As a registered dietitian, I’m always on the lookout for healthier ways to enjoy my morning cup of Joe. In general, it is wise to reduce intake of saturated fat and added sugars found in coffee creamers; however, there are also plenty of nutrient-dense, plant-based options that may offer you creamy goodness without additional ingredients. These healthy creamers can help add flavor and texture without breaking your budget!

Social media posts featuring eye-catching iced coffee drinks topped with clouds of white foam are increasingly becoming the trend. Starbucks popularized this look, which quickly spread throughout coffee shops and homes alike. While its attractive appearance is certainly appealing, foam isn’t necessarily healthful – its thickened milk base often includes added sugars which could negatively affect its nutritional benefits.

For an unsweetened cup of joe that’s good for your health, plain low- or reduced-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk are ideal creamers with minimal additives and sugars. But to add variety, combining these options together or switching out for other nondairy liquids like coconut or almond milk are also available as options for making your coffee extra creamy and lightened up!

Ideal coffee creamers would contain whole dairy ingredients; unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many products contain added sugars, sodium caseinate (derived from milk) and other additives which could potentially compromise its nutritional profile. To find healthier products, read labels thoroughly to look out for those with few additives, lower saturated fat content and no more than 2 grams of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving.

Add some variety to your coffee by mixing in plant-based syrups or stevia for an added layer of sweetness, or spice things up by adding cinnamon or flavorings from flavored stevia drops. Or make your own coffee creamer from scratch by combining dairy milk and sweeteners of choice together!

Although a cup of joe is satisfying on its own, some people crave the creamy consistency of half and half. Unfortunately, however, half and half contains significant amounts of saturated fat – more than 2 grams in every 2-tablespoon serving – making this beverage unsuitable for people with heart conditions, high cholesterol or digestive disorders.

This grass-fed half and half is free from milk solids, sugar, gums and emulsifiers for an ingredient list that’s pure and fresh. Furthermore, grass-fed cows tend to offer more omega-3 fatty acids compared to conventional cattle breeds.

This plant-based creamer offers all of the richness and creaminess of traditional half and half without adding oils or sugars, making it a suitable option for vegans as it does not contain animal products or dairy. Plus, its curcumin content may help alleviate arthritis pain while managing blood sugar, according to research published in Foods journal; additionally it’s packed with l-theanine to increase concentration and decrease caffeine withdrawal symptoms.