Updated for 2018! A decade ago, a reader named Mary emailed to ask me about dairy-free coffee creamer options. When I first posted this Q&A, there were just a few options on the market. Now there are about two dozen to choose from! This list includes ALL of the dairy-free creamers we’ve found, and we update it regularly.
Q: Mary – As vegetarians, our greatest challenge to becoming vegan is that we deeply enjoy our morning ritual of traditional European coffees and Australian “flat whites” (made with organic milk). Our attempts at milk substitutes have not been successful. We have tried hemp, oat, soy, and almond milks — all to no avail. We cannot seem capture the mellow flavor enhancement nor the creamy texture that milk dilution provides our coffee. And pure coconut milk as a “milk for coffee” substitute also has not worked for us – it just makes the coffee oily. Are there any other potentially viable options for dairy free coffee creamer out there that we simply have not tried yet?
A: Alisa – Yes! Over the years, I’ve researched brands, taste-tested numerous options, and pooled opinions from many coffee drinking friends to give you the best vegan and dairy free coffee creamer alternatives available to date. But because coffee creamer seems to be a very personal thing, this dairy-free creamer list offers different tastes and consistencies for all – try them out to see which one is the holy grail for your morning cup of joe.
Dairy-Free vs Non-Dairy
First, it’s important to make a quick distinction. Many coffee creamers that are labeled as “Non-Dairy” are not actually dairy-free by ingredients. With foods such as whipped topping and creamers the term non-dairy may be used if the product contains 0.5% or less milk by weight – usually in the form of casein / caseinates (reference: Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook). These products may be okay for many lactose intolerant individuals, but could still be a problem for people who are allergic / sensitive to milk (casein is the top allergenic protein within milk) and for those seeking truly dairy-free or vegan products.
The following dairy-free creamer suggestions do not contain any dairy in the ingredients (casein, whey, lactose, etc.), but as with all products, do your homework if milk cross-contamination is a concern for you. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, many dairy alternatives are made (or packaged) in shared facilities or on shared lines with their dairy-based counterparts.
Milk Alternatives: Maybe for Some
I have heard reports from many people who simply enjoy almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk beverage, or just a touch of regular, full-fat coconut milk in their coffee. Though these may be rich enough, milk alternatives frequently separate in hot liquids and they don’t have the same mouth feel as commercially made creamers. For some coffee lovers this is not a problem, but for others like Mary, dairy-free creamers have been created.
Dairy Free Coffee Creamer: Liquid – Sold Refrigerated
So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer
This flagship dairy free coffee creamer is so popular that it comes in standard pints and larger quart sizes, too! Available in the flavors you see below, this beloved product line recently received a carrageenan-free formula overhaul. You’ll have to taste-test it to see if the new blend meets with your standards, but we thought it added a nice splash of flavor. Like most of the others on this list, it is vegan and soy-free, but this one is also tree nut-free. Updated review coming soon!
So Delicious Dairy Free Almond Milk Creamer
I’m a big almond fan, so I liked the flavor of this mellow dairy free coffee creamer. It wasn’t as thick as expected, but this somewhat rich dairy alternative does add body and a smooth finish the second it submerges into a hot beverage. This vegan creamer has always been soy-free and carrageenan-free, too. But it’s only sold in quart sizes. For more details, enjoy our Full Review of So Delicious Almond Milk Creamer.
Ripple Half & Half
These little bottles of light cream come in Original and a sweeter Vanilla. Unlike most brands, these are top allergen-free, and they work wonderfully in recipes. They don’t “break” when the heat is on. You can read more about this product in my full review.
Silk Soy Creamer
A recent formula change to make this dairy free coffee creamer even creamier and carrageenan-free has many former fans up in arms. We’ll see what happens with the shakeout. In the meantime, this is an option that is made without nuts, is non-GMO verified and made with whole soy (not isolates) and is pretty easy to locate chilled in stores. It’s sold in pint and quart packages in Original, Vanilla, and Hazelnut.
