutty sweetness. Or you can create your own perfect substitute at home to satisfy your coffee cravings.
While losing this staple creamer is a bummer for its devotees, alternatives do exist. With a little trial and error, you can find a new creamer to fill the potential sugar free hazelnut void in your daily cup of joe.