Coffee Creamer vs. Milk – Which Is Best for Your Morning Cup of Coffee?
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For some coffee purists, adding milk or coffee creamer is something they would never do. For others, adding dairy to a cup of coffee helps improve the taste, smoothness, and texture of the drink.
Anyone who drinks coffee does so because they love its taste and the aroma it gives off. In second wave coffee, different variations of coffee were taken to a whole new level. Did you want that milk steamed? foamed? shaken? stirred? plant based? if so which plant?…
Growing up, my parents always used cream in their coffee. Milk in a pinch. And creamer in an absolute pinch. But does creamer now mean the same thing as it did in the 1970’s? Let’s explore.
All About Coffee Creamer and Milk
People have been adding different types milk to black coffee for hundreds of years. Today, when you walk into your local store there can be a wide range of products for you to choose from to add to your coffee.
Although milk is still the addition of choice for many when visiting their local coffee shops, the use of coffee creamer has become popular at home.
What Is Coffee Creamer?
The phrase coffee creamer can apply to a number of dairy and non-dairy additives. Some people refer to these food products as a coffee whitener.
All of these products change the flavor of your cup of coffee.
Some may include emulsifiers to keep the oil and water components together.
There are many different kinds of creamers you can buy to add to your morning coffee. Some come in powder forms, others as liquids. You may find that some are full of artificial ingredients, while others may include more expensive ones that contain high-quality ingredients made from a dairy product.
Can You Use Creamer Instead of Milk?
You can use any kind of creamer for coffee rather than milk . It’s really personal preference.
However, before you start using creamer, there are certain things you need to be aware of, such as how many calories it contains and how it can affect the texture and flavor of your daily coffee.
More about the differences in just a sec, but before we close out the creamer section…
How Long Does Creamer Last?
If you choose to go for coffee creamers in a powder form, as long as you keep them in an air-tight container after opening, they will last for anywhere from 12 months to 2 years.
However, if you go for ones that come in a liquid form, generally, these will only last for around two weeks to 6 months. Plus, with any kind of liquid coffee creamer, this will need to be stored in the fridge.
What Are the Differences Between Coffee Creamer and Milk?
There are several differences between milk and coffee creamer. First, creamers can mean Coffee-Mate powders and the liquid in those little pods (like the photo above) and are also called non-dairy creamers. They can also mean the more premium, flavored creamers that come in bottles in the refrigerated case of your supermarket. Much of what we are saying applies to both types.
Taste
Of course, the most significant difference is in the taste. You will find that good-quality natural coffee creamers add a much creamier and richer flavor to your coffee. This is something that milk simply cannot replicate on its own.
The most significant difference in flavor is the option to buy creamers that have added flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, peppermint, and more. These may be high in calories, sugars or fats, which may not be ideal for some people.
However, milk traditionally includes a much more subtle flavor and doesn’t contain any kind of artificial flavors or ingredients.
You can also make homemade coffee creamer if you have the time, tools, and desire to do so. Doing this allows you to be in control of the ingredients in it. This is the ideal choice for people who lead a more healthy lifestyle.
Amount of Calories
Even non-dairy coffee creamers made from natural ingredients contain more calories than milk. In general, coffee creamers have sugar additives, so coffee creamer is often the less healthy option.
But the difference in calories will depend on how much creamer you add to your coffee. This also goes for milk, as whole milk contains more calories than low-fat milk.
If you’re interested in healthier alternatives, rather than using cows milk in your coffee, replace it with unsweetened nut milk. One type of nut milk that is very popular with some coffee enthusiasts today is made with almonds, but oat and hemp milk are two other options. You can also get “Barista” grade non-dairy milks these days.
Here’s a few comparisons”
- A teaspoon of Coffee-Mate creamer contains 22 calories
- One teaspoon of whole milk is about nine calories
- A teaspoon of low-fat dairy milk has just four calories
As you can see, there is quite a difference in the number of calories in coffee creamer vs. milk. Remember, this is just a teaspoon and most people use more than that.
However, if you’re trying to lose weight and reduce your calorie intake it is worth considering using almond milk. A single teaspoon of nut milk has less than two calories.
What Do They Have in Common?
You will find that both milk and coffee creamer go well with a good cup of black coffee, producing very similar results.
However, the fat content in coffee creamers, like Coffee-Mate powder or Coffee-Mate liquid creamer, alters the texture of your coffee. It tends to have a denser, velvety texture.
Of course, you need to be aware that both have a relatively high-fat content to them. If fat is a concern, you will want to check the nutrition labels of creamers.
Things You Should Know Regarding Non-Dairy Creamers for Your Coffee
Before you think about adding liquid or powder non-dairy creamer to your coffee, you should consider the following things.
Calling It Non-dairy Isn’t Always the Truth
If you’re trying to avoid dairy products, you may believe that using a non-dairy creamer is the perfect solution. If this has been your mindset, you may need to reconsider. Non-dairy creamer may not contain lactose, but it may still have a milk protein called casein.
Like lactose, casein is a protein found in milk that some people are sensitive or allergic to. This makes it crucial for you to closely look at the label, as this milk protein is often added to creamers to give them a more milky texture and flavor.
These days all creamers must identify on the label if they contain the milk by-product casein in them.
They Shouldn’t Always Be Called Creamers
The use of the term “non-dairy creamer” is an oxymoron. How is it possible that a creamer doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients? Instead, they’ve used vegetables such as palm kernel or coconut oil in them. This gives it a much creamier look and taste.
