For people looking to cut back on sugar or follow a low-carb or keto diet, finding a good sugar-free coffee creamer can be a challenge. Most commercially available creamers contain lots of added sugars and other undesirable ingredients. Thankfully, there are some healthy options on the market made with just natural fats and flavors. This article will explore the best sugar-free coffee creamers available, factors to consider when choosing a healthy creamer, and tips for making your own keto-friendly creamers at home.
Quick Answer
The best sugar-free coffee creamers are:
- Nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer
- Califia Farms Better Half
- Picnik Creamers
- Left Coast Performance Creamer
- Nestlé Coffee Mate Natural Bliss
These creamers are made with healthy fats like coconut oil, almond milk, and avocado oil. They contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Problems with Conventional Creamers
Most non-dairy coffee creamers you’ll find at the grocery store are loaded with undesirable ingredients. Here’s what to watch out for:
Added Sugars
Traditional creamers like Coffee Mate are full of added sugars like corn syrup or cane sugar. Just a couple tablespoons can contain 5-10 grams of sugar. This can sabotage ketosis or weight loss goals.
Vegetable Oils
Cheap creamers use inflammatory vegetable oils like canola, soybean, and corn oil. These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation.
Artificial Flavors and Colors
Many creamers contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives like sodium stearoyl lactylate, beta carotene, and carrageenan. These chemical additives are best avoided.
Carrageenan
Carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is commonly used as a thickening agent. But it has been linked to digestive issues and inflammation. Those with digestive problems may want to avoid it.
Benefits of Sugar-Free Creamers
Ditching sugar-filled creamers provides many benefits:
No Added Sugars
Sugar-free creamers allow you to enjoy creamy coffee without added sugars that can stall weight loss and disrupt blood sugar control. This makes them popular among people following a keto or low-carb diet.
Natural Fats for Energy
The best sugar-free creamers get their rich consistency from healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado oil, and MCT oil. These fats provide sustained energy and fuel ketosis.
Fewer Calories
Heavy cream and half-and-half are high in calories. Sugar-free creamers made with coconut milk and nut milks are lower in calories, so you can use more without overdoing it.
Ingredients You Can Pronounce
When you cut out corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and artificial additives, you’re left with a much cleaner ingredient list made from real foods.
Choosing the Healthiest Sugar-Free Creamer
Here are some tips for finding the best and healthiest sugar-free creamer for your needs:
Avoid Vegetable Oils
Look for creamers made with MCT oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, nuts, and seeds instead of inflammatory vegetable oils.
Seek Out Natural Flavors
Steer clear of “natural flavors” which are chemically altered in labs. Opt for real vanilla, cocoa, spices, etc.
Pick Organic When Possible
Organic coffee creamers ensure your ingredients were grown without pesticides. This is especially important for the dairy and oils.
Avoid Carrageenan
Those with digestive issues may want to choose carrageenan-free options.
Consider Macronutrients
If following keto or low-carb, look for higher fat and lower net carb creamers. Calculate the macros before buying.
Choose Dairy-Free If Needed
Opt for coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk if you can’t tolerate dairy. Many good dairy-free choices exist now.
Reviews of the Healthiest Sugar-Free Creamers
Based on the selection criteria above, here are reviews of the top sugar-free coffee creamers on the market today:
Nutpods
Nutpods makes sugar-free creamers based on a blend of coconut and almond milk. With just 3-4 grams of net carbs and 45 calories per serving, they fit low-carb and keto diets. They’re also dairy-free and carrageenan-free. Nutpods have a creamy, rich consistency thanks to coconut cream and MCT oil from coconuts. Flavors include vanilla, hazelnut, and seasonal options like pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha.
Califia Farms Better Half
The dairy-free Better Half creamers by Califia Farms are sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar. They’re based on a blend of coconut and almond milk for a creamy texture. Each serving contains 25-35 calories and just 1 gram of sugar. Califia Farms uses sustainable and ethical practices too.
