If you love the energy boost and focus that comes with a cup of coffee but aren’t a fan of the natural bitterness, you might look to coffee creamer for help. But how much do you know about this popular coffee additive?
There are plenty of varieties out there, but they're not all the same. They contain different ingredients, are used differently, and must be stored in a certain way.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know about coffee creamer, including how to make your own.
What Is Coffee Creamer?
Coffee creamer is a silky, often sweet,liquid or powder that’s added to coffee to smooth out the bitterness and add a little extra flavor and richness.
Some products are a dairy-free substitute for milk or cream, usually made from a blend of water, oils, and sugar, while others are made with dairy.
Of course, there are plenty of plant-based, sugar-free, and even protein-packed versions out there, too.
With the popularity of specialty coffee drinks, it makes sense that coffee creamer comes in plenty of unique flavors, from basic ones like vanilla syrup or caramel to seasonal favorites like the ever-popular pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha.
Combining high-quality coffee beans and a flavorful coffee creamer allows you to take your morning cup of joe to new heights.
How to Use Coffee Creamer
Add the creamer after making your coffee using your preferred brewing method. Begin by pouring the liquid or powdered creamer into your coffee, then stir until the powder dissolves or the liquid is combined well.
Keep in mind that if you add powdered coffee creamer to iced coffee, you may need to stir it longer than if you added it to hot coffee to ensure it’s fully dissolved. In this case, it’s best to add the powder to the coffee while it’s still warm.
Creamer is usually sold ready to use, so there’s nothing you need to do to prepare it before directly adding it to your coffee.
How Is Coffee Creamer Different Than Milk & Cream?
Despite its similar use, coffee creamer differs from dairy products like milk and cream in various ways. First of all, while some creamers contain dairy, many of the most popular options are dairy-free.
Milk and cream are natural dairy products that are less processed and have few, if any, added ingredients. On the other hand, coffee creamer comes in various flavors and is often made with preservatives and other additives.
What’s in Coffee Creamer?
Now that you know what coffee creamer is and how people use it, what’s actually in it? While some creamers contain milk or cream, others are made with dairy-free alternatives like almond, cashew, soy, coconut, or oat milk.
Some other common ingredients often found in coffee creamer include water, vegetable oils, corn syrup, sugar, and other flavors and additives. However, many brands also offer more health-conscious options that contain low sugar, less fat, and low or no carbs.
Check the Ingredients
Before you buy a coffee creamer, make sure you check the ingredients so you know what’s inside. This helps you choose a healthier option and ensures it works with your lifestyle and any dietary restrictions.
For example, just because a creamer says non-dairy doesn’t mean it won’t irritate someone with milk allergies. Non-dairy products can still contain milk-derived components like lactose, whey, or casein. If you’re vegan or are lactose-intolerant, it’s crucial to choose something that says “dairy-free,” not just “non-dairy.”
Make Your Own
You don’t have to buy it from the store — you can also make your own coffee creamer. Combine the milk of your choice, some cream, and a sweetener in a saucepan. Once combined, stir the ingredients well and cook slowly over low heat until the sweetener fully dissolves.
You can also get more creative by adding different flavors to the creamer, like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, or other delicious combinations.
Once you’re finished, make sure you have an airtight container to put the cream in so it stays fresh. Store it in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Coffee Creamer Last?
How long coffee creamer lasts depends on whether it’s powdered or liquid and whether or not it contains dairy.
- Dairy-based creamers will generally only last a week or two before going bad, so you’ll want to use it quickly.
- Non-dairy or dairy-free liquid creamer may last up to a month after the best-before date if it stays unopened. However, you should consume it within two weeks once it's opened.
- Powdered coffee creamer may last multiple years if it's kept unopened. Even after opening, it should last around six months before going bad.
To improve the longevity and shelf life of your coffee creamer of any type, store it properly. If the products aren’t stored well, they may only last a fraction of the time if stored correctly.
How to Know If Your Coffee Creamer Is Bad
There are a few signs that it might be time to get rid of your coffee creamer. First, it’s time to throw it away if it develops a nasty smell that’s a far cry from the fresh and sweet scent it usually has.
If it smells okay but it has a sour or otherwise unpleasant taste, that may mean it’s spoiled.
If you don't want to taste or smell it, you can also judge it based on its consistency and texture. Liquid coffee creamer should have a silky and smooth texture, but if it’s lumpy or curdled, it’s a sign that it's either gone bad or is going bad.
How to Store Coffee Creamer
The right way to store your coffee creamer depends on the type you have.
Let’s take a look at the different types and the best storage practices for each:
Powdered Coffee Creamer
If you have powdered coffee creamer, store it in a cool, dry, dark place, like a cabinet. You should also keep it in a sealed and airtight container so that no air or moisture gets into the creamer. If the powder comes in contact with moisture, it may clump and could spoil faster.
Liquid Coffee Creamer
Once it’s opened, store liquid creamer in the fridge with the lid sealed tightly. Don’t keep it out of the fridge too long, or it will go bad sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions: Coffee Creamer
Here are a few common questions about coffee creamer, along with their answers.
1. What’s Coffee Creamer Made of?
Coffee creamer is made of a variety of ingredients, depending on the one you choose. It can be made from dairy (like cream or milk), dairy alternatives (like almond milk or coconut milk), or other ingredients like water, sugar, vegetable oils, thickeners, and more.
2. What’s the Point of Coffee Creamer?
People mostly use coffee creamer to make their cup of joe less bitter and to add sweetness. It also adds a creamy texture and dilutes the strength.
3. What Kinds of Coffee Creamer Flavors Are There?
Coffee creamer comes in a wide range of flavors, including French vanilla, hazelnut, Irish creme, caramel, and dozens of others. No matter your taste, there’s surely a coffee creamer you’ll enjoy.
4. How Should I Properly Store Coffee Creamer to Keep It Fresh?
Proper storage depends on the type of coffee creamer you have. Store powdered creamer in a cool, dark, and dry cabinet, but you'll need to refrigerate liquid creamer.
5. Is Powdered or Liquid Coffee Creamer Better?
Both are good choices, and the right option depends on personal preference. Someone who values a longer shelf life and better convenience may prefer powdered creamer, while liquid creamer often comes in more flavors and can offer a creamier texture.
6. Is Coffee Creamer Dairy-Free?
It depends. Some coffee creamers are dairy-free and made from coconut, almond, soy, or oat milk, whereas others have dairy somewhere in the recipe.
7. Can You Froth Coffee Creamer?
Some coffee creamers will froth, giving your coffee a desirable texture and look, just like you can with milk.
8. What’s the Best Coffee Creamer for Keto?
If you're adhering to a Keto diet, you'll want to look for coffee creamer high in healthy fats and low in carbs. Many keto-friendly creamers contain ingredients like MCT oil.
9. Is Coffee Creamer Bad for You?
No, coffee creamer isn’t inherently bad for you. However, some may contain plenty of sugar or artificial ingredients.
10. Does Coffee Creamer Need to Be Refrigerated?
It depends. If you choose liquid coffee creamer, it must generally be refrigerated after opening. But if you use powdered coffee creamer, it can be stored in a cool and dry cabinet instead.
