Coffee is vegan, but is your creamer? Lucky vegan, when it comes to lightening your coffee, you’re spoiled for choice. So, what’s the best vegan coffee creamer on the market? Here are some of our favorites.
Our Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer Reviews
What’s the best tasting non dairy creamer on the market? That depends on your taste. There’s no shortage of options for your morning cup. To help narrow it down, here are some of what we consider to be the best non dairy creamers available today.
SOWN Organic Oat Creamer
SOWN Organic Oat Creamer is an oat-based creamer. It comes in three flavors: sweet and creamy, unsweetened, and vanilla flavor.
In addition to being vegan, SOWN is also carrageenan free, kosher, gluten free, and allergy friendly. The sweetened variety contains organic cane sugar, which, unlike normal cane sugar, is vegan.
If oat milk is your dairy milk alternative of choice, SOWN could be an excellent, and natural, way to go.
Our rating: 4.75 Stars
KOS Organic Coconut Creamer
KOS Organic Coconut Creamer is a powdered creamer. Keto enthusiasts often prefer coconut based dairy alternatives to other non dairy creamers, and if you’re following a Keto diet, the MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) in KOS may give your morning cup the boost you’re looking for.
KOS is pure coconut milk powder. There are no other ingredients. On top of that, every purchase includes a donation to the hunger relief organization, Feeding America. (1)
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
So Delicious Dairy-Free Creamer
So Delicious Dairy-Free Creamer is another coconut based product made from filtered water and organic coconut cream.
This lactose free cream is vegan, certified organic, climate-pledge friendly, gluten free, and certified GMO free. It has also been reformulated to have 25 percent less sugar.
Our Rating: 4 Stars
JOI Organic Oat Milk Powder
Some people prefer a powder creamer. It’s shelf stable, and you can make as much or as little as you want at any given time.
If you’re a powder creamer lover, then JOI Organic Oat Milk Powder is worth a look. This is powdered oat milk, which, like powdered dairy milk, you can use straight in your morning cuppa as a creamer, or combine with water to make instant oat milk.
JOI Organic Oat Milk Powder has a single ingredient: oats. It’s gluten free, vegan, kosher, and certified non-GMO. The oats are sustainably grown, and you can compost the zero-waste packaging at home.
For oat milk lovers, this could be a great choice.
Our Rating: 5 Stars
Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer
Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer is an almond milk based creamer. The Silk brand is a longtime favorite in health food stores and upper-end grocery chains, so it’s pretty accessible, too.
Silk Vanilla Almond Creamer is vegan and certified non-GMO. It’s also a lower calorie, lower fat option. Its short list of easily recognizable ingredients includes pea protein, which is often used to fortify non dairy products like almond milk, which don’t naturally contain a lot of protein.
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Rising Tide Vegan Coffee Creamer With Lions Mane
For some people, morning coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a way to power up for the day.
Rising Tide Vegan Coffee Creamer With Lions Mane is advertised as a brain-boosting drink with a roll call of interesting ingredients, including organic coconut powder, organic lion’s mane mushroom, MCT oil powder, organic acacia fiber, and organic coconut sugar.
Rising Tide contains no fillers, chemicals or additives. It’s also certified organic and non-GMO, and is gluten free and vegan.
The coconut powder and MCT oil give it a higher fat content than some of our other options, but superfood lovers should definitely give this one a look.
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Nut Pods Non Dairy Creamers
The base of NutPods Non Dairy Creamers is a combination of almond milk and coconut milk. It comes in four flavors: hazelnut, caramel, original and French vanilla.
Nut Pods provide a lower fat, lower calorie option. It’s also one of the few creamers that provides different flavors and remains sweetener and sugar free. What’s more, Nut Pods are non-GMO, vegan, kosher, and certified gluten free.
If you want a bit of flavor, but don’t want the fat or sugar, then this could be a great option.
Our Rating: 5 Stars
Laird Superfood Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer
What’s so super about Laird Superfood Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer? A lot of things!
First, this powdered coconut based creamer comes in seven flavors: original, vanilla, cacao, chocolate mint, unsweetened, pumpkin spice, and turmeric.
It also has a nice, short list of all natural ingredients.
And if that’s not enough, Laird’s non dairy creamer is vegan, gluten free, non-GMO, soy free, and made in the USA.