Silk Almond Creamer (refrigerated) – Available in enticing Vanilla, Hazelnut, Sweet & Creamy (not pictured), and Caramel flavors, this newer option from Silk is soy-free, carrageenan-free, and starting off with rave reviews. All four are extremely low in fat (0 to 1 g per tablespoon) and sweetened with cane sugar.
Silk Dairy-Free Creamer Singles
These aren’t yet available for consumers to purchase, but you might spot them at some coffee shops and restaurants. It wouldn’t hurt to ask a favorite spot to order some in either, since they are available wholesale. Interestingly enough, these are not nut- or soy-based, like their other creamers. They’re made with an oil emulsion and seem to be top allergen free. Here is the ingredient list: filtered water, cane sugar, sunflower oil, acacia gum, contains 2% or less DF: natural flavor, xanthan gum, sea salt.
Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamer
You might see several types of Califia creamers in the refrigerated section, but the bottles must be refrigerated at all times. See the next section for their shelf-stable options. These refrigerated bottles come in several flavors, including some seasonal options. But year round you can enjoy Unsweetened, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Pecan Caramel, Mexican Cocoa, Irish Creme, and Dulce de Leche.
Wildwood Soymilk Creamer
This lesser known option has actually been around for quite a while and is reportedly the only “made with organic soymilk” creamer. It’s available only in Original, and though not as well-distributed as the other dairy-free creamers, you may stumble across it in stores.
Coffee Rich Non-Dairy Creamer
Though it’s far from virtuous in terms of ingredients (corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, soy protein isolate and more), this option is likely to be more like other non-dairy creamers you are used to, but it is kosher pareve and thus dairy-free. Available in Original and Fat Free.
Natural Bliss Almond Milk & Coconut Milk Coffee Creamers
Coffee-mate has finally emerged with dairy-free options. All fall under their Natural Bliss line, and they come in a few appealing flavors. These appear to be carrageenan-free and vegan, and are enriched with pea protein. See Sarah’s full review for more details.
Nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer
This beloved brand added a refrigerated line on top of their shelf-stable line. You can read more on Nutpods in the shelf-stable section that follows. The refrigerated versions come in the same great, everyday flavors, and are also unsweetened.
Kineret Coffee Whitener
This old-school creamer is made by the kosher company, Kayco. It is dairy-free and certified kosher parve. It is sold frozen, but you defrost it in the refrigerator and shake before using. This brand is primarily sold in major grocers in the U.S.
Mocha Mix
Carla B. shared this brand with us via Facebook, “You forgot the old standby, Mocha Mix. Totally full of junk and chemicals (probably very similar ingredients to the Rich brand creamer), but I have to admit, it tastes more like half and half than any of the other dairy-free creamers I’ve tried.” According to the ingredients, and the kosher pareve labeling, it is dairy-free (and therefore casein-free).
Store Brands of Refrigerated Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer
Some are getting in on the action with OEM versions of dairy free coffee creamer – another company such as So Delicious or Silk produces the dairy-free creamer, but the store brand’s label is affixed. Such is the case with Trader Joe’s current coconut creamer and we have seen some other stores get in on the action – maybe you have seen one?
Dairy Free Coffee Creamer: Liquid – Sold Shelf-Stable
Although the following options are sold un-refrigerated, they do need to be refrigerated once open.
Nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer
Of those that we’ve sampled to date, Nutpods is our personal top choice for dairy free coffee creamer. It submerses beautifully for that full, lightly creamy mouthfeel and all flavors are unsweetened, so you can sweeten for your mood that day using whatever sugar or sugar alternative that you choose. The ingredients are quite pure and the product is soy-free, certified gluten-free, non-GMO verified and made with a base of almonds and coconut. For more details, enjoy our Full Review of Nutpods.
Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamer
We loved this product on launch, but a package and formula redesign has reportedly changed this dairy-free creamer notably. Their ingredients include both almond and coconut cream, but this product is carrageenan-free, soy-free, certified kosher parve, and it comes in 4 vegan flavors: Unsweetened, Vanilla, Hazelnut and Pecan Caramel. They also have a Barista Blend. Though it is of the prior formula (we will update!), you can still get details and reader comments on the new formula via our Full Review of Califia Farms Creamer. These creamers are reportedly shelf stable until opened, but they are usually sold in the refrigerated section.
Califia Farms Better Half
In smaller pints, the newer Better Half products appears similar to the company’s almondmilk creamers in ingredients, but they are a little richer with just a smidge higher fat content. Some may prefer this added touch of indulgence for their dairy free coffee creamer. They’re available in Original, Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Hazelnut. Like the Califia Creamers just above, these are reportedly shelf stable until opened, but are often sold refrigerated.
So Delicious Dairy Free Barista-Style Coconut Milk Creamer
The Barista-style is very similar to their main line of coconut milk creamers in ingredients. However, it has pea protein added, which presumably adds a little more body, and it’s shelf-stable so you can stock up! We’ve seen it in Original and French Vanilla. For some notes on ideas for using it, see my Post of So Delicious Barista-Style.
Pacific Barista Series Milk Beverages
I couldn’t find them on their website, but Pacific Foods makes a “Barista” line for coffee shops and food service that you can buy online via Amazon. They offer soy-, coconut-, and almond-based options that are reportedly perfect for making spot-on lattes. These do contain carrageenan, but the almond and coconut versions appear to be made without soy.
Walden Farms Calorie Free Coffee Creamer
Uniquely bottled like salad dressings, these creamers are promoted as sugar-free, dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free and more, and come in five enticing flavors: Original Cream, Sweet Cream, Mocha, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla. Sound to good to be true? It might be, or it might not. Overall, they get pretty strong reviews, with a few who weren’t pleased, naturally. But if you are looking for a healthier dairy free coffee creamer, this may not be it. The ingredients include your typical barrage of non-dairy creamer chemicals and they do contain carrageenan and are sweetened with sucralose.
ECOS Coconut Creamer
This is a 100% natural dairy-free creamer made purely from coconuts: coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut sugar. No added tap water, cane sugar or preservatives (such as dipotassium phosphate) are used. Rather than chemicals, pure cream is used for richness.
Dairy Free Coffee Creamer: Powder – Sold Shelf-Stable
Taam Tov Instant Creamer
Powdered non-dairy creamer that is truly dairy-free can seem impossible to find, but this one is certified kosher parve (OU) and vegan. It’s made with just a few ingredients, which unfortunately include titanium dioxide and carrageenan. I would check the reviews before deciding.
Coconut Cloud Creamer
At last, a truly dairy-free powdered creamer that’s also free of funny business. Yes, it’s carrageenan-free and made without titanium dioxide or caseinates (milk proteins). It provides a lightly creamy, full-bodied consistency but a very mild taste that is neither overly sweet nor strongly coconut. You can read my full review here.
And, Coconut Cloud Creamer now comes in Spiced Turmeric Ginger, Matcha Latte, and Single Packs too!
CACafe Coconut Coffee
This is a unique, ready-to-go coffee with creamer concept. It is an instant Columbian coffee with instant powdered dairy-free coconut creamer all in one! The ingredients aren’t too shabby and it comes in either multi-serve canisters or single-serve to-go cups (just add hot water, put the lid on and go). They have sweetened and unsweetened available, and also offer mocha and tea varieties.
Wander Life Coconut Creamer
This is a great option for purists on the go. It comes in 6 varieties, sweetened and unsweetened, and all are vegan and paleo. The sweetened varieties use coconut sugar, and the ingredient list is simple and legible. You can read Leah’s full review here.
