Better Choice than coffee creamer

Shiree130
Shiree130 Posts: 9 Member
edited December 19 in Food and Nutrition
I am a HUGE coffee lover. I am a mom to 4 kids and I'm still up through out the night with 2 of them so for me coffee is a necessity! I am looking for something healthier than coffee creamer. I've tried black coffee with a sugar substitute and it just doesn't work for me. I like the different flavors of the creamer. Any suggestions for a healthier version would be greatly appreciated! 😃
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Replies

  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    What do you mean by healthier? Lower calorie? Is there an ingredient you're trying to avoid? How much creamer are you having per day?

    Have you tried just using less? Maybe by flavored coffee beans and then just use milk? Why didn't the black coffee and sweetener work?
  • MonkeyMel21
    MonkeyMel21 Posts: 2,396 Member
    You should try to find a coffee you can tolerate drinking black (try a few different kinds, and it does take some getting used to). What I do is have only one cup with creamer (whenever I'll be able to sit down and enjoy it the most), and then anymore before or after that is just black. I can't do sugar substitutes at all cause they're all disgusting, but the fat free creamers don't tend to be too bad and have a few less calories.
  • tcunbeliever
    tcunbeliever Posts: 8,219 Member
    starbucks has a sugar free cinnamon syrup that I like, but it's about the only flavor that I like that's sugar-free

    put cinnamon in your coffee grounds when you brew

    find better coffee so you like it black??? Kona and jamaica blue mountain are my favorites, or sumatra if you can find a lightly roasted version, it's bitter when it's over roasted
  • Elucy321
    Elucy321 Posts: 10 Member
    i'm the same way... it just isn't the same as the richness and smooth taste with creamer. BUT... I have found that using the sugar free is way more tolerable than i thought - or you could go with a sugar free flavored syrup to add to your coffee and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of a heavier cream
  • skelterhelter
    skelterhelter Posts: 803 Member
    If you don't mind dairy free, a lot of people swear by the brand Nut Pods for flavored creamers, but I have yet to try it.
  • nooshi713
    nooshi713 Posts: 4,877 Member
    I put a little chocolate fair life milk (2 tbsp) with some real sugar or splenda. You could also try adding some real vanilla extract if you like vanilla.
  • Shiree130
    Shiree130 Posts: 9 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    What do you mean by healthier? Lower calorie? Is there an ingredient you're trying to avoid? How much creamer are you having per day?

    Have you tried just using less? Maybe by flavored coffee beans and then just use milk? Why didn't the black coffee and sweetener work?

    Healthier as in lower calorie and less sugar. I'm having about 1/4 cup total in a day (not all in 1 cup). I have tried using less but I can't taste the flavor which is really what I'm wanting. Black coffee and sweetener didnt work because it doesn't have a flavor. So really if I could find a way to flavor my coffee I would be happy.
  • Shiree130
    Shiree130 Posts: 9 Member
    starbucks has a sugar free cinnamon syrup that I like, but it's about the only flavor that I like that's sugar-free

    put cinnamon in your coffee grounds when you brew

    find better coffee so you like it black??? Kona and jamaica blue mountain are my favorites, or sumatra if you can find a lightly roasted version, it's bitter when it's over roasted

    I will try these out, thank you!
  • Shiree130
    Shiree130 Posts: 9 Member
    Elucy321 wrote: »
    i'm the same way... it just isn't the same as the richness and smooth taste with creamer. BUT... I have found that using the sugar free is way more tolerable than i thought - or you could go with a sugar free flavored syrup to add to your coffee and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of a heavier cream

    Sounds good, I'll be trying this. Thanks!
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    edited December 2018
    Shiree130 wrote: »
    kimny72 wrote: »
    What do you mean by healthier? Lower calorie? Is there an ingredient you're trying to avoid? How much creamer are you having per day?

    Have you tried just using less? Maybe by flavored coffee beans and then just use milk? Why didn't the black coffee and sweetener work?

    Healthier as in lower calorie and less sugar. I'm having about 1/4 cup total in a day (not all in 1 cup). I have tried using less but I can't taste the flavor which is really what I'm wanting. Black coffee and sweetener didnt work because it doesn't have a flavor. So really if I could find a way to flavor my coffee I would be happy.

    Gotcha. There are some sugar-free varieties, might be worth a shot. I don't remember the brand, but one of the "alternative milk" brands had a vanilla almond milk creamer that was pretty low cal.

    In your case, a flavored coffee bean with a little milk might give you the flavor you're looking for, or sugar-free coffee syrups, I think Torani is a popular brand (not sure of the spelling).

    I'll add, you do sometimes have to give your taste a little time to change! I didn't like my coffee as much when I switched from creamer to milk at first, but after a week it wasn't that bad, and after a month I couldn't believe I used to cover up the flavor of coffee so much with the creamer. Same with switching from regular soda to diet - the first few days I wasn't sure I'd ever get used to it, but now I can't imagine switching back.

    Anyway, sounds like you have lots of options to try now - good luck!
  • BuffMom84
    BuffMom84 Posts: 180 Member
    I use vanilla almond milk. Don't know if it's any healthier but at least it's fewer calories.
  • AmyC2288
    AmyC2288 Posts: 386 Member
    I use half & half! It provides creaminess but is lower calorie than standard creamers. The pods of it are 10 cals each or you could buy the carton from the refrigerated section. I second the suggestion about trying flavored coffee!
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Shiree130 wrote: »
    kimny72 wrote: »
    What do you mean by healthier? Lower calorie? Is there an ingredient you're trying to avoid? How much creamer are you having per day?

