With fall underway, pumpkin spice everything is back in full swing. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice candles – you name it, there’s likely a pumpkin spice version of it. One of the most popular pumpkin spice products is pumpkin spice creamer. Adding a splash of pumpkin spice creamer to your morning coffee is an easy way to get into the fall spirit. But what about those who are watching their sugar intake or need to limit sugar for health reasons? Is there a sugar free version of pumpkin spice creamer available?
What is Pumpkin Spice Creamer?
Pumpkin spice creamer is a non-dairy creamer product used to add flavor to coffee and other beverages. It gets its name from the popular “pumpkin spice” blend of spices which typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Pumpkin spice creamers have a sweet, warm, pumpkin and spice flavor profile that is reminiscent of pumpkin pie and popular fall baked goods.
Traditional full-fat pumpkin spice creamers contain ingredients like heavy cream, milk, sugar, natural and artificial flavors, salt, and carrageenan as a thickener. Light pumpkin spice creamers are lower in calories, but still contain sugar. Sugar is added to creamers to balance the spice flavors and add sweetness.
Availability of Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Creamers
As the popularity of pumpkin spice flavor continues to grow, so have the number of sugar free and low sugar creamer options. Here are some of the sugar free pumpkin spice creamers on the market:
Coffee Mate Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice
One of the most widely available sugar free pumpkin spice creamers is made by Coffee Mate. Their sugar free pumpkin spice liquid creamer contains 0g of sugar and 20 calories per serving. It’s sweetened with sucralose and available at many major grocery stores.
Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Better Half
This dairy-free creamer is made from almond and coconut milk. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup powder and contains only 2g of sugar per serving. Califia Farms’ Better Half creamers can be found in the refrigerated section of natural food stores.
Nut Pods Pumpkin Spice
Nut Pods makes a sugar free pumpkin spice creamer using a base of almond and coconut milk. It is sweetened with monk fruit and erythritol and contains no added sugar. Nut Pods can be found in the refrigerated section at Whole Foods and other specialty markets.
Laird Superfood Pumpkin Spice Creamer
This shelf-stable vegan creamer contains aquamin sea minerals, coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and fall spices. It is naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and lucuma fruit powder, containing 2g of sugar per serving. Laird Superfood creamers can be purchased online or in natural grocery stores.
Chobani Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Chobani’s refrigerated creamer line has a pumpkin spice option that is sweetened with cane sugar and contains 4g of sugar per serving. It is made from nonfat milk and cream. Chobani creamers are sold at retailers like Target and Walmart.
Omega Valley Pumpkin Spice Plant-Based Creamer
Omega Valley offers a coconut milk-based pumpkin spice creamer that is sugar free and vegan. It relies on natural flavors and monk fruit extract for sweetness. This creamer can be found in the plant-based milk section of specialty grocery stores.
Tips for Using Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Here are some tips for using sugar free pumpkin spice creamer:
Give it a shake or stir
Since there is no sugar to weigh it down, the spice flavors can separate and rise to the top of the creamer. Make sure to shake or stir before each use to reincorporate the flavors.
Try it in different beverages
While delicious in coffee, sugar free pumpkin spice creamer can also be used to flavor tea, hot chocolate, plant-based milk, overnight oats, chia pudding, or protein shakes. Get creative!
Watch out for curdling
Some sugar free creamers may curdle when added to extremely hot coffee. For best results, stir the creamer into coffee that has been allowed to cool slightly or add it to room temperature drinks.
Mix it up
To balance the sweetness and spice, try mixing the sugar free pumpkin spice creamer with original or vanilla creamer. This allows you to control the flavor strength.
Check for allergies
Those with tree nut allergies should avoid creamers made with almond or coconut milk. Opt for dairy-free, nut-free varieties sweetened with monk fruit instead.
Store properly after opening
Once opened, be sure to refrigerate sugar free creamers and use within 7-10 days. Always check the best by date on the package.
Benefits of Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Switching to sugar free pumpkin spice creamer offers several benefits:
Fewer calories
Sugar free creamers cut out extra calories from added sugar. This can support weight management or help create a calorie deficit.
Better blood sugar control
The absence of sugar also provides benefits for blood sugar regulation. This makes sugar free creamers ideal for those with diabetes or prediabetes.
Less impact on insulin
Studies show that artificial sweeteners do not spike insulin levels the way regular sugar does. Keeping insulin levels steady can promote fat loss.
Tooth-friendly
With no actual sugar crystals to feed oral bacteria, sugar free creamers are less likely to contribute to cavities and tooth decay.
Pumpkin flavor without the guilt
You can indulge in the seasonal pumpkin spice flavor you love, minus the sugar!
Potential Downsides of Sugar Free Creamers
However, there are a few potential downsides to consider with sugar free pumpkin spice creamers:
Artificial sweetener aftertaste
Some people detect a bitter or chemical-like aftertaste from popular sugar substitutes like sucralose and aspartame. This may be off-putting to some creamer drinkers.
Gut health impact
There is concern that heavy consumption of artificial sweeteners could negatively alter gut bacteria. More research is needed in this area.
Ingredient sensitivities
The sugar alcohols used in some creamers can cause digestive issues like gas and bloating in those sensitive to them.
Less creamy texture
Without the added weight of sugar, some sugar free creamers have a thinner, less viscous mouthfeel.
Fewer spice flavors detected
Sugar enhances our perception of flavors. In some cases, spices like cinnamon may taste less pronounced without sugar’s boosting effect.
Homemade Sugar Free Pumpkin Spice Creamer
You can also easily make your own healthy pumpkin spice creamer at home with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup canned coconut milk or other non-dairy milk
– 1⁄4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
– 1⁄4 tsp ginger
– Dash of nutmeg and cloves
– Sweetener like monk fruit to taste (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using to allow flavors to develop.
3. Shake or stir well before adding to your beverage of choice.
4. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.
This easy homemade creamer lets you control the amount of added sweetener and skip preservatives or stabilizers found in store-bought varieties. Adjust the spices to your preferred pumpkin flavor intensity. Top your morning coffee or tea with a healthy dose of pumpkin spice!
The Bottom Line
For those looking to cut back on sugar this fall, there are more options than ever for sugar free and low sugar pumpkin spice creamers. Major brands like Coffee Mate, Califa Farms, Nut Pods, and Chobani offer tasty spice blends minus all the added sugar. Going sugar free allows you to save calories, promote blood sugar control, and reduce your risk for cavities.
Be aware that some artificial sweeteners like sucralose and sugar alcohols may cause unpleasant side effects in sensitive individuals. And non-nutritive sweeteners don’t provide the same flavor enhancement that real sugar does. But overall, sugar free pumpkin spice creamers make a great option for those managing their sugar intake. Moderating your portions and mixing with original creamer can help balance any aftertaste. Brew yourself a guilt-free pumpkin spiced fall treat!