Laird Superfood Coffee Creamer
I’m not completely sure what the “Superfood” aspect is, but this is a simple “clean” dairy-free coffee creamer in terms of ingredients. It comes in Original, Unsweetened, Tumeric, and Cacao. They used dried coconut nectar for sweetening.
Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer
This option isn’t vegan, but it is dairy-free. The coconut milk powder base is spiked with collagen peptides, bamboo shoot extract, and acacia fiber. It comes in Coconut, Gingerbread, and Vanilla flavors. And each flavor can be purchased in a canister or single-serve packets.
Simple Truth Coconutmilk Creamer
Available in the Kroger grocery store chains, this powdered brand is available in canisters and single serve packets in Original and Vanilla flavors. It’s coconut cream-based, and free of dairy, including caseinate!
Flavorings: Dairy-Free Buyer Beware
You may be surprised to learn that some flavoring syrups actually contain dairy. They might look like pure sugar, but dairy derivatives are used in a handful of varieties. So be sure to check the ingredients carefully. The most popular brand, Torani, offers a handy allergen chart.
Likewise, some flavored versions of those beloved Keurig K-Cups may contain milk protein. Most are dairy-free, but not all, so check! It appears that Crazy Cups, which come in many fun flavors, are vegan, kosher pareve and compatible with Keurig. But of course, always check the ingredients to verify.
What’s Your Favorite Dairy Free Coffee Creamer? Leave a Comment!
For more dairy-free Q&A topics, see our Ask Alisa Page. Alisa Fleming is the founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. and Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks & Sweets. In addition to her own dairy-free lifestyle, Alisa has experience in catering to the needs of various special diets, including gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, vegan, and multiple food allergies.
200 Comments
I love my coffee, but have been breaking out in major rashes and hives everyday. Allergic found 42 food I’m allergic to. Basically I can incest Chicken, soy, broccoli, rice and beans. This is what I’m living on. I miss terribly having creamers in my coffee. Is there such a things as: dairy, corn, coconut, all nuts free creamers? I’m so fed up and don’t like my coffee black, but I might have to learn to like it. I have now lost 45 pounds on this crazy diet.
Hi Ginger, the list above does include soy creamers. If you can’t find one that meets your dietary needs, you can use soymilk and / or make a creamer.
Thank you, Alisha, I really appreciate all this work. So far I’m loving the So Delicious and excited to try more.
I agree, that’s a good brand!
Alisa, thank you for writing this great article on dairy-free coffee creamers. Indeed, there are many things to assess when choosing the right one! Very helpful.
Would be nice if these were also Gellan gum free. Gellan gum is bad just like carrageenan is bad
THANK YOU! Do you know of any powdered creamers that are not coconut based? Like, pea protein or soy based? I need non-refrigerated but I also don’t want the nasty chemicals, carageenan, etc.
The Taam Tov above is, but it contains carrageenan. I heard rumor of an almond-based one, but I haven’t been able to get anymore information. I haven’t seen any pea protein or soy-based ones as of yet.
These are great options for dairy free creamers! I have been searching for this for a long time, finally I found the perfect dairy creamer. In the quantity of sugar it’s also perfect for me as I am a sugar lover and less sugar also tastes not that bad for to me 🙂 Thanks Alisa.
So glad you found the perfect one for you Kathy!
All these products are loaded with sugar and/or soy…. two of the worst things you can ingest!
I think you might want to take another look at the list Angie. Several of them are free of sugar and soy for your needs. Try nutpods, laird’s, ripple unsweetened … the list goes on. There are actually only a few on this list that contain soy and/or don’t have an unsweetened option. Enjoy!
I can’t wait to try this out! Do you know how to cook them without a slow cooker?
Was this comment meant for another post Sakshi?
Thank you for such a large list. I am lactose intolerant and have not found a good replacement for half and half, for my taste. Excited to try some of these out!! Thanks!!!!
Happy to help Teresa!
