Coffee creamers or sometimes known as coffee whiteners are used to substitute milk or cream in coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or other beverages. If you are lactose intolerant then you need not worry, as non-dairy creamers do not contain lactose, some are even gluten-free!
Non-dairy creamers are a way of adding flavor to your coffee if you have lactose intolerance or are on certain dietary restrictions such as a vegan lifestyle. Read on to see our buying guide for choosing creamers, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, as well as our top 10 list of recommended products.
Quick List - Top Non-Dairy Creamers
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Here are some key points to consider:
Creamers usually come in 2 different forms, powder and liquid. There isn’t really much advantage of one over the other so it all comes down to your preference.
Powdered creamers are more commonplace in our country rather than liquid creamers. The main difference between powder and liquid is its storage; powdered creamers have a longer shelf life and don’t need to be refrigerated after you’ve opened them. It also has an assortment of flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel.
It usually contains three components; sugar or sweetener, oil, and thickener, which is made of processed ingredients such as hydrogenated oils or trans fat. However there are some brands that manufacture low calorie content creamers if you are conscious about that.
These are less common here and have a shorter shelf life than powders and need to be refrigerated once opened lest they spoil. Unlike powdered creamers, which can contain milk derivatives such as casein, a protein derived from cow’s milk, liquid creamers have vegan options so you can be completely dairy free.
If you have lactose intolerance, have a health condition, or are simply looking for other options, you can explore the many varieties of liquid creamers and opt for milk alternatives such as plant-based milks.
Coffee creamers do not mean sticking to plain and flavored ones. You should not forget about plant-based milk alternatives, which can definitely flavor your coffee and offer a healthier option if you want to cut back.
Best options for this are soy milk, which has a mild and creamy flavor and its nutrition most resembles cow’s milk and is the most popular substitute. It is high in protein and half the carbohydrates, fats, and calories. It comes in different flavors and can be used in coffee, savory dishes, and in cereal.
Almond milk on the other hand is lighter and has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It is a great alternative if you want to lose weight as it has lower calories than cow’s milk, though try to look for unsweetened ones as sweetened varieties contain added sugars.
Coconut milk is made from the white flesh of mature brown coconuts, ideal if you have lactose intolerance. It also makes for a good vegan option as you can use it for smoothies, milkshakes or as a dairy alternative in baking.
Some cuisines even use coconut milk in their dishes so you are not just limited to beverages either. It is creamy and has a sweet yet subtle flavor. Its consistency can be thick or thin.
Grain-based plant milks include rice and oat, which are vegan and lactose-free. Oat is high in fiber and mild in flavor and can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, while rice is the least likely to cause allergies as some people may be allergic to nuts.
However rice milk contains the most carbohydrates and has a high glycemic index, which may not be the best option if you have diabetes.
Keep in mind that coffee creamers, in particular powdered and flavored ones contain high added sugar content, saturated, and trans fat, which can increase your bad cholesterol. There isn’t much that can be done about this, as it needs those ingredients to mimic the feel of actual milk and cream.
This isn’t to say you should skip it entirely but try to use them in moderation. If you are one of those people who are trying to monitor their sugar intake levels then go for unsweetened varieties as you can unknowingly add more creamer than you realize.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nutpods Almond + Coconut Creamer | ![]() | Make Barista-Inspired Drinks at Home | |
2 | Nestlē Coffee Mate Coffee Creamer | ![]() | Classic Taste that Never Gets Old | |
3 | Angel Coffee Creamer | ![]() | For Richer Coffee Without the Artificial Taste | |
4 | Oatly Oat Drink Barista Edition | ![]() | Oat Milk Perfect for Latte Art | |
5 | Milkadamia Unsweetened Macadamia Milk | ![]() | Creamier Than Your Usual Nut Milk | |
6 | Member's Selection Non Dairy Coffee Creamer | ![]() | Economical Purchase for the Whole Family | |
7 | Silk Unsweetened Organic Soymilk | ![]() | Packed With Nutrients and Has a Long Shelf Life | |
8 | Alaska Krem-Top Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer | ![]() | Add Creamy Goodness into Your Coffee | |
9 | Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk | ![]() | Your Weight Loss Companion | |
10 | California Gold Nutrition Collagen Coconut Creamer | ![]() | Coconut and Collagen for a Nutritional Boost |
Nutpods started out of a desire to create better-tasting vegan creamers and give more options to the market. The desire turned out to be a great one as it became the first Whole30 Approved creamer. This means that the brand has passed the rigorous standards of the Whole30 program that focus on a "nutrition reset."
This is a great option for those who want to experiment with adding a variety of flavors to their coffee or tea. They offer flavors such as peppermint mocha, spiced chai, and cinnamon swirl. The consistency is said to mix so well in hot drinks, adding to that sensorial experience. On top of all that, it has zero sugar per serving!
Are you looking to get a hint of flavor in your coffee without it being too strong? Coffee Mate’s creamer has a subtle hint of vanilla as well as a slight sweetness that can mildly add more flavor to your coffee without it tasting like an overly sweetened concoction with only a hint of coffee. You’ve probably even received it from relatives abroad!
Their coffee creamer is lactose-free, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free. A serving of their creamer amounts to only 10 calories and has no added sugar, so you won’t have to feel guilty if you want to add an extra scoop. It is ideal if you want your coffee rich and smooth with a classic taste that you can always count on.
Do you like the taste of milk in your coffee? Angel’s coffee creamer has a milky flavor that doesn’t taste like niyog. Some creamers have the tendency to taste like coconut, which can be off-putting for some if you want to taste nothing but your coffee. But this creamer makes your coffee richer and smoother.
