When choosing a creamer for your morning coffee or tea, you may want to avoid dairy due to dietary restrictions, health reasons, or personal preferences. Thankfully, there are many delicious non-dairy creamer options available. This article will discuss common dairy-free creamers, their pros and cons, and tips for choosing the right one for you.
Quick Answers
Some quick answers to common questions about dairy-free creamers include:
- Popular dairy-free creamer options include soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and nut-based creamers.
- Dairy-free creamers allow those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies to enjoy creamy beverages.
- Non-dairy creamers are made from plant-based ingredients like soy, nuts, rice, coconut.
- Many dairy-free creamers have fewer calories and less fat compared to dairy cream.
- Dairy-free creamers come in refrigerated liquids, shelf-stable liquids, and powder forms.
Common Types of Dairy-Free Creamers
There are several types of non-dairy milk that can double as delicious coffee creamers. Here are some of the most common kinds:
Soy Milk
Soy milk is one of the most widely available dairy-free creamers. It’s made from soybeans that are soaked, ground, strained and boiled. Many brands contain added sugars and flavors to improve the taste. Soy creamer has a mild beany flavor with a creamy consistency. It may separate when added to hot coffee so it’s best to shake cartons before use.
Almond Milk
Almond milk is made from blanched almonds and water. It’s naturally sweet with a mild almond taste. Almond creamer has a smooth, milky consistency and mixes well into coffee without separating. Unsweetened versions are very low in calories while flavored and sweetened almond milk can contain added sugars.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is quickly rising in popularity as a dairy alternative. It’s made by blending soaked oats with water then straining out the oats. Oat creamer has a mild, subtle flavor that blends nicely into coffee. It can separate a bit when added to hot beverages so it’s best to mix well. Choose unsweetened versions to avoid added sugars.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk comes from blending water with coconut meat and/or coconut cream. It has a sweet, tropical taste and thick, creamy texture. Full-fat coconut milk can be too thick on its own in coffee but “light” versions work well as creamer. You may need to stir coconut creamers thoroughly to evenly disperse in hot drinks.
Rice Milk
Rice milk is made from milled white rice and water. This non-dairy creamer has a naturally sweet, grainy taste. Rice milk might not be creamy enough on its own but can be used in combination with coconut milk or nut milks. Shake well before adding as rice creamer tends to separate when mixed with hot liquids.
Nut-Based Creamers
There are many creamers made from nuts like cashews, hazelnuts, and macadamias. These tend to be thicker and richer than other dairy-free options. Nut creamers come in a variety of flavors and many are sweetened. Make sure to shake or stir them vigorously as the oils can separate when poured into piping hot coffee.
Pros and Cons of Dairy-Free Creamers
Non-dairy creamers have both advantages and drawbacks to consider when picking the perfect option for your morning brew.
Pros
- Non-dairy: Dairy-free creamers are ideal for vegans and those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
- Health benefits: Some research links dairy milk to inflammation, increased cholesterol, and hormone-related concerns. Non-dairy alternatives avoid some of these possible risks.
- Lower in calories: Many non-dairy creamers are lower in calories and fat compared to heavy cream and even skim or low-fat dairy milk.
- Rich consistency: The best dairy-free creamers are thick and creamy enough to replace milk and cream in coffee drinks.
- Convenient packaging: Shelf-stable and refrigerated non-dairy creamers are available in single-serve containers for on-the-go use.
Cons
- Contains fillers/thickeners: Some dairy-free creamers rely on gums, oils, and emulsifiers to achieve a creamy texture.
- May separate when heated: Non-dairy options can curdle or separate when added to piping hot coffee. Stirring vigorously helps.
- Added sugars: Many flavored non-dairy creamers contain lots of added sugars, corn syrup, etc. Check labels and choose unsweetened if you want to avoid these.
- Not as “creamy”: Some plant-based creamers have a thinner consistency compared to heavy cream. Combining a couple kinds helps creaminess.
- Flavor/aftertaste: Depending on the base ingredients, some non-dairy creamers can have a beany, nutty, or coconut-y aftertaste.
Tips for Choosing a Dairy-Free Creamer
Here are some helpful tips for picking the perfect creamer for your coffee or tea if you want to avoid dairy:
- Consider any dietary restrictions – soy and nut-based creamers won’t work if you have soy/nut allergies.
- Think about the flavor you want – almond and oat milk offer lighter flavor while coconut is tropical tasting.
- Check the nutrition label – avoid added sugars by choosing unsweetened varieties.
- Experiment with combinations – try mixing a creamy option like coconut milk with a milder almond or oat milk.
- Buy single-serve containers to determine your favorites before purchasing larger packages.
