Coffee Mate – Is There a Better Alternative?

Coffee creamer is an essential addition to your morning joe, but not all of them are created equal. Most popular brands of this dairy-free beverage contain sugar, partially hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, and potentially harmful preservatives. And while one innocent pour or two of this creamer may not do much harm, when you’re consuming copious amounts multiple times per day, these additives add up to serious health risks.

Originally introduced in 1961, Coffee Mate is one of the most well-known non-dairy creamers on the market and is manufactured by Nestle. It comes in powdered, liquid, and concentrated liquid forms and is available in 23 regular and seasonal flavors. But despite claiming to be dairy-free, this brand does actually contain milk-derived ingredients like sodium caseinate.

The other issue with Coffee Mate is that it’s a huge source of calories. It’s important to note that even fat-free varieties still have a significant amount of calories from artificial sweeteners, which have been shown to lead to weight gain and negatively alter your gut bacteria.

Luckily, there are healthier alternatives to Coffee mate. Plant-based products like oat, almond, and coconut milk are becoming increasingly popular as a way to make your coffee richer and smoother without all the added sugar. These plant-based alternatives also have a lower calorie count and are often more nutritious than traditional dairy products. Plus, they’re a great choice for those with lactose intolerance or who prefer to avoid the nutty taste of traditional cow’s milk.