Picnik Creamers
Picnik makes AIP-friendly creamers free of dairy, nuts, gluten, and refined sugars. Their super creamy texture comes from a base of grass-fed butter, coconut milk, and MCT oil. At just 2 grams of carbs and 50 calories per serving, they’re excellent for keto coffee. Picnik has tasty flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and butter pecan.
Left Coast Performance Creamer
Left Coast Performance makes sugar-free creamers with grass-fed butter or MCT oil for bulletproof coffee fans. They also contain collagen peptides for extra protein. With only 2 grams of carbs and 45 calories per tablespoon, they’re great for the keto crowd. Flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon.
Nestlé Coffee Mate Natural Bliss
For a more mainstream option, Nestlé’s Natural Bliss line is made with milk, cream, and natural flavors free of corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. A 2 tablespoon serving has 25-35 calories and <1g of sugar. Just note that some flavors still contain carrageenan.
Healthy Homemade Sugar-Free Creamer Recipes
Making your own sugar-free creamers allows you to control the quality of ingredients. It’s surprisingly easy too. Here are some recipes to try:
Coconut Milk Creamer
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk ingredients together until smooth. Keep refrigerated up to a week.
Cashew Creamer
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add more water if needed to thin consistency.
Butter Coffee Creamer
- 2 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
- 2 tbsp MCT oil
- Optional: 1 tsp vanilla or cinnamon
Blend ingredients until emulsified. Use 2-3 tbsp per cup of coffee.
Tips for Using Sugar-Free Creamers
Here are some tips to get the most out of your healthy creamer:
Store in Fridge
Because they lack stabilizers like carrageenan, natural creamers stay fresh longer in the fridge.
Shake Before Use
Give creamers a shake before pouring to distribute ingredients that can separate.
Heat Carefully
If adding creamer to hot coffee, pour slowly and stir to prevent curdling.
Use Immersion Blender
For homemade creamers, use an immersion blender to fully emulsify.
Add Sweetener if Needed
Try a pinch of stevia or monk fruit if you need a touch more sweetness.
Boost Nutrition
Stir in a scoop of collagen peptides or MCT oil powder for extra nutrition.
Try Flavored Syrups
Complement creamers with a sugar-free flavored syrup like caramel, hazelnut, or pumpkin spice.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about sugar-free coffee creamers:
Are sugar-free creamers actually healthy?
Some are, but you need to read labels to avoid unhealthy oils, thickeners, and artificial ingredients. The healthiest choices use just natural fats and flavors.
Do sugar-free creamers break a fast?
Potentially yes, if you’re fasting for metabolic or gut health benefits. Anything over 50 calories breaks a fast. Stick to black coffee during fasting windows.
What’s the difference between sugar-free and keto creamers?
Keto creamers are specifically formulated for very low net carbs. But many keto creamers are also sugar-free.
Can I make my own flavored creamers?
Yes! Flavor your homemade creamer with vanilla, cocoa powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or extracts like almond and coconut.
Do all sugar-free creamers taste bad?
The natural options recommended above are quite tasty! Just avoid anything that seems artificially sweetened or heavy on chemicals.
The Bottom Line
Ditching sugary coffee creamers provides huge benefits for health, weight loss, and overall wellbeing. Seek out natural brands that avoid vegetable oils, carrageenan, and artificial ingredients. With so many options now available, you can enjoy sugar-free creamer that still tastes delicious. Be sure to read labels and calculate net carbs if following keto. With a few minor adjustments to your morning routine, you can cut out a major source of unwanted sugars and chemicals.
| Brand | Base | Calories | Sugar | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutpods | Coconut + Almond Milk | 45 | 0g | 3-4g |
| Califia Farms Better Half | Coconut + Almond Milk | 25-35 | 1g | 1g |
| Picnik | Butter + Coconut Milk | 50 | 0g | 2g |
| Left Coast Performance | Butter + MCT Oil | 45 | 0g | 2g |
| Nestlé Natural Bliss | Milk + Cream | 25-35 | <1g | 1-2g |