It is not too sweet, so if you like your coffee on the sweeter side, you would have to add more sugar though it can almost be consumed on its own as it is almost similar to powdered milk. Aside from beverages, you can use them in cooking desserts, given their creamy taste.
Do you miss going to cafés and seeing your drink all foamy and thick? If there is one thing about plant-based beverages is that it has a rather thin consistency and is not as creamy as dairy ones. This oat milk has produced a barista edition, which means you can use it as regular milk to flavor coffee without being too sweet or too heavy.
Its compounds won’t separate when you heat it. It is also capable of producing foam, so you could produce your own latte art but tasty enough to drink it on its own. It is rich in unsaturated fats, vitamin D, B12, and calcium, which means you can get your dose of nutrition, and it is non-GMO as well.
Are you feeling tired of searching for a dairy-free alternative that tastes nothing like the real one? This might make things much easier for you. The taste is made from fresh, raw, roasted macadamia nuts. Plus, this has no additives and contains 0 grams of sugar. This doesn't compromise its benefits as it is still a great source of calcium and vitamin D.
This milk is almost as creamy as dairy milk, definitely better than most plant-based alternatives. Reviewers have loved the taste of this milk as it offers a smooth and rich flavor. It also doesn't have the bland taste that some nuts milk has. This is definitely a crowd favorite, so it's a must-have addition to your coffee and smoothies, and even to be enjoyed on its own!
Do you buy your coffee creamer in bulk? Not to worry, as this creamer is enough for you and your family, making it the best value for moneyーno need to constantly buy smaller packages! It is lactose-free, which is perfect if you have family members who are lactose intolerant.
It is cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, and low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about ingesting too many preservatives in your body. This is great for those coffee-lovers who like to keep things simple. It is a rich and textured creamer making your coffee extra enjoyable in every sip.
Dubbed The Original Nutrition Powerhouse, Silk's Organic Unsweetened Soy Milk has all you need in quality soy milk. It's an excellent source of protein, giving you 8g per serving. It's also a great calcium source, low in saturated fat, and free from cholesterol, sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and carrageenan. Vegans can reach for this soy milk since it's gluten, casein, egg, peanut, and MSG-free!
Plus, it has received certifications from the USDA and Non-GMO Project, ensuring it's made from safe and organic ingredients. But its main selling point is that it's shelf-stable, giving it a longer shelf life and making storage more convenient. You can drink it on its own or add it to your favorite food, drink, or recipe. Most say that it's worth the purchase, but some did mention that it must be consumed immediately after opening to preserve its flavor.
Make your cup of coffee richer and creamier with Alaska’s Krem-Top. It has a rich and creamy taste reminiscent of the brand’s milk products, which they are well known for. The flavor will enhance your coffee without overpowering it, perfect for those who want to lessen coffee’s strong and bitter taste.
Aside from your usual cup of coffee and hot chocolate, the creamy taste is ideal for adding to brewed tea and making your own cup of milk tea. Simply steep your tea bags and add about 2-3 tablespoons of creamer and stir well.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free and vegan alternative, try using almond milk. Made from unsweetened almonds, so it is perfect if you are watching your sugar intake as it has a low glycemic index and has only 30 calories per cup, making it the perfect companion if you want to lose weight.
Aside from using it as non-dairy creamer, you can even use it to make smoothies, milkshakes, and baked goods! It also contains vitamins A, D, and E, making it nutritious as well as delicious because of the natural vanilla flavor. It is also cholesterol-free, so it's a healthy alternative to dairy.
You’ve heard about how coconut is a superfood with a multitude of benefits for the body. If you’re not a fan of coconut oil because of its latik taste, then a creamer would better suit you. It is made from organic powdered coconut milk as well as collagen for healthy skin, hair, and bones.
Coconut is a good source of MCT, which helps promote weight loss, and Lauric Acid, which is beneficial for your heart health in avoiding cardiovascular diseases giving you added nutritional boost. Add it to your coffee or hot chocolate for a creamy taste. This is ideal for those who want to get more nutritional benefits in their diet.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Not all non-dairy creamers in the market are made equally. To make sure that you're making a healthier switch, you have to look at the ingredients to decipher if your chosen brand or product is actually considered good for you.
First, you have to check if there are any hidden sugar alternatives, such as corn syrup. Next, check the primary ingredients of the product; some are from coconuts or nuts, which are healthy sources of fat. However, consuming too much saturated fat from coconuts may be a problem for some. Lastly, check for milk derivatives, as this could actually mean that the product is not non-dairy as it claims to be.
It is said that the safest way to drink coffee for diabetics is to have it in blackーnothing more added. However, if one cannot bear the aroma of the coffee on its own, then looking for unsweetened creamers will be a better option.
Most non-dairy creamers actually offer low sugar or no sugar at all, so it wouldn't be that difficult to scour. Just make sure that you really check the ingredients at the back to see if there really aren't any sugar or sugar alternatives listed there to avoid marketing baits.
Liquid non-dairy creamers need to be refrigerated once opened, while powdered non-dairy creamers can be kept in a dry area at room temperature. It's also best to ensure that the non-dairy creamer is tightly sealed or transfer it to a container where it could be stored properly.
Are you conscious about the choices you make when it comes to food? Perhaps you are just looking for other healthier alternatives to swap with your pantry staples? Here are some items that can substitute your kitchen supplies with something less refined and more organic.
Author: Justine Cuizon
Re-editor: Tm Yuquimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Nutpods|Almond + Coconut Creamer
No. 2: Nestlē|Coffee Mate Coffee Creamer
No. 3: Angel|Coffee Creamer
No. 4: Oatly|Oat Drink Barista Edition
No. 5: Milkadamia|Unsweetened Macadamia Milk
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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