Extra Ingredients Are Added to Mimic Milk or Cream
Often as you look at the list of ingredients they contain sodium, sugar, and corn syrup. These have been added to improve flavor.
You may even find food colorings and artificial sweeteners in specialty creamers. The reason for adding food coloring is to help imitate how milk changes the color of coffee when added. Again, some people may be sensitive to these.
Rather than being labeled as non-dairy coffee creamers, some are being labeled as coffee whiteners. Again, if you have any allergies to food coloring, make sure that you read the ingredients label first. There are some varieties of these creamers that don’t contain any coloring.
Can Boost Your Calorie Intake
As soon as you add 1-2 teaspoons of non-dairy creamer into your coffee, the number of calories and fat you consume will go up. Bumping this up to 2-3 teaspoons can make a big impact if you need to watch your calories.
Luckily, some companies have developed low-fat and low-calorie options. These tend to be plain without any additional flavoring added to them.
Some May Contain Trans Fats
You need to be careful, as this type of fat is detrimental to your health. Trans fats should be kept to a minimum in your diet.
So, before you buy any coffee creamer, check the label to see if it contains any kind of trans fat.
Non-Dairy Creamers Can Go Bad
One of the benefits of using products like Coffee-Mate coffee creamer is that they last longer than cream or milk. But this doesn’t mean that they won’t expire at some point. So make sure that you check the label to see when the best-by or use-by date is.
Just like milk, both liquid and powdered coffee creamers used by coffee drinkers will produce an odor that smells sour. As soon as you notice this or begin to notice it doesn’t taste as nice or isn’t mixing properly with the coffee, then discard it.
Powdered Non-Dairy Creamer Contains Flammable Ingredients
This fact may come as somewhat of a surprise to you.
You will find sodium aluminosilicate in this type of creamer used to make coffee creamer. This ingredient is commonly used to produce coffee creamer powder to prevent it from caking together. However, once dispersed, it can become flammable.
But you need not worry, as just stirring 2-3 teaspoons into your morning cup of coffee won’t cause such a situation.
Is Including Creamer a Good Idea for Leading a Healthy Lifestyle?
It all depends. Most creamers come with added sugar content and saturated fat, such as those made using corn syrup. So, unfortunately, adding these types of coffee creamers to your coffee isn’t suitable if you are trying to lose weight.
All types of coffee creamers, even non-dairy creamers, can be healthy or harmful.
It all comes down to the kinds of ingredients used in making them and the amount added to your beverage. There are so many different brands and variations, you really need to check the labels.
Specifically look for:
- total calories
- total sugars (every 4 grams is about 1 tsp. of sugar)
- total fats, especially saturated fats and trans fats
- artificial flavors and colorings
Why Is Coffee Creamer Better?
Pros and Cons of Using Coffee Creamer
Suitable for Those Who Suffer From Food Allergies
Coffee creamer can be an excellent choice for people who are allergic to milk because of lactose or casein sensitivities.
Be Wary of the Ingredients Used
Unfortunately, most creamers are made in factories without using any kind of natural ingredients.
Instead, they are made up of a lot of oils, sugars, and additives. These have been heavily processed, so they will not be beneficial to your health.
Why Is Milk Better?
Milk is not only the oldest ingredient used for adding flavor to coffee, it is also the healthiest, regardless of whether you choose to use animal milk or nut milk.
Milk you from cows and goats contains fewer calories than coconut milk, which has higher levels of saturated fats.
Alternative milks may not work as well for frothing and foaming, and the textures will be different than cows milk.
Pros and Cons of Using Milk in Coffee
Contains Fewer Calories
In milk, you will find that it contains fewer calories than coffee creamer does. In 100 g of whole milk, there is 61 kcal, whereas in 100 g of coffee creamer, there is 136 kcal.
For both of these coffee additions, you will find that most of their calories come from the fats and sugars they contain.
Includes More Protein
Compared to Coffee-Mate liquid creamer, the amount of protein found in milk is relatively easy to see.
In 100 g of coffee creamer, you will find it only contains 1 g of protein. Whereas in 100 g of whole milk, it has 3.1 g of protein.
Contains Fewer Carbohydrates
If you follow any kind of low-carb diet plan, then adding milk to your coffee is your best option.
In 100 g of coffee creamer, you will find it contains 11.38 g of carbs. As for 100 g of whole milk, this includes only 4.46 g of carbs.
Is It Better to Use Coffee Creamer or Milk in Your Coffee?
Milk Contains Important Nutrients and Minerals
Dairy milk is a good option, as it contains high calcium and protein levels. Both of these are two vital nutrients that our bodies need.
If you don’t want to use dairy, a healthy alternative would be to use almond or cashew nut milk. Both of these have fewer calories in them than dairy milk.
Coffee Creamers Up Your Calorie Intake
Creamers are a good option for coffee lovers who want to add more flavor or sweetness to their coffee. This comes at a cost of increased sugars, calorie and fat content.
Milk Will Make the Coffee Weaker
Both dairy and plant-based milks have a high water content. When you add these to your coffee, they will dilute it.
Creamer Helps Boost the Coffee’s Flavor
Coffee creamers have a more flavor than milk because of the sugar substitutes and artificial flavors used to make them. The refrigerated creamers also have a texture more like heavy cream than milk.
Wrapping up
I hope that this has helped you better understand the differences between adding coffee creamer or milk to your coffee.
It’s nice to be able to change things up every so often. So why not try out a few different brands of coffee creamer to see what ones you like the most?