Coffee creamer is a type of cream or milk that is used to lighten and sweeten a cup of coffee or tea. It’s traditionally made with cow milk and flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or caramel. But what alternatives to coffee creamer exist for those who prefer to avoid dairy products or are simply looking to try something different?
Non-dairy creamers are made with plant-based milks like oat, soy, almond, or coconut milk, and are a great option for those who are lactose-intolerant or vegan. They tend to be lower in calories and fat than dairy creamers. They can also be found in flavored varieties, such as hazelnut or vanilla.
Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option or just want to save some money, there are plenty of good alternatives to coffee creamer that will suit your needs. So, skip the coffee creamer and try one of these delicious options instead.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Coffee Creamer?

Plenty of options are available if you’re looking for an alternative to coffee creamer. Here are some of the best ones, with some tips for how to prepare them at home:
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk (on Amazon) is a dairy-free option that’s rich and creamy. It’s also high in healthy fats that can boost your metabolism. You can make your own coconut milk coffee creamer by blending 1 cup of coconut milk with one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Almond Milk
Almond milk (on Amazon) is made by blending almonds and water. It’s a good source of vitamin E and low in calories, making it a popular choice for people looking to lose weight. Like coconut milk, almond milk is also lactose-free.
You can make your own almond milk at home by soaking almonds overnight and then blending them with water. Almond milk can last up to a week in the fridge.
Soy Milk
Soy milk (on Amazon) is made from soybeans and is a good source of protein. It’s also low in calories and cholesterol-free. Soy milk can be used as a coffee creamer alternative or can be enjoyed on its own.
You can find soy milk in most grocery stores, but it’s also easy to make at home. Simply blend soaked soybeans with water and strain the mixture.
Oat Milk
Oat milk (on Amazon) is made by blending oats and water. It’s a good source of fiber and vitamins A and D. Oat milk is also lactose-free and low in calories.
You can make your own oat milk at home by soaking oats in water and blending the mixture.
Rice Milk
Rice milk (on Amazon) is made by blending rice and water. It’s a good source of calcium and is often used as an alternative to cow’s milk for lactose-intolerant people.
Rice milk can also be used as a coffee creamer alternative. You can make your own rice milk at home by soaking rice in water overnight and then blending it with additional water.
The Best Alternative Coffee Creamer Options
Now that you know how many great alternative creamers are out there, let’s take a look at some of the best brands to keep an out for:
Califia Farms
Califia Farms produces dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and carrageenan-free creamers. The company’s almond milk creamer is available in four flavors: unsweetened original, vanilla bean, hazelnut, and toasted coconut caramel.
Califia Farms also has a line of oat milk creamers that come in three flavors: original, vanilla, and chocolate. You can buy Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk Coffee Creamer (on Amazon) and enjoy the natural creaminess.
Nestle Coffeemate
Nestle Coffeemate is one of the most popular coffee creamers on the market. The company offers various flavors, including French vanilla, hazelnut, original, and peppermint mocha.
Nestle Coffeemate’s creamers are made with dairy products and usually contain added sugar. However, the company offers a few non-dairy flavors as well. Try the Nestle Coffeemate French Vanilla Flavored Creamer (on Amazon) and enjoy the classic French vanilla taste.
Vital Proteins Collagen Coffee Creamer
Vital Proteins Collagen Coffee Creamer is a dairy-free creamer made with hydrolyzed collagen protein. The company offers three flavors of collagen coffee creamer: coconut, vanilla, and mocha.
Collagen is a type of protein that is beneficial for joint health, skin appearance, and gut health. Vital Proteins’ collagen coffee creamer is GMO-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. You can get Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer (on Amazon) and enjoy coffee with an extra protein boost.
Laird Superfood
Laird Superfood offers a line of dairy-free creamers that are made with coconut milk. The company’s original creamer is unsweetened and flavorless, while the vanilla bean flavor contains fair trade-certified vanilla extract. Laird Superfood’s creamers are also keto-friendly, vegan, and non-GMO.
You can buy Laird Superfood Unsweetened Instant Coffee Creamer (on Amazon) to enjoy the health benefits of coconut milk without the added sugar.
Coffee Creamer At-Home Recipes
If you prefer to avoid store-bought coffee creamers, you can make your own at home. All you need is a milk alternative and some flavorings. Here are a couple recipes to get you started:
3-Ingredient Homemade Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
This dairy-free recipe takes minutes to make and only contains three ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 mL) full-fat coconut milk (not light) or other non-dairy milk of choice
- 1/2 cup raw hazelnuts
- 3–4 pitted dates (or sweetener of choice), adjust to taste
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until completely smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Add dates for a mildly sweet hazelnut flavor.
- Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Warm until just bubbling, then immediately remove from heat.
- Transfer to a glass jar or bottle and cool completely before sealing with a lid and refrigerating.
Vegan Caramel Pecan Coffee Creamer
This homemade coffee creamer recipe is made with almond milk and flavored with caramel and pecans. It’s also vegan and can be made sugar-free. Ingredients needed include:
- 1 cup (240 mL) unsweetened almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) sugar-free condensed milk (or regular sweetened condensed milk)
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
Directions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the almond milk, condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Cook until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Cool slightly, then transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a glass jar or bottle and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
What Are the Best Sweeteners for Coffee?
The best sweetener for coffee is one that won’t alter the taste and won’t cause any negative health effects. Some of the most popular sweeteners for coffee include:
Coconut Sugar
This is a popular choice for coffee as it has a low glycemic index and doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels. It is also less processed than other sweeteners and has a caramel-like flavor that goes well with coffee.
Agave Nectar
This is another popular choice for coffee as it is a natural sweetener with no strong flavor. It is also considered healthier than refined sugar thanks to its lower glycemic index.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener with a subtle flavor that can complement the taste of coffee. It’s also rich in nutrients and has antibacterial properties.
Maple Syrup
This is another natural sweetener with a delicate flavor and can be used to sweeten coffee. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Stevia
Stevia is a plant-based sweetener. It’s around 200 times sweeter than sugar, so you only need to use a small amount to sweeten coffee.
Which Milk Is the Creamiest in Coffee?

Creamy coffee tastes great, and there are many different types of milk that can be used to make it. Some of the creamiest milks for coffee include:
Whipping Cream
Whipping cream is a type of milk that has been enriched with cream, making it much more creamy than regular milk. It has around 36% fat, which makes it one of the richest types of milk available. Whipping cream is often used to make coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Half and Half
This is a mixture of milk and cream that contains around 10-18% fat. This makes it richer and more creamy than regular milk, which has about 3-4% fat. Half and half is a popular choice for coffee as it creates a rich and creamy cup.
Pea Milk
Pea milk is made from peas and has a creamy texture. Pea milk is relatively new to the market but is already becoming popular, in part because it contains around 8 grams of protein per cup. It’s also low in saturated fat and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Oat Milk
This type of milk is made from oats and has a creamy, smooth texture that is perfect for lattes. Oat milk contains beta-glucans, which are thought to have health benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels. It’s also low in saturated fat and a good fiber source.