Thanks for the very informative list! Lately I’ve been enjoying this product: “Native Forest Organic Coconut Cream” – not only organic but unsweetened. Have tried many, including NutPods. This is very thick & creamy. The ingredients are listed as “organic coconut, water & organic guar gum.”
A marvelous! Thanks for sharing Jayne!
I am not a vegan so that is not my concern. I love coffee and for years used Coffeemate. Every article I find on coffee mate suggests it is very unhealthy. Wrote Nestle directly and got a poor reply which said just look on the label. I asked them how healthy is their product(wrong question to ask them). I presently use Hazelnut as a creamer, it is exceptable but does contain some sugar. Tried almond( turned into almond coffee and hated it) and coconut ( can have same results with plain water). I also tried Hemp milk but poured out after using a little bit. NO RICE OR NO SOY. The reason I am looking is recently I was in USA and used a dry non dairy creamer. I did not see a long list of nasty ingredients on this particular brand and the coffee tasted good. I will continue my search I guess.
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Awesome resource, I’ve tried many of these besides the ECOS Coconut Creamer. As a coffee addict it’s sometimes a chore tracking down decent dairy-free alternatives. Thanks for putting this all together.
No mention of Svelte Vanilla which is by far my favorite. I have tried many of the others on this list and they do not compare, IMO.
Well that’s an interesting use of a protein shake! It is a nice sweet and creamy shake, so great idea!
I haven’t read all the comments or even the entire article. I have however, been looking for a website like this for about 4 months. I never knew a baby could have a milk allergy manifest during breastfeeding because a mom was drinking cows milk, until my daughter. I’m no vegan, but going dairy free has alleviated many of my personal health problems, and my baby is happily breastfed. I’m extatic to have a new, reliable source for dairy free lifestyle that doesn’t mean scouring for “vegan” everywhere on the net. So from this happy mom and bubbly baby…. THANK YOU!
So happy that I can help both of you Grace 🙂
Have you tried this? I have not, and I do not like coconut, but I like the idea of it getting foamy with coffee like a latte. https://lairdsuperfood.com/collections/all-products/products/laird-superfood-creamer-original-flavor-non-dairy-powder-form-16-ounce
No, that’s a new one to me! Looks interesting.
Thanks that is good news.
Thanks for this list. You saved me hours of searching.
Thank you for all the info on coffee creamers. Trying to do the vegan thing but finding it so hard to find a decent creamer. This site really helps.
Happy to help Mary!
Hi Alisa,
Thanks for this article- there are some brands on here that I hadn’t heard of before. I actually started my search for other non-dairy creamers when I found out that Silk uses Palm Oil in their creamer. I was a little disheartened that you don’t mention this ingredient in any of your reviews. I understand that in giving a review you need to keep it short and touch on points you feel are most important to your readers. However, the use of Palm Oil as an ingredient should be right up there on your touchpoint list. If your readers aren’t aware of the destruction that the Palm Oil industry is having on our environment, specifically the rain forest, then my hope would be that articles like yours would enlighten them and encourage them to learn more.
Claire
Hi Claire, thank you so much for voicing your concerns. Palm oil is a complex subject and not at all black and white. Even the Sumatran Orangutan Society (that is working to protect the species) states: “Whilst we appreciate that individuals may wish to distance themselves from the threat the industry poses to orangutans and their habitat, we do not believe that boycotting palm oil is the solution. It is the most productive oil crop in the world, so much more land would need to be sacrificed if companies switched to using an alternative.”
There is actually a Sustainable Palm Oil Certification, and most of the natural food brands have obtained this (including Hain Celestial, the parent of hundreds of natural food brands, and Danone, the new parent company of Silk). You can search for those companies here – http://www.rspo.org
Palm oil is actually one of the more sustainable oils, it has just been harvested in some countries in an unsustainable way. Organizations like this are working to change this, and hope to do so with consumer support.