- Look for barista blends designed not to curdle in hot coffee.
- Give creamers a good shake or stir before pouring into piping hot coffee.
- Consider your budget – price can vary greatly between dairy-free creamer types and brands.
Reviews of the Best Dairy-Free Creamers
Wondering which dairy-free creamers live up to the hype? Here are reviews of some top options to help you choose your new favorite non-dairy addition to coffee:
Califia Farms Better Half
The Better Half blend from Califia Farms combines almond and coconut cream for a wonderfully creamy consistency. It’s thick and foams nicely when frothed. This blend is deliciously smooth without being overly sweet. Great option for lattes and sweetened coffees.
Nut Pods Hazelnut
If you love the hazelnut flavor of flavored coffee creamers, Nut Pods’ version uses a tasty combo of hazelnuts, coconut cream, and almond milk. Just sweet enough with 11g sugar per serving and makes coffee taste like a milk chocolate hazelnut treat.
Oatly Barista Edition Oat Milk
Oatly’s barista blend oat milk steams amazingly well for lattes with a light oat flavor. It’s smooth and foamy with a mild sweetness. One of the closest non-dairy options to regular milk in terms of creaminess and texture.
Silk Original Soy Milk
The classic OG non-dairy creamer, Silk’s original soy milk has a subtle soy flavor with a nice creamy body. At 80 calories per cup with 4.5g fat and 7g sugar, it’s relatively low in calories for the rich texture.
Natural Bliss Flavored Coffee Creamer
For flavored coffee fans, Natural Bliss makes dairy-free creamers in flavors like caramel, hazelnut, and vanilla. They use a base of coconut oil and almond milk for a smooth, frothy sip. At 25-35 calories per tablespoon, they’re light but satisfyingly sweet.
Recipes Using Dairy-Free Creamers
Non-dairy creamers aren’t just for pouring into your morning brew. You can use them to make delicious drinks, snacks, desserts, and more. Here are some recipe ideas to inspire you:
Matcha Green Tea Latte
Frothed oat or soy milk blends beautifully into warming matcha green tea for a comforting, caffeine-filled treat. Top with maple syrup or agave nectar to lightly sweeten.
Hot Chocolate
For a creamy hot cocoa without the dairy, heat unsweetened coconut milk with cocoa powder and brown sugar. Top with toasted marshmallows or coconut whipped cream.
Overnight Oats
Make chewy overnight oats with old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, vanilla and your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Soaking the oats in dairy-free milk makes them incredibly creamy.
Nice Cream
Blend frozen bananas with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free “nice cream.” Play around with flavors by adding cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla extract or berries.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Mix steamed soy or oat milk with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and maple syrup for everyone’s favorite fall drink minus the dairy.
Dairy-Free Creamer FAQs
Are non-dairy creamers unhealthy?
Some non-dairy creamers contain lots of additives and stabilizers to improve texture and shelf life. Reading labels and choosing options with recognizable, whole food ingredients can help avoid highly processed options. Most are naturally lower in calories than heavy cream, but flavored varieties can be high in added sugars.
Do dairy-free creamers curdle in coffee?
Yes, some non-dairy creamers may curdle or separate when added directly to piping hot coffee. This happens because the proteins and fats interact differently compared to dairy milk. Stirring the coffee vigorously after adding creamer can help emulsify it. Starting with hot-but-not-boiling coffee also helps prevent curdling.
Which taste most like real dairy cream?
For the closest consistency and flavor to real half-and-half or cream, options like coconut creamer and cashew creamer tend to be the richest and most natural tasting. Some people also find Nut Pods or Califia Farms’ blends rich and dairy-like.
Do you have to shake dairy-free creamers?
Shaking creamers helps incorporate any separated oils and improves consistency once added to coffee or tea. Plant-based milks like soy, almond and oat creamer tend to mix in smoothly but thicker coconut and nut-based creamers should be shaken or stirred before pouring.
Can you make your own dairy-free creamer?
Yes, it’s easy to make your own homemade dairy-free creamer. Simple combinations like coconut milk + almond milk or cashew creamer blended with oat milk can create creamy, customizable coffee creamers. Spices, vanilla, cocoa powder, or sweeteners can be added for different flavors.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing a dairy-free creamer, consider your personal dietary needs, flavor preferences, and nutrition priorities. Soy, almond, oat, coconut, and various nut milk offer a wide range of flavors and textures to make your coffee just as tasty without the dairy. Raw, unflavored options tend to be healthiest, but flavored creamers can provide a tasty treat. Give a few different kinds a try to discover your perfect non-dairy addition to your favorite morning brew.
