There are days when black coffee doesn’t seem enough for me and I crave a little oomph that a coconut coffee creamer can convey. Yes, you heard that right, coconut. 🥥
Everyone can use coconut creamer as it’s a vegan, keto, lactose-free, —basically, healthier —option. It delivers a mild flavor and creamy mouthfeel.
What does coffee taste like with a coconut creamer?
Coconut creamer for coffee can give you a drink with a velvety and mild flavor.
There are many plant-based milk and cream options available, but coconut cream has an incredible flavor. Not to mention, it has a plethora of benefits.
Coconut cream is high in healthier saturated fats, which our bodies use as energy rather than store as fat.
It's thicker, has more fat, and is easy to scoop up. Because it’s great in recipes like curries and soups, coconut milk and cream are often used interchangeably.
If you want a richer flavor and texture, it makes sense to try coconut cream in your next cup of coffee.
You must be wondering: Is coconut creamer healthier than regular creamer?
They are extremely beneficial to the immune system especially since coconuts have antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Coconut meat is said to have healing properties because it contains antioxidants and has an anti-inflammatory effect on your body.
Coconut creamer for coffee vs regular creamer
Coffee creamer was invented to improve not only the taste but also the “feel” of your favorite beverage.
They come in two variations: powdered and liquid.
But why the shift from regular creamers to coconut creamers? Some of the reasons why people look for coconut creamers include:
- Search for a healthier alternative
- A great keto option
- A lactose-free choice
- Vegan option
Coconut creamer for coffee is healthier
There are almost 200 million Americans who use coffee creamers. The bad news is that the fat in coffee creamers is made up of oil, sugar, and thickeners.
These 3 ingredients in coffee creamer don’t really sound like the healthiest at all. The oils in question are partially hydrogenated. Coffee creamers, like flavors and fatty foods, can cause blood sugar spikes.
📢 Fact:
Regular coffee creamers have lots of trans fat, sugar, and harmful preservatives that can cause various health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Coconut creamer completes your keto diet
Coconut oil coffee creamers contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which maintain a keto diet.
This kind of diet is said to be good for you because it supports weight loss, improves acne, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
A ketogenic diet should include 60-80% fat, 10-30% protein, and no more than 5-10% — or 20-50 grams — of carbohydrates per day.
It is also said to improve heart health, protect brain function, and even potentially reduce seizures as well as improve PCOS symptoms.
When carbohydrate intake is low, MCTs can be converted into ketones, which are produced by the breakdown of fat if you're on a ketogenic diet, which is common in carbs but high in fat.
📢 Fact:
MCTs are natural and healthy fats with health benefits. Among these advantages is a nutritious source of energy that fuels the brain and the body.
MCT oil may help you stay in the fat-burning state known as ketosis. And since coconut milk has this ingredient, it helps you maintain a keto diet even while enjoying creamy coffee.
Coconut creamer for coffee can help prevent tummy troubles (lactose intolerance)
Coconut milk is naturally lactose-free and is not considered a dairy product because it is derived from a plant rather than a mammal. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products.
This makes coconut milk suitable for a dairy- or lactose-free diet and is perfect if you ever have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.
📢Fact:
Around 48% of Americans are lactose intolerant while approximately 80% of African Americans have lactose intolerance.
If you are unable to digest it properly, you could experience unpleasant digestive symptoms following dairy consumption.
This means you have to stay away from cheese and in this case, dairies such as half-and-half or cream for your coffee. You won’t want it to turn into the “race for the fastest person to the toilet”, do you? 🚽
Coconut creamer for coffee is an excellent option for vegans
Since coconut creamer came from a fruit and not an animal, this is a perfect coffee additive for anyone living a vegan lifestyle.
With veganism, you won’t be eating food derived from animals. Typically you’ll be avoiding the use of other animal products too.
And this recipe won’t need any animal-derived products.
How to make coconut milk coffee creamer
A coconut coffee creamer recipe involves a couple of coconut products: coconut milk and coconut oil. You would also need some kind of sweetener, vanilla extract, and an optional dash of salt.
So obviously, I am a bit biased toward coconut coffee creamers. I just can’t imagine making coffee creamer a part of my everyday coffee. This is considering all of the bad stuff in it.
Even Coffee Mate is bad for you and to think it is already a pretty famous brand. 🤷Because of the harmful trans fat in Coffee Mate, it is banned in some areas of Europe.
