Black coffee is not a natural go-to for a lot of people. At the same time, classic half-and-half is not an option either. The heavy lactose is not easy on the stomach, nor is the milk industry the most transparent business right now. If you don’t mind the lactose part of creamer, it’s important to keep the calories and sugar content in mind— there could potentially be a lot. As nice as it is to sweeten up a coffee with an International Delights French Vanilla creamer, those calories are going to add up over time.
No matter your reasoning, it’s not uncommon to be curious about what alternatives there are for coffee creamer. It is important to know your options, because a coffee shop might not tell you what they have! Scope out your favorite and mention it when you order from now on.
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2% or Whole Milk
Heavy cream is very rich in fat, so half-and-half is a bit lighter. Grab 2% or whole milk, as the fat content is significantly less! We are not going to recommend skim milk, because that seems to just water down your coffee a bit, but we are also not here to judge if that is your go-to. It is whole or 2% milk that will not take away from the flavor of the coffee as much either. Plus, the texture stays in tact!
Extra Tip: Add some honey from Nature’s Nates when you add milk; this will recreate that sweet taste given off from flavored creamers but in a more natural way!
Soy Milk
Soy (milk or other byproducts) has been put under the microscope for its effect on the body, but putting some soy milk in your coffee should not be harmful. Like most things—moderation is key. Soy milk is actually a great source of protein, very similar to that of regular milk, as well as antioxidants. Soy, along with all of the alternatives to follow, is a great vegan coffee creamer as well! Check out our list of additional vegan coffee creamer options in our article, here!
Caution: Be considerate of soybean allergies before consuming or serving coffee with soy milk! Someone on our team has this and it’s not fun!
Almond Milk
Almonds are everywhere nowadays, from almond butter to almond milk. Almond milk does not sacrifice nutrition for flavor because it is full of healthy fats and vitamins, including the calcium that is found in regular milk.
To most people, plain almond milk does not add any strange flavor. If your palate is particularly developed, you may taste it a bit more–but not in a bad way for most people. Sweetened and vanilla options are a popular alternative to this alternative!
The process of mass-producing almonds is quite water-intrusive in the United States, and those very almonds are used to make the milk that so many of us love. The best thing to do at this point is to be considerate of your consumption rather than letting any of your almond milk go to waste.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a versatile alternative worth stocking up on. Something to consider is that coconut milk is often high in calorie, but it is known for three main benefits. Those are weight loss, heart health, and boosting your immune system. It’s safe to assume that putting a dollop in to your coffee every morning is not going to completely override any bad habits in your life, but it’s worth the small introduction to your body.
Coconut milk may be one of the less available alternatives for coffee creamer, but scope it out where you can or simply buy some to use at home.
Try using coconut milk in the rest of your kitchen too! It can add a unique consistency and flavor to a variety of sauces and curries. Start and end your day with coconut milk.
Oat Milk
A strong newcomer in the coffee creamer game that has quickly gained a popular following. Oat milk is going to have a bit more calories, but it makes up for that with its fiber content. It probably has the closest resemblance to regular milk, as far as flavor, especially when it comes to being used in coffee. An iced latte with oat milk is going to be a bit thinner, but a cortado with oat milk is going to go down just the same!
Almond, coconut, and oat milk can all easily be made at home—how cool is that? Let us know if you want an article about how to make any of these milks at home! Making those at home can also help reduce the amount of additives. They do not require a lot of ingredients, so more likely than not, the only thing that you will need to buy is a fine-mesh nut bag.
Before you start making some of these milks or creamers at home, You’ll have all the tools and supplies you need to make these milks at home within 2 days or less, talk about efficiency.
All of those alternatives for coffee creamer can be steamed for espresso drinks, but be weary that their varying consistencies will result in different steaming conditions for the barista. Keep an eye on how that latte art turns out with each of the options.
Which alternative for coffee creamer is your favorite, or do you stick with your classic half-and-half? We’re thinking about jumping onto the almond milk bandwagon.
For additional coffee content, check out our articles on How to Froth Milk for Cappuccinos, Brew Guide: Cold Brew Coffee, and How to Grind Coffee Beans for the Perfect Cup.
Thanks for reading about what alternatives there are for coffee creamer. See the creamers in action in latte art and slow cold brew pours on our Instagram, @coffeesesh, or on our Pinterest! Also if you want to learn more about making coffee from people just like you, be sure to join our private Facebook group here at Daily Coffee Talk. You’ll be able to learn how to brew, how to roast and most importantly how to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee!
We’ll brew ya later! ☕️
