The Best Coffee Creamers

The Best Coffee Creamers

Whether you've been chugging coffee since you could steal sips from your parents or you've just discovered the world's favorite potent pick-me-up, everyone can use a little drop of creamer in their morning or afternoon cup. Creamer has come a long way from its origins in half-and-half and whole milk. In fact, much of today's market is made of non-dairy alternatives, many of which don't even have to be refrigerated. We've done our best to scour the web for tasty and reliable creamers while also paying attention to dietary restrictions. Check out our top picks for creamers to find your new favorite coffee companion.

Califia Farms Oat Milk Unsweetened Barista Blend

If you’ve visited any coffee shop within the last few years, you may have caught a glimpse of this well-known carton from Califia Farms — let’s just say that it’s famous for a reason. Their unsweetened oat milk doesn’t contain any unwanted gums or stabilizers, and it’s also certified by the non-GMO Project. Better yet, its consistency is remarkably creamy for non-dairy milk, making it an excellent alternative to steam for espresso drinks. Whether you’re lactose intolerant or just looking for quality creamer, Califia Farm’s oat milk should be high on your list.

Pros:

  • Taste is more subtle when compared to other non-dairy milk like soy or almond
  • Can drink straight, pour over cereal, or add to coffee
  • Steams well for espresso drinks
  • Very affordable six-pack of 32 oz. cartons

Cons:

  • Not as flavorful as other oat milk brands
  • Must be refrigerated after opening

Nestle Coffee-mate Butterscotch Coffee Creamer Singles

Nestle Coffee-mate has been around for so long that the brand is almost synonymous with creamer. This single-serving option is a delicious butterscotch flavor that brings an outstanding balance of rounded sweetness without being overpowering. You don’t have to worry about storing them anywhere special, either, since this dairy-free, cholesterol-free creamer is shelf-stable. Even if you take your coffee black, it’s worth having these little pods around for the days when you’re looking for something sweeter.

Pros:

  • 50 individual creamers perfect for one cup of coffee
  • Dairy-free and shelf-stable, so they don’t require refrigeration
  • Butterscotch flavor is sweet and complementary to coffee

Cons:

  • Contains some artificial flavoring and added sugar

Sunniva Super Coffee Kitu Super Creamer

Diets are hard, but saying goodbye to coffee just because your creamer doesn’t abide by your new food regimen can be even more challenging. Thankfully, the Kitu super creamer from the Sunniva Coffee family was designed with the keto diet — one of the most rigid diets around — in mind. It promises zero added sugars, 2 grams of protein per serving, and no artificial ingredients, all while being lactose-free. They’ve also added MCT oil — a supplement commonly taken while on the keto diet — and a touch of monk fruit extract, which is a natural alternative to sugar.

Pros:

  • No added sugar or artificial ingredients
  • MCT oil for those on the keto diet
  • Monk fruit extract provides natural sweetness
  • Three-pack of 25.4 oz. bottles

Cons:

  • Uses whey protein, which can trigger dairy allergies, unlike plant-based proteins
  • Can have a slightly oily texture

Nestle Coffee-mate Powder Original

Instant coffee might not give you the most remarkable cup of joe, but powdered creamer, on the other hand, is super-reliable and oh-so-convenient. Instead of taking up refrigerator space with cartons of creamer, just keep a container of this Coffee-mate powder on the counter or in the cupboard. Their original flavor perfectly smoothes out your bitter brew’s rough spots, and it’s lactose and cholesterol-free. This two-pack of 56 oz. containers may sound like a lot of creamer, and that’s because it is. But if you drink coffee daily, you’ll be happy to buy this in bulk.

Pros:

  • No overtly strong flavor or sweetness so your coffee still shines
  • Free of lactose and cholesterol
  • Shelf-stable and easy to store

Cons:

  • Contains artificial ingredients and sweeteners

Vital Proteins Collagen Coffee Creamer

If you’re looking to boost more than your energy with your morning cup of coffee, check out Vital Proteins’ creamer. With 10 grams of collagen per serving, this creamer helps protect and strengthen your nails, hair, skin, and joints, all while smoothing out your joe. It also contains organic coconut milk powder, which is a great source of MCT oil to assist with energy production. Rest assured, this creamer is dairy-free and keto-, paleo-, and Whole30-approved. So chances are, whatever your diet or coffee-drinking needs, Vital Proteins has you covered.

Pros:

  • Ten grams added collagen for skin, nail, hair, and joint health
  • Coconut milk powder adds slight sweetness, along with MCT oils for energy production
  • Diet-friendly and non-dairy

Cons:

  • Flavor and mixing ability aren’t up to par with other powdered creamers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use powdered creamer for cold drinks?

Yes — most powdered creamers these days are ice-friendly, and usually, they’ll contain specific instructions for mixing. One of the more common tips is to stir your base liquid and creamer first, ensuring that the powder doesn’t stick to the ice. That way, you don’t have unsightly clumps of creamer in your iced coffee.

What’s the difference between dairy-free and lactose-free?

Creamers that label themselves as lactose-free are made of real dairy and simply treated to remove lactose sugar molecules. Because of this, they still contain many dairy-specific sugars, which can be a problem for those with dairy allergies as opposed to lactose intolerance. Dairy-free products don’t contain any dairy at all, making them a safer choice for folks who aren’t sure of the severity of their allergies or who are on strict diets.