If you want to ensure you are only consuming healthy stuff, you better make it yourself. Here’s how to make coconut milk coffee creamer in your kitchen:
What do you need
- Saucepan
- blender
- coconut milk 13.5 oz
- vanilla extract
- coconut oil (melted)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Salt
How to Make Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer
Step 1. Melt the coconut oil 🥥
In a saucepan, add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and melt.
Adding coconut oil will help improve the mouthfeel that the creamer brings to coffee.
Most coconut oil would come in a solid form like this below.
Source: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-coconut-oil
Coconut oil is 100% fat, with 80-90% of it being saturated fat which explains why it has a firm texture at cold or room temperature.
This is why you need to melt it first before mixing it with the other ingredients. As soon as your coconut oil is liquified, you can mix it with the rest.
If you don’t do this, you could end up with some chunks of coconut oil floating on top of your coffee.
When the coconut oil is melted, you can set it aside to cool. Remember, just keep it cool enough to stay in liquid form and ready for the next step.
Step 2. Mix your ingredients
Next, in a blender, mix your coconut milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, either honey or maple syrup as sweetener, and an optional dash of salt.
Just blend all the ingredients until they’re completely mixed together in a smooth mixture. As soon as everything is mixed up — *drumroll*— you have your finished product.
That’s it! Now, you have a coconut creamer to add to your coffee.
By the way, don’t forget to store the rest of the mixture in a clean container and refrigerate.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind with this homemade coconut coffee creamer:
- For this coconut coffee creamer recipe, you should use canned coconut milk and NOT coconut cream. I know we're making a creamer here, but if you use coconut cream, your mixture could keep separating. (Nuh-uh, we won’t like that. 🚫)
- Most of us would like to make our creamers sweet, so you can add honey or maple syrup to this recipe. If you aren’t a fan of honey or maple syrup, you can use other healthy sweeteners for coffee such as monk fruit extract or even coconut sugar.
- Your coconut coffee creamer can be stored in the fridge for up to 14 days. Just remember to give it a good shake before using it in case the mixture separates. This is because coconut milk is pretty thick that it needs to be shaken well to distribute evenly.
Where can you buy coconut coffee creamer?
Homemade coconut coffee creamers are dope. But not everyone has the time to make their own coconut coffee creamer.
I don’t think I have the energy to make one myself.
Good thing coconut creamers aren’t hard to find. If you’re wondering: “What coconut creamer is good for coffee?” worry not. Here’s a list of coconut creamers for you!
1. So Delicious Coconut Creamer
So Delicious coconut milk creamer is one of the few that has no added sugar in it. It has a rich coconut flavor and foams well.
It's not as thick as other regular creamers, but it's a good substitute for super-sweet creamers if you're watching your sugar intake.
This creamer is made of organic coconut milk (filtered water, organic coconut cream), organic cane sugar, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, natural flavor, and gellan gum.
If you enjoy the mild flavor of coconut, you'll definitely enjoy this creamer.
2. Trader Joe's Coconut Creamer
This creamer is rich and round, with a subtle coconut flavor. It is a great dairy-free and lactose-free option.
According to loyal drinkers, you would only need a small amount to get a nice, creamy texture in your coffee. At the same time, it’s not too overwhelming either.
There is also no watered-down consistency so you’re sure to have a thick and creamy cup of coffee. This is quite nice if you're used to heavy cream or half-and-half.
3. Laird Superfood Coconut Powder Creamer
If you can’t refrigerate your creamer, this powdered variation will come in handy.
It contains mineral-rich, calcified sea algae. This adds beneficial natural minerals to your body that you can't get from your usual food.
Despite this addition, there are no unnatural ingredients or added sugars, so it's pretty natural and healthy.
As for the flavor profile, this coconut creamer for coffee is made with not only coconut milk powder but also organic coconut sugar.
Laird Superfood Coconut Powder Creamer has a smooth, creamy texture, a hint of coconut, and just the right amount of sweetness.
If you’re not that much of a fan of overly sweet beverages, Laird Superfood Coconut Powder Creamer is a preferable option.
4. Nutpods Creamer Unsweetened Original
Nutpods’ texture brings is smooth and easily blended with coffee. Unlike soy creamers, this almond and coconut creamer does not separate after stirring. (Yay!)