    Have you tried just using less? Maybe by flavored coffee beans and then just use milk? Why didn't the black coffee and sweetener work?

    Healthier as in lower calorie and less sugar. I'm having about 1/4 cup total in a day (not all in 1 cup). I have tried using less but I can't taste the flavor which is really what I'm wanting. Black coffee and sweetener didnt work because it doesn't have a flavor. So really if I could find a way to flavor my coffee I would be happy.

    Flavored coffee beans, milk, and a little sugar?

    I used to add half & half and sugar, but now I add chocolate protein powder, almond flavored Teeccino, soaked chia seeds and dried coconut, and call it breakfast.
  • Love_2_Hike
    Love_2_Hike Posts: 103 Member
    I just have a tablespoon of full fat cream for 66 calories.
  • Shiree130
    Shiree130 Posts: 9 Member
    There’s a syrup brand called skinny syrups and they have like 20 flavors. My favorites are the maple bourbon pecan, caramel cheesecake and peanut butter cup, and it takes about a teaspoon to REALLY sweeten an 8oz cup of coffee at zero calories. Then I add in some almond milk and good to go! They also make chocolate syrup and whipped topping that’s either low or zero calorie.

    This sounds great! Thank you.
  • staleyross_a
    staleyross_a Posts: 1 Member
    I'm right there with you. I don't hate black coffee but I crave flavor and creaminess in my morning coffee. I switched to using a protein drink mixed in with my morning coffee which I drink after my morning workout. I use premier protein drinks in the chocolate and vanilla flavors and just add it to my coffee. I like iced coffee best so I use a whole one and it makes my coffee cold, but you could use just a little to get the flavor and some nutritional value along with it (protein). Sometimes I'll also make a coffee shake with half a banana and that gets me the caffeine I need with some sweetness and creaminess.
  • queenoscots
    queenoscots Posts: 44 Member
    Thanks for asking this question. I'm the same way about my coffee, so the answers are helpful to me as well!
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    It took some trial and error but I found the break point of the amount of creamer that still gives me the flavor profile I like with the least amount of calories. I'm enough of a nerd that I extrapolated that ratio to the different size mugs I use so I always know the amount for the correct ratio; 12mL creamer per 8oz coffee is what works for me. I have no more than 24oz coffee per day so the max 36 mL creamer is always budgeted in my daily calories.

    TBH, if I'm having an issue with calories it's never due to my coffee, though I recognize that's not always the case for everyone.
  • lin_be
    lin_be Posts: 393 Member
    Half and half with no sugar does the trick for me. I also sometimes add cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom spice when grinding my beans (or added the ground beans) for a hint of flavor with low calories.
  • MelanieCN77
    MelanieCN77 Posts: 4,047 Member
    Torani sugar free syrups - I am partial to the hazelnut and salted caramel. I heat up some cashew milk and froth it. Very fancy, tastes good, negligible calories.
  • PumpJockeyy
    PumpJockeyy Posts: 98 Member
    Blackk ftw
  • admaarie
    admaarie Posts: 4,297 Member
    I like adding Jordan’s skinny syrups and a bit of cashew milk
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    I don't drink coffee, but if you like flavor in your hot drinks, I'll will add to the voices recommending Jordan's skinny syrups. You can find them in places like Burlington and TJ Maxx or just order them from Amazon.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    lin_be wrote: »
    Half and half with no sugar does the trick for me. I also sometimes add cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom spice when grinding my beans (or added the ground beans) for a hint of flavor with low calories.

    Yes, before I started putting the protein powder to my coffee, I played with adding cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom spice - liked them all, esp cardamom.
  • AT0M1CR00ST3R
    AT0M1CR00ST3R Posts: 17 Member
    Shiree130 wrote: »
    I am a HUGE coffee lover. I am a mom to 4 kids and I'm still up through out the night with 2 of them so for me coffee is a necessity! I am looking for something healthier than coffee creamer. I've tried black coffee with a sugar substitute and it just doesn't work for me. I like the different flavors of the creamer. Any suggestions for a healthier version would be greatly appreciated! 😃

    Things like Coffee Mate and International Delight tend to have a lot of sugar and calories and hydrogenated oils. You're trying to avoid them. Good idea.

    One option for a hot drink is to pick up a small milk steamer. Stir in some steamed milk or simply spoon it on top. It provides that frothy foam with fewer calories and makes it like a latte.

    Another is to add a couple Tbsp of real half & half, ice, and blend it. This makes it like a frapp and only adds 40 calories.

    As for sugar substitutes, I prefer sweet n low. IMO it tastes better than stevia, nutrisweet, or splenda. I know, I know, many people despise artificial sweetners, but to me they are an acceptable risk.
  • HotMermaid729
    HotMermaid729 Posts: 806 Member
    edited December 2018
    Try the link below. I use their coffee creamer, instant coffee and creamer mix, cocoa drink mix, and their turmeric mix (good for curry soups). These are all coconut based and GOOD!

    https://lairdsuperfood.com
  • dianesanny1234
    dianesanny1234 Posts: 1 Member
    I do a macro based diet and use to love Vanilla Creamer until I really read the ingredients!! My fitness coach recommended Califia Almond Milk/Vanilla Creamer and I also use 3 drops of Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener (Vanilla). Delish, I even sprinkle cinnamon on top
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