There are tons of alt-milks available, including well-known heavy hitters like almond and oat, as well as some dark horses, like rice, coconut, chia, potato, pistachio, and more. This variety of alt-milk extends to coffee creamers, too. Whether you’re into non-dairy creamers due to a lactose intolerance or sensitivity, have a goal of reducing the environmental impact of your grocery choices, or simply like the taste, there’s an abundance of choices. The less-great news? If you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, having a ton of options can make even the smallest decision feel overwhelming. (Cue you just trying to pick the best dairy-free creamers at the store, and not having the slightest clue of which to put in your cart.)
But back to the good news: Registered dietitians are here to break down everything you need to know about dairy-creamer alternatives—including the benefits of giving one a shot and ingredients to look for (and avoid). Plus, their recs for the best options for every creamer need.
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Benefits of non-dairy creamers
Having a lactose intolerance isn’t a required prerequisite for buying a non-dairy creamer. “Dairy-free creamers are a great option for a variety of reasons—perfect for people who follow plant-based diets, have dairy or lactose sensitivities, or simply want to explore new flavors and textures in their coffee or tea,” says Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a licensed dietitian nutritionist based in Washington D.C. “Many dairy-free creamers also align with environmental or ethical preferences and are fortified with similar nutrients.”
Many are also lower in their saturated fat content, a type of fat that, when over-consumed, can be associated with elevated cholesterol and health outcomes like high blood pressure and heart disease. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that saturated fat account for no more than 10 percent of an adult’s daily intake. “A 2 tablespoon serving of half and half contains double the amount of saturated fat as many dairy-free creamers,” says Alyssa Northrop, RD. (She caveats, though, that despite being dairy-free, coconut-based creamers typically contain about the same amount of saturated fat as a dairy option.)
What to look for in a dairy-free creamer
There are some key green lights to look for on a non-dairy creamer’s label to indicate it’s worthy of adding to your mug. “Opt for creamers with whole food ingredients like nuts, oats, or coconuts as the base,” says Thomason. To pack an extra nutritional punch, look for products that contain fortified nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D, and B12, she adds.
What to avoid in dairy-free creamers
Not all dairy-free creamers are created equally. After all, just because a product is plant-based doesn’t automatically make it better for you, and according to Northrop and Thomason, with regard to dairy-free creamers, added sugars and artificial sweeteners are top ingredients to keep an eye on. “One downside to dairy-free creamers is that [many] contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners and flavorings,” says Northrop. “I recommend avoiding dairy-free creamers with artificial sweeteners or excess added sugars—aim for no more than 4 grams of added sugars per tablespoon serving, but less is better.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you take your morning beverage on the sweeter side. In this case, Thomason suggests opting for creamers sweetened with plant ingredients, like monk fruit—and we have some suggestions below. Get ready to drink up.
Shop the best dairy-free creamers
Best oat: Oatly Oat Milk Creamer — $6.00
Oatly’s Original Oatmilk is what made the brand a household name, but within its now-extensive product line (which includes goodies like oat-based ice cream and cream cheese) is its Oatmilk Creamer. It’s available in three flavors—vanilla, sweet & creamy, and caramel—and is free of saturated fat. “Oatly creamers are creamy, versatile, and made from oats, offering a subtle sweetness and rich, frothy texture,” says Thomason. “They’re perfect for coffee, lattes, or even tea, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability is a bonus for eco-conscious folks.”
- Available in three flavors
- Tastes smooth and not overly sweet
- Free of saturated fat
- Includes added sugar, but a moderate 4 grams per serving
- No unflavored or unsweetened version available
Best almond: Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer — $5.00
Northrop recommends Silk’s Vanilla Almond Creamer to folks who like a sweeter cup of coffee. “It’s free of artificial flavors and sweeteners, contains 4 grams of added sugars, and lends a yummy vanilla flavor with a creamy consistency,” she says. Reviewers agree that the texture is smooth.
- More affordable than other options
- No saturated fat per serving
- No sugar-free (or naturally sweetened) option
- No added vitamins or nutrients
Best coconut: Laird Superfood Reduced Sugar Superfood Creamer — $14.00
Powdered creamer offers several built-in benefits: You can easily bring it with you to mix your ideal beverage on the go and it has a longer shelf life than most refrigerated liquids. And this option from Laird Superfood features just a single ingredient: coconut milk powder. It’s snagged more than 13,500 five-star reviews on Amazon with folks saying they particularly love that it has just a single ingredient and a great, creamy taste.
It also features naturally occurring MCT, an energy source that’s particularly popular for folks who follow a ketogenic nutrition plan (but you don’t need to be keto to enjoy it in moderation). Just be mindful that the ingredient also means the powder includes saturated fat, which should be consumed in general in moderation.
- Versatile powder formula
- Zero added sugar
- Only ingredient is coconut milk powder
- Includes 9 grams of saturated fat per serving of 2 Tbsp
- Features low amounts of potassium and iron
Best flavored: Elmhurst Oat Creamer — $6.00
Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and made without added gums or oils, you may be left wondering what Elmhurst’s oat-based Dairy Free Creamer does contain. According to reviewers, the versatile option—it’s available unsweetened or in French vanilla, caramel macchiato, pistachio, and chai spice—has everything you need for a delicious cup of dairy-free coffee: It blends well, tastes creamy and sweet enough (with regard to the flavored options) without being overpowering.
“Made with minimal ingredients, Elmhurst’s creamers are simple, creamy, and free from unnecessary additives,” says Thomason. It’s also available in four flavors, in addition to an unsweetened option, allowing you optimum variety. “The pistachio-based creamer is especially smooth and blends beautifully in coffee—it’s my personal favorite.”
- No saturated fat
- Five flavor options (including unsweetened)
- Sweetened options include just one gram of added sugar per serving
- Blends well into coffee
- Must purchase in packs of two or six at most online retailers
- Some report that the carton leaks
Best unsweetened: Nutpods Original Coffee Creamer — $5.00
With more than 3,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, nutpods’ original unsweetened almond-coconut creamer is a great pick for folks looking for a plant-based, dairy-free creamer that’s free of sugar, saturated fat, and an ingredients list longer than a CVS receipt. Reviewers say they love the taste and texture, say it froths nicely, and for anyone who isn’t sold on an unsweetened creamer, nutpods has you covered with 16 flavor options.
- Available in 16 flavors and variety packs
- No saturated fat per serving
- Zero sugar in the unsweetened edition
- Doesn’t include added nutrients or vitamins
- Some say it doesn’t blend well into coffee
Best functional: Rising Tide Focus Creamer — $22.00
Want to add a functional boost to your morning cup of joe? Rising Tide’s Focus Creamer is a vegan, dairy-free coffee enhancer formulated to boost cognitive function, memory, and concentration. The creamer’s key ingredients include organic coconut milk powder, organic coconut sugar, and organic Lion’s Mane mushroom extract, an adaptogen sometimes linked to supporting mental clarity and focus. Stir it in your coffee and enjoy.
- Blended with adaptogens for mental clarity
- Blended with acacia fiber to support digestion
- Versatile powder formula
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