Nut Pods is said to be the most similar to half and half, which is pretty impressive if you ask me.
It’s pretty sweet though. Does this mean it’s a “no” if you have trouble with sugar? The good news is the sweetness you taste in Nutpods is from Erythritol. It has a calorie content of only 0.2 per gram.
📢Fact:
The sweetness we taste is caused by the structure of the sugar alcohol, which stimulates sweet receptors on our tongue rather than the presence of actual sugar.
Erythritol, unlike sugar, does not cause an increase in blood glucose or the release of insulin.
5. Califia Farms Original Better Half Coconut Cream & Almondmilk Creamer
Califia Farms' cleverly named “better half” is made with almond milk and coconut cream for a sweet flavor and thick, creamy texture.
Because it's fortified with calcium, you'll also get a small amount of the bone-building mineral that dairy is known for. Which is great especially if you are seriously avoiding dairy.
It also won’t curdle which just makes it perfect for my morning coffee. One of the common complaints about this creamer is how it’s a shame that it didn’t come bigger.
“This is so so yummy in coffee….The light coconut flavor is a great addition to my morning coffee …"
One tablespoon contains only 10 calories and 1 gram of fat. It also has zero carbs and saturated fat, making it ideal for a diabetes-friendly diet. It's also non-GMO, vegan, and BPA-free which have been increasingly popular in the past few years.
It only has 45 calories per serving.
6. Nutiva Organic MCT Creamer
If you're into bulletproof coffee or the keto lifestyle, Nutiva Organic MCT Creamer is for you.
I kind of prefer powdered creamers because it is pretty convenient to use and has a longer shelf life compared to liquid creamers.
This creamer is pretty much a fat-fueled additive. It's made with organic coconut oil, powdered coconut milk, and coconut sugar.
The Nutiva MCT creamer has several advantages. First, it is Keto Certified and contains very little sugar and carbohydrates. It does contain around 30 calories of fat.
Consuming MCT oil, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can help you achieve your weight loss goals. They are easily digestible, provide energy, can support a healthy metabolism, and are burned for energy by the body.
Nutiva MCT Creamer is dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, and soy-free. That itself already takes care of any allergies you could be worried about.
It is also vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, keto, and paleo-friendly in terms of ingredients.
Unlike other products you might consider taking to lose weight, this creamer could help improve your cognitive functioning.
7. Forager Dairy-Free Half & Half
Source: https://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/forager-project-dairy-free-half-half
This creamer has the feel of half and half made with cashew milk and coconut cream. It’s pretty creamy without the need for cow’s milk.
The reason why half-and-half is pretty popular with coffee is because it gives a noticeable rich and creamy feel. It makes sense why creamer alternatives aim for the consistency of half and half.
Forager Project Dairy-Free Half & Half contains cashew milk and coconut cream but no carrageenan, soy, or added sugars.
What’s the big deal with carrageenan?
📢 Fact:
Carrageenan is a common allergen found in many foods and may be responsible for some symptoms associated with milk or baby formula. It is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, as well as preserve foods and drinks.
Soy is healthy but isn’t any better as an allergen either. In fact, it is one of the most common allergens. So this is definitely a plus for Forager.
Something about the cashew and coconut combination just works. The two flavors combine to create an irresistible creaminess that can be used in a variety of recipes.
To balance the flavor, they also added a few dates and a pinch of sea salt.
8. Anthony’s Organic Coconut Creamer
Anthony’s Organic Coconut Creamer has a delicious coconut flavor. It also has plenty of healthy medium-chain triglycerides which makes it a superfood.
It’s a great way to start your morning because you’ll be full even while on a diet. However, if you’re following a keto diet, you better stay away from this coconut creamer for coffee.
Anthony's Organic Coconut Creamer should be avoided on keto due to its high net carb count (3g of net carbs per 7g serving).
📢 Fact:
To stay in ketosis, limit your net carb consumption to 20g - 30g per day.
Also, it has sugar in it. Sugar happens to be a high-glycemic sweetener that can raise your blood sugar and keep you from entering ketosis.
But it is dairy-free and gluten-free. If you are allergic to dairy and gluten, this is a tasty option. It’s also non-GMO and vegan which is perfect if you live a specific lifestyle.
9. CoffeeMate Coconut Créme Liquid Coffee Creamer
This item is more of a coconut flavor coffee creamer rather than an actual coconut creamer for coffee.
