We’ve seen a lot of Califia dairy alternatives come and go, but this dairy-free half & half has not only persisted, it’s also expanded to include five varieties. And yet, I realized the other day that we didn’t even have Califia Farms Better Half listed on Go Dairy Free! I’m fixing that issue with this detailed post in our newer format. If you’ve tried this creamy product, you can leave your own rating and review below.
Califia Farms Better Half is a Half Coconut Cream & Half Almond Milk
Although it’s often sold in the refrigerated section, this dairy-free half & half alternative is actually shelf-stable, until it’s opened. Each variety has the same creamy base, but a different flavor or sweetness profile.
Unsweetened
This completely unsweetened variety is made for most applications, which is why it’s available in both the small 16 ounce and larger 32 ounce sizes.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), coconut cream, sunflower lecithin, natural flavors, calcium carbonate, sea salt, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum. Contains almond, coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also handles peanuts and other tree nuts.*
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 15 calories, 1.5g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Original
It might be a “classic” variety, but you’ll only find this one in the smaller packages. It’s also the only variety sweetened with cane sugar (just a touch) instead of monk fruit.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), coconut cream, cane sugar, natural flavors, calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum. Contains almond, coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also handles peanuts and other tree nuts.*
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 20 calories, 1.5g fat, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g sugars (includes 1g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Vanilla
Apparently this is a popular flavor, because it’s sold in both the 16 ounce and 32 ounce sizes.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), coconut cream, natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, calcium carbonate, monk fruit juice concentrate, sea salt, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum. Contains almond, coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also handles peanuts and other tree nuts.*
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 15 calories, 1.5g fat, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Hazelnut
You’ll only find the small size of this coffee-loving flavor on store shelves.
Ingredients: almond milk (water, almonds), coconut cream, natural flavors, sunflower lecithin, calcium carbonate, monk fruit juice concentrate, sea salt, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, gellan gum. Contains almond, coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also handles peanuts and other tree nuts.*
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 15 calories, 1.5g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
Pumpkin Spice (seasonal)
When pumpkin spice season rolls around, Califia goes big with this 32-ounce size. If you can’t wait for the holidays, don’t worry, it’s usually available for most of the year online.
Ingredients: almondmilk (water, almonds), coconut cream, pumpkin puree, sunflower lecithin, natural flavors, calcium carbonate, ground cinnamon, monk fruit juice concentrate, sea salt, ground ginger, potassium citrate, locust bean gum, ground nutmeg, gellan gum. Contains almond, coconut. Manufactured in a facility that also handles peanuts and other tree nuts.*
Nutrition (per 2 tablespoons): 15 calories, 1g fat, 0g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars (includes 0g added sugars), 0g protein.*
More Facts on Califia Farms Better Half
Price: $3.49 per 16.9-ounce carton; $4.59 per 32-ounce carton
Availability: Califia Farms Better Half is sold at major grocery stores like Target and Walmart and at natural food stores like Sprouts. It can also be ordered online from Amazon.
Certifications: Califia Farms Better Half is Non-GMO Verified and Certified Kosher Pareve.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Califia Farms Better Half is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Califia Farms website at www.califiafarms.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
The Best - and I've Tried Them All
The unsweetened half-almond / half-coconut is the BEST creamer there is. It doesn’t taste too coconutty, unlike coconut-forward brands, and it doesn’t taste like vegetable oil like Nutpods do. It’s also not too thin, as all-almond tends to be.
Honestly I think the only reason this hasn’t seen more buzz/been more popular is that it’s a bit hard to find, especially if you live in a non-metro area. It’s pretty frustrating that brands that have the wrong texture or taste crappy or are full of sugar are so popular and easy to find. 🙁