Our Rating: 4.6 stars
Silk Soy Creamer
Soy is another popular choice for vegan milk substitutes. It’s low in fat and calories, and also has a bit more protein than some vegan milks.
Silk Soy Creamer is a soy-based coffee lightener that comes in French Vanilla and Unsweetened flavors. It’s also vegan and non-GMO certified.
Best of all, the Silk brand is easy to find in stores and online.
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Coconut Cloud Dairy-Free Creamer
Here’s one for coffee lovers on the go. Coconut Cloud Dairy-Free Creamer comes in convenient, single serve packets to take with you wherever you’re bound. They can also sit quietly at home, waiting for their turn to lighten your coffee or tea.
This is a coconut based powder. It comes in four flavors: original, salted caramel, pumpkin spice, and vanilla flavor. It’s sweetened with tapioca syrup and has a nice hit of MCT oil for keto lovers. It’s also gluten free and vegan.
Keep in mind that this is one of the higher calorie options, and one of the higher fat ones, as well. Still, if coconut is your milk alternative of choice, then this could be one to consider.
Our Rating: 4 Stars
Coffee Mate Natural Bliss
Coffee Mate is a familiar name, and most coffee lovers have probably tasted the original, which is made from corn syrup solids. The Coffee Mate Natural Bliss line, is different, though. The base of these non dairy creamers is almond milk.
Coffee Mate Natural Bliss is vegan, non-GMO, and carrageenan free. It’s also available in oat milk and coconut milk varieties.
One of the advantages of a big name is that their products are generally easy to find. You shouldn’t have much trouble locating this one either online or down the block.
Our Rating: 4.25 stars
Califia Farms Coffee Creamer, Dairy-Free
Califia Farms is another name that will be familiar to people who frequent health food stores. Califia Farms Coffee Creamer combines coconut cream and almond milk for a delightful French vanilla flavored coffee companion.
The almond milk makes this creamer lower in fat and calories than other coconut based creamers. It does have added sugar, but not too much. The coconut brings its own sweetness. If that’s not enough, Califia Farms’s creamer is non-GMO, kosher, vegan, gluten free, carrageenan free, and has no preservatives.
Our Rating: 4.75 Stars
Milkadamia Macadamia Milk
Macadamia nuts are prized for their subtle flavor and luxurious texture, and guess what? Both of these carry over into macadamia milk products. Milkadamia Macadamia Milk could be that touch of class that your morning cuppa has been looking for.
Milkadamia comes in seven sweetened and unsweetened varieties, including peppermint and eggnog flavors. The unsweetened flavors are quite low in fat and calories and have zero sugars.
Completely plant based, Milkadamia is vegan, kosher, carrageenan free, gluten free, and non-GMO. It’s also fortified with Vitamin D2, and has a hit of pea protein, too.
The cultivation of some types of nuts can be hard on the environment, but Milkadamia’s Jindilli Farm practices regenerative farming.
If you want to try a nut milk that’s as good for the environment as it is for you, this could be one for your list.
Our Rating: 5 Stars
Chobani Oat Creamer, Vanilla
Many of us first heard of Chobani through their Greek yogurt. But they make other products, too, including an oat based coffee creamer: Chobani Oat Creamer.
This oat milk based creamer is vegan, gluten free, and kosher.
And if you like this, also check out Chobani’s regular and chocolate oat milk, and their oat yogurt, which is a new one on us.
Our Rating: 4 Stars
Tempo Nootropic Energy Creamer
Nootropic is a buzzword in health food circles. Nootropics are substances that producers claim improve cognitive function, creativity, memory, motivation, and so forth.
The accuracy of these claims is beyond the scope of this article. However, the number of nootropic products on the market is vast. It comes as no surprise that they should include a nootropic coffee creamer.
Tempo Nootropic Energy Creamer is coconut based, Stevia-sweetened, vegan and gluten free. It also has more fiber and protein than many of the other dairy free creamers in our survey. On top of that, it’s chock full of nootropic ingredients, including:
- Synthetic (non-animal) Taurine
- L-Tyrosine
- Ginseng extract
- Rodeola rosea root
And more.
Brain hackers looking to hack their breakfast drink may want to check this one out.
Our Rating: 4.6 Stars
Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk
Coconut, almonds, and oats aren’t the only sources of vegan milk. You can cream your dairy free coffee with lots of different types of nuts. Hazelnuts are a popular choice for their taste, which adds flavor without the need for a lot of added sugar. Elmhurst 1925 Unsweetened Hazelnut Milk is one example.
