Dairy Free, Not Non-Dairy, Coffee Creamers

Silk Dairy Free Soy Creamer

Silk is my go-to brand for not only creamer but also alternative milk. Soy milk is my favorite as it is smooth and does not negatively change the flavor of coffee the way that almond milk does. I use the original soy for my coffee and the vanilla flavored one for my tea. It is free of dairy, lactose, carrageenan, gluten, casein, egg, peanut and MSG. It is also verified by the Non-GMO Project’s product verification program.

Silk Half and Half Alternative (Oat and Coconut Milks)

This blend of alternative milks does not taste like either coconut or oat, with the taste being creamy, like half and half. This is perfect if don’t want to drink black coffee, but also don’t want your coffee to be overly sweet. It is free of dairy, gluten, carrageenan and cholesterol.

So Delicious Oat Milk Creamer

This brand is usually known for their coconut milk and ice cream and I’m glad they now offer oat milk. It is smooth and creamy without an oat aftertaste. It is gluten free, vegan, and has no added sugar.

Califia Unsweetened Oat Creamer

The creamer is very smooth, creamy and unsweetened so you can add your own sugar. The taste is similar to the So Delicious Oat Milk Creamer. It is vegan, gluten free, BPA free, kosher, carrageenan free and non-GMO verified.

Ripple Half and Half (Pea Protein)

I’ve reviewed Ripple alternative milk and yogurt in the past and like this brand because it offers an alternative to nut-based milks. For those who don’t like or are allergic to the other alternative milks, this is a great option. It is made from peas, but does not have an aftertaste, and is very smooth. It is vegan, lactose free, nut free, soy free, GMO free and gluten free.  It also has no saturated fats or cholesterol.

Not Reviewed

Many powdered coffee creamers are labeled non-dairy. I used to think non-dairy and dairy free meant the same thing and were interchangeable. Not so.

According to the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, “The FDA regulations specifically allow the use of caseinates (and casein is one of the major milk allergens) in non-dairy products. However, the term, caseinate, will appear in the ingredient statement and must be followed by a parenthetical explanation, such as (a milk derivative).” From <https://farrp.unl.edu/resources/gi-fas/opinion-and-summaries/dairy-free-and-non-dairy>

Because of this, I debated on whether to review the following product, which is labeled as non-dairy but does not appear to have milk products. But please use at your own discretion. As the FDA states in the article, “careful inspection of the ingredient statement is the consumer’s best defense.”

Rich’s Coffee Rich Non-Dairy Creamer (Coconut Oil)

This product is advertised as non-dairy and not dairy free. However, I didn’t see any milk ingredients and the allergens section on their website only lists soy.

For those who may want to try it, it’s made with coconut oil, but does not taste like traditional coconut milk creamers.  It is rich, as their name states, without tasting sweet or like coconuts. The taste is similar to the original dairy Coffee Mate creamer.  It is usually found in the freezer section and not dairy/milk section. Instructions are to thaw in the fridge or defrost in the microwave.

Conclusion

For those who miss half and half creamer, Silk, So Delicious, Califia and Ripple offer great tasting, thick and rich coffee creamers. There are various alternative milk options, too, such as soy, oat, coconut and pea protein. And please be cautious with non-dairy creamers. Many of them contain milk, which must appear in the list of ingredients, according to the FDA.

In the News

According to the FDA, a voluntary recall was issued for select Lay’s Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips. The company discovered some bags were filled with another flavor of potato chips, potentially exposing consumers to milk (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/frito-lay-issues-voluntary-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-select-bags-lays-barbecue-flavored-potato#:~:text=The%20recall%20was%20initiated%20after,exposing%20consumers%20to%20undeclared%20milk.&text=Frito%2DLay%20has%20informed%20the%20FDA%20of%20the%20action.)

Fun Food Fact

According to the National Coffee Association, 4% of Americans add alternative dairy products to their coffee, while 40% of Americans add milk or sweeteners to their coffee.

Did You Know

Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks. It’s a natural ingredient that comes from red seaweed and it is often found in nut milks. While the FDA has approved it, there are concerns about its safety. Some scientists believe that carrageenan can cause inflammation, digestive problems, and even colon cancer. If this concerns you, the Silk and Califia creamers reviewed are carrageenan free.

Quote

“Cows’ milk protein may be the single most significant chemical carcinogen to which humans are exposed.” T. Colin Campbell (Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University)