Many people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease need to follow a strict gluten-free diet, which can make choosing creamers for coffee and tea a tricky prospect. Half and half is a popular coffee creamer, but conventional varieties may contain ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains. The good news is that there are several brands of half and half that are certified gluten-free, providing a safe, delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
What is Half and Half?
Half and half is a cream or creamer that contains equal parts whole milk and light cream, resulting in a dairy product with 10-12% milk fat content. It has a lighter consistency and milder flavor than heavy cream but is richer than milk alone. Half and half is commonly used to add creaminess and texture to coffee, tea, hot cereals, soups, and desserts. It can also be whipped for use as a topping.
Why Check for Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity experience digestive distress and other symptoms when they consume gluten. The only treatment for gluten-related disorders is sticking to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and beverages containing gluten.
Many dairy products are safe on a gluten-free diet, but some varieties of half and half contain thickening agents derived from gluten grains. Carrageenan, for example, is a common additive made from seaweed that may be contaminated with gluten during processing. Other potentially problematic ingredients include maltodextrin, modified food starch, and natural flavors.
Reading labels carefully and looking for “gluten-free” certification are the best ways for gluten-free consumers to identify risk-free options when it comes to half and half products.
Certified Gluten-Free Brands of Half and Half
Fortunately, there are a number of creamer brands that produce gluten-free certified half and half options:
Organic Valley
Organic Valley is a cooperative of organic farmers that produces milk, cream, butter, and other dairy products. Their half and half creamer is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), which adheres to standards of less than 10ppm of gluten. Organic Valley half and half contains just three ingredients – organic milk, organic cream, and carrageenan. With simple, high-quality ingredients and trusted gluten-free certification, this is a great choice for gluten-free and organic diets alike.
Horizon Organic
Horizon Organic half and half is also certified gluten-free to standards of less than 20ppm of gluten by the GFCO. Horizon half and half contains organic grade A milk, organic light cream, and carrageenan. Horizon Organic is a well-known brand that offers a range of certified gluten-free dairy products widely available in grocery stores.
Kirkland Signature Organic
The Kirkland Signature Organic half and half available at Costco is labeled as gluten-free and is Organic Certified. It contains just two ingredients – organic lowfat milk and organic cream. Kirkland Signature Organic milk comes from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones.
Nutpods
Nutpods makes nut- and coconut-based creamers, including a dairy-free Half and Half Alternative that is certified gluten-free to meet the GFCO’s standards. Nutpods Half and Half Alternative contains a blend of coconut cream and almond milk, which creates a rich, milk-like beverage without any dairy. It’s a great option for coffee that is both gluten-free and vegan.
Califia Farms
Califia Farms offers a gluten-free and vegan Half & Half Blend Almondmilk Creamer. It is third-party tested to verify less than 10ppm of gluten. Califia Farms’ creamer gets its rich texture from a blend of almond milk and oat cream. It’s an ideal choice for those on gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diets.
Safely Choosing Gluten-Free Half and Half When Dining Out
When getting coffee or tea at a restaurant or cafe, there are a few things you can do to ensure your half and half or creamer choice is gluten-free:
– Ask your server or barista if there is a gluten-free option for half and half. Many coffee shops now carry certified brands or will have this information available.
– Look for separate gluten-free condiment stations, which will keep gluten-free half and half separate from regular varieties that may be cross-contaminated.
– Request your drink made only with whole milk or lactose-free milk as a gluten-free alternative.
– Opt for non-dairy milk alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk, which are inherently gluten-free.
– Ask for your beverage black and use your own gluten-free half and half that you bring with you if you are unsure of café options.
Being clear and asking questions about ingredients is the best approach to ensure you get exactly what you need – a nice steaming cup of gluten-free coffee or tea!
Gluten-Free Substitutes for Half and Half
In addition to certified gluten-free half and half brands, there are a few suitable ingredient swaps you can use to get a similar creamy texture and flavor:
Coconut Cream
Canned coconut cream or coconut milk are naturally gluten-free. Refrigerate cans overnight and then skim the solid coconut cream off the top for a dairy-free half and half substitute. Shake the cans before opening them to evenly distribute the cream.
Non-Dairy Milk and Butter
Mix equal parts lactose-free milk or nut milk, like almond milk, with butter to mimic the ratio of milk and cream in conventional half and half. Warming the milk slightly before mixing will help the butter incorporate smoothly.
Heavy Cream and Water
For a quick homemade half and half, mix 1/4 cup heavy cream with 3/4 cup water. This dilutes the thick heavy cream with water to aproximate the consistency of half and half. Heavy whipping cream on its own is naturally gluten-free.
Hemp Milk
Hemp milk has a naturally rich and creamy consistency that can be used straight in hot beverages as a half and half replacement. Leading brands of hemp milk like Tempt and Pacific Foods are certified gluten-free.
Canned Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk is gluten-free and has a creamy texture when heated or frozen first. Mix equal parts evaporated milk and water to thin it out to the thickness of half and half.
Rice Milk
Rice milk is a naturally gluten-free grain milk that is thinner than hemp or coconut milk. For a homemade blend, whisk together 3/4 cup rice milk and 1/4 cup coconut cream.
Tips for Storing Gluten-Free Half and Half
To maintain freshness and gluten-free integrity, store half and half properly:
– Keep refrigerated at 40°F or colder and use by “sell by” or “best by” date on package.
– Store half and half in original container until ready to use to prevent contamination. Do not transfer to secondary storage containers.
– Once container is opened, use within 5-7 days and do not return unused portion to original container.
– Always use clean utensils and containers to remove desired amount of half and half. Never directly pour from carton or contaminate with used spoon.
– Do not store opened half and half on refrigerator door, where temperature fluctuations can occur. Keep on interior shelf.
– When freezing for longer storage, leave room for expansion and avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
– Prior to use, give refrigerated half and half a good shake or stir to reincorporate separated milk fat.
Following proper storage and handling procedures helps maintain the integrity of gluten-free half and half and prevent accidental contamination or spoilage.
Gluten-Free Recipes That Use Half and Half
Half and half can be used to add rich flavor in both sweet and savory gluten-free recipes. Here are some delicious options:
Creamy Gluten-Free Soups
– Potato Leek Soup
– Broccoli Cheddar Soup
– Cream of Mushroom Soup
– New England Clam Chowder
Savory Dishes
– Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccine
– Shrimp and Grits
– Scalloped Potatoes au Gratin
– Creamy Chicken Marsala
Breakfast and Breads
– French Toast Casserole
– Gluten-Free Pancakes
– Crepes with Berries
– Baked Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal
– Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls
Desserts
– Vanilla Pudding
– Chocolate Mousse
– Pumpkin Cheesecake
– Banana Cream Pie
– Creamy Rice Pudding
Coffee and Tea
– Coffee with Half and Half
– London Fog Tea Latte
– Iced Vanilla Latte
– Matcha Green Tea Latte
– Chai Tea
The Takeaway on Gluten-Free Half and Half
Half and half can be a tricky gray area when shopping and dining out gluten-free. But confirming the product is certified gluten-free or using simple ingredient swaps removes the guesswork. Opting for reputable brands like Organic Valley, Horizon Organic, Kirkland Signature, Nutpods, and Califia Farms ensures your morning cup of joe can still include this classic creaminess. With an array of gluten-free options for half and half now available, there’s no need to miss out on this beloved addition to hot beverages and recipes.
