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What is a Healthier Alternative to Coffee Creamer?
Coffee is an incredible drink in its own right, but for many of us it becomes even more refreshing when enhanced with creamers and sugars. Creamers and sugars are supermarket mainstays but it can be challenging to locate healthy versions; some contain excessive levels of added sugars, saturated fats and food additives; while others may include harmful ingredients like emulsifiers stabilizers and preservatives that could negatively impact our health. Luckily there are healthier options out there that give the same creamy coffee shop experience without all the harmful ingredients.
Reading labels when purchasing creamers is crucial to making an informed choice. As a general guideline, look for options with no more than 25 calories, 4 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of saturated fat per serving. When considering your personal needs and dietary restrictions – such as lactose intolerance or dairy allergies – non-dairy creamers often make the best option.
Some non-dairy creamers, like almond and coconut milk, contain healthy unsaturated fats that may be beneficial to heart and overall health. Unfortunately, however, they may lack the creaminess you crave; to address this, many companies now offer creamers made up of several milk types; this typically provides more of a well-rounded flavor profile without using additives or artificial flavors.
Collagen is another common ingredient found in coffee creamers that may help slow the aging process, according to some studies. Found naturally in animal skin and connective tissues as well as human joints, it is beneficial for joint health as an anti-inflammatory natural remedy – meaning less pain from inflammation is experienced by many individuals. Unfortunately, the amount of collagen found in creamers might not have a meaningful impact on our wellbeing, therefore we advise opting for skim or plant-based milk as the healthiest way of lightening up your morning cup of java!
An alternative option to sugar is using natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit extract, which have the potential to control blood sugar spikes while being low-carb alternatives. If these options seem like too much of a boost for you, try adding cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder as well as adding chia or flax seeds for extra protein intake and an earthier taste in your coffee drink.