Elmhurst’s unsweetened hazelnut milk is vegan, kosher, gluten free, carrageenan free, and non-GMO verified. It’s also quite low in calories and fat. Best of all, it has just two ingredients: filtered water and hazelnuts.
And if you’re curious about other types of nut milk, Elmhurst makes non dairy milk from cashews, almonds, and walnuts, too.
Our Rating: 4.8 Stars
Earth Circle Organic Coconut Cream Powder
“Farm to table” generally describes meat products. But it also describes Earth Circle Organic Coconut Cream Powder quite well.
The Earth Circle company takes pride in partnering with farmers and growers who not only work sustainably, but also invest in improving the livelihood of their local communities.
Earth Circle Organic Coconut Cream Powder is powdered organic coconut cream. It’s vegan, certified USDA organic, kosher certified, gluten free, high in MCTs, and has no added sugar. And it’s not just for coffee. You can use it for cooking, too.
Like many coconut cream based products, though, it is quite high in fat, so if you’re limiting dietary fat, you might prefer one of our other non dairy creamers.
Our Rating: 4.9 Stars
Picnik Plant-Based Creamer
Do you miss having half and half in your coffee? Picnik Plant-Based Creamer could be one to try. Picnik is a non dairy half and half replacement.
Picnik combines coconut cream with cashew milk and MCT oil, for a rich creamer that resembles dairy half and half. It’s unsweetened, so the taste is reminiscent of the original, as well.
If that’s not enough, Picnik is non-GMO Project Verified, Keto friendly, gluten free, kosher and vegan.
Again, this is a rich creamer, with a higher calorie count and a higher fat content, so keep your own goals and needs in mind.
Our Rating: 4.5 Stars
Non-Dairy Creamer FAQs
You’d think that with all of the dairy free coffee creamer choices on the market, making that perfect vegan cup of coffee or tea would be a cinch. But it’s not always so straightforward. A coffee creamer substitute can be lactose free but not vegan. And vegan doesn’t always mean healthy.
Are you confused yet? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
What’s In Dairy-Free Coffee Creamers?
Dairy free creamers can be made from any number of different ingredients, including:
- Soy milk
- Coconut cream
- Coconut milk (or coconut milk powder)
- Almond milk
- Other nut milks, including cashew and hazelnut
- Oat milk
You might also come across something called MCT oil. MCT stands for medium chain triglyceride. MCTs are a type of saturated fat found naturally in palm oil and coconut oil, but some products are fortified with extra MCT oil, because some believe that MCTs convey various health benefits. (2)
Just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean that it’s a healthy coffee creamer, however.
Some vegan creamer recipes use corn syrup solids as a base. Others have a palm oil base, which doesn’t come from animals, but it does devastate the homes of numerous endangered species. (3)
In addition, non dairy coffee creamers may contain ingredients that aren’t vegan at all, so keep your eyes on the label.
Does Non Dairy Always Mean Vegan?
No.
Non dairy creamers don’t have a milk base, which means that they can be a great choice for the lactose intolerant. However, some commercial brands do contain animal derived ingredients. (4)
Dairy free coffee creamers may be fortified with animal-derived vitamins, for example. They may also include ingredients labeled as natural flavors, which come from animals. Cane sugar, likewise, is not vegan unless it’s organic. And these are just a few examples.
The only way to be certain that your dairy free creamer is vegan is if it is specifically labeled as vegan.
Are Non-Dairy Creamers Healthy?
Sometimes.
There’s healthy dairy free creamer and not-so-healthy dairy free creamer.
Some coffee creamer substitutes contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other additives. Others, as we mentioned, have an unhealthy base ingredient like corn syrup or hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Milk alternatives and dairy free coffee lighteners made from coconut can be high in fat, especially saturated fat. This isn’t necessarily unhealthy, but people who are watching their fat intake may want to be mindful of the fat content of coconut milk and similar products.
In addition to being free from animal products, a healthy dairy free creamer should have a short list of ingredients. The major ingredient (that is, the one that comes first on the list) should come from a healthy plant source such as oats, nuts, or soy.
Which Type of Vegan Milk is Best for Weight Loss?
That depends on your approach to weight loss.
Many approaches to weight loss emphasize eating fewer calories. Lower calorie options for vegan creamers include almond milk, hazelnut milk, macadamia milk, and oat milk.