Unfortunately, this means that this creamer alternative is not as healthy as your homemade coconut coffee creamer.
Coffee Mate is one of the most popular coffee creamer brands. It contains partially hydrogenated oils, corn syrup, potentially harmful preservatives, and other refined sugars. Yikes!
Powdered Coffee-mate contains saturated fat but little or no trans fat because it is made with coconut and palm kernel oils.
Now liquid Coffee Mate —whether original or flavored— is even worse. It contains partially hydrogenated soybean and or cottonseed oil. That is to say, trans fat.
Trans fatty acids have been shown to increase the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Other regular creamers are pretty bad too. I can imagine you are looking for a healthier creamer which explains how you found this article.
FAQ
Now that we know how to make coconut creamer for coffee as well as our ready-made options, let’s find out more about coconut creamers for coffee.
Here are a few FAQs you might like to know.
Why does coconut creamer curdle in coffee?
Curdling in coconut creamer is due to temperature and acidity. It’s just like most plant-based alternatives.
Because coconut milk is high in fat, it froths up like cow's milk but when added cold to hot coffee it could curdle. Yeah, curdling can be pretty annoying for some people, myself included.
To avoid curdling, it is best to warm the milk first. But don’t heat the entire batch! Just warm the milk you need. As soon as it’s warm then your coffee can follow.
The curds could still continue to form even after the coconut milk is heated. But they become smaller and less bothersome. Anyway, the curds in coconut milk will alter the appearance but not the taste or texture of your coffee.
Simply stirring the coconut milk will re-blend the curds. You don’t even need much elbow grease, just stir it frequently enough to prevent large curds from forming.
Keep stirring as you enjoy your coffee with coconut creamer. But if it’s too much of a bother, you can always use less acidic roasts like arabica for your coffee. Less acidic coffee means fewer curds.
How to make coconut coffee creamer for iced coffee?
You can make coconut coffee creamer for iced coffee the same way you would a regular coconut coffee creamer.
But just as syrups are ideal for cold drinks, liquid creamers are preferable because it mixes in the drink much more easily.
Using a powdered creamer might prove to be quite a challenge. You’d have to stir like crazy to make sure it doesn’t just chunk up.
How to turn coconut milk into coffee creamer?
As we’ve shown in the recipe above, turning coconut milk into your next favorite coconut creamer for coffee can be done through a blender.
In my opinion, it can’t get any simpler than that.
If you want to make your coconut creamer thicker you can add a bit of cornstarch or all-purpose flour.
You can make a slurry, and dissolve some cornstarch or cornflour in a bowl of cold water. After this, you can add the slurry to the coconut milk and heat until the desired consistency is reached.
You can also use coconut cream which is much thicker and more flavorful than coconut milk.
If you don’t know yet, coconut milk is made by simmering one part shredded coconut in one part water. Afterward, the mixture is placed in a nut bag and squeezed. It should have the liquid consistency of cow's milk.
How to use coconut oil as a coffee creamer?
Just like in the recipe, you need to melt your coconut oil. This will liquefy it and make it easier to add to your coffee.
If you’re familiar with bulletproof coffee, it’s going to taste exactly like that.
Bulletproof coffee combines high-quality coffee with unsalted butter and a medium chain triglyceride (MCT) derived from coconut oil.
Coconut oil contains a lot of fatty acids, which are important because they can help you burn fat.
The ingredients are combined to make this drink and then served warm, resembling a creamy latte.
Consuming coconut oil regularly is also a good way to protect your heart. Like butter, coconut oil will help you feel significantly full, so it's an excellent substitute for your regular bulletproof coffee.
Homemade coconut coffee creamer is your healthy alternative
Coconut creamer has lots of healthy fats in it. The recipe above specifically uses natural ingredients that don’t include any preservatives or additives.
We all want to live healthy lives. It’s just not as easy as we’d like it to be —or as tasty. Good thing we have options like coconut creamers to keep us healthy.
Aside from being healthy, coconut creamers can also hold their own in the flavor department.
Syrups like white chocolate and salted caramel are pretty delectable but might just be too sweet for a lot of people to add to their coffee. It would make sense why there is a preference for more subtle flavors like lavender or coconut.
Are there other creamer recipes you’d like to learn about? Let us know in the comments below!
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