For people watching their fat intake, oat milk is the lowest fat option.
If your diet limits sugar, opt for unsweetened milk alternatives.
And if you follow a keto diet, then coconut milk and coconut cream based creamers may be helpful.
What About Nut Allergies?
If you have an allergy to tree nuts, including almonds, cashews, and walnuts, then you should avoid milk alternatives made from nuts.
Some people who have nut allergies are also allergic to coconut. If you have a nut allergy, consult your doctor before consuming coconut products. (5)
If you want to avoid nuts altogether, oat milk can be an excellent dairy milk alternative.
Is Non Dairy Creamer Gluten Free?
Gluten is a protein found in some grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. (6)
Oats, and consequently oat milk, are naturally gluten free. The same can be said for soy (a bean) and nuts.
That said, plenty of products, including vegan products, contain “hidden” gluten in the form of additives and thickeners.
If you’re avoiding gluten, there’s a handy tool from the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO) which can help you to find certified gluten free products in all categories. (7)
What’s the Best Way to Use Non-Dairy Creamers?
You can use dairy free creamers as you would any sort of creamer: to lighten and flavor your coffee or tea.
At the same time, some dairy free creamers require a bit of special handling.
You might notice, for example, that your dairy free coffee creamer curdles when you add it to hot coffee or tea. Some milk alternatives react this way to heat and / or acid.
To prevent curdling, start with a low acid coffee.
Also, give your dairy free coffee creamer a shake before adding it to coffee or tea.
Finally, take your dairy free coffee creamer out of the refrigerator and let it warm up a bit before adding your hot drink.
Also, the low protein content of some dairy free milk alternatives means that you may have trouble getting it to froth for your espresso drink.
To maximize frothing, shake the carton before decanting it into the frothing jug. Also, stop texturizing the moment you notice a creamy texture forming. Don’t overheat your non dairy milk, and pour it slowly into the espresso.
Conclusion: What Non-Dairy Creamer is Best?
With all of the amazing products out there, it was difficult to pick a favorite, so we picked a few! Behold, our favorite and second favorite vegan coffee creamer options, in liquid and powder form.
Our Favorite Vegan Liquid Coffee Creamer
In our opinion, Milkadamia Macadamia Milk is the hands-down winner. Not only does this nut-based vegan milk provide a luxurious taste and mouthfeel, but it’s fortified with protein and Vitamin D2, as well. And if that’s not enough, the company farms its own macadamia nuts, and does so in a way that’s good for the planet.
Close Second
If you’re avoiding nuts, or simply seeking a lower calorie, lower fat option, then SOWN Organic Oat Creamer can give your morning cuppa the combination of flavor and texture you’re craving.
Our Favorite Vegan Coffee Creamer Powder
It’s hard to beat coconut cream for that magic combination of taste and nutrition. And Earth Circle Organic Coconut Cream Powder does so in a way that’s sustainable and respectful of the communities that produce its coconuts.
If you prefer a powdered coffee creamer, this should be on your list.
Close Second
Not all of us are nuts for coconut, and if you prefer a different base for your creamer powder, then consider JOI Organic Oat Milk Powder. Sustainably produced, with compostable packaging, JOI has everything oat milk should, and nothing that it shouldn’t.
What do you put in your morning coffee? Tell us about it!
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About The Author:
Jess Faraday
Jess Faraday is a vegetarian from a family of vegetarians. A recent vegan, she wants to spread the word about the benefits of plant-based eating for health, for animals, and for the planet.
REFERENCES
- Feeding America food charity | https://www.feedingamerica.org
- Forbes | What is MCT Oil? | https://www.forbes.com/health/body/what-is-mct-oil/
- World Wildlife Foundation | Endangered Species Threatened by Unsustainable Palm Oil Production | https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/endangered-species-threatened-by-unsustainable-palm-oil-production
- PETA | Animal Derived Ingredients List | https://www.peta.org/living/food/animal-ingredients-list/
- Johns Hopkins Childrens Hospital | If I have a Nut Allergy, Can I Eat Coconut? | https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/Patients-Families/Health-Library/HealthDocNew/If-I-Have-a-Nut-Allergy,-Can-I-Eat-Coconut
- The Celiac Disease Foundation | What is Gluten? | https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/
- The Gluten Free Certification Organization | Gluten Free Certified Product Finder | https://gfco.org/product-directory/
