Best substitute for light cream in coffee?

keith_sweatpants2
keith_sweatpants2 Posts: 156 Member
edited 1:20AM in Food and Nutrition
I am an iced coffee addict. Ok, maybe not ADDICT, but it's one of my daily pleasures that I don't wish to give up, but I have always used light cream in it, which is obviously a lot of calories. What is a decent tasting, but lower calorie alternative? I have tried the coconut/almond "cream" and it was disgusting. I know there are fat free creamers out there, but they're loaded with crap. Anyone found anything better? Thanks!
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Replies

  • sytchequeen
    sytchequeen Posts: 526 Member
    I actually like almond alternatives, so lucky me, yay! But (and I don't know if this would work) could you water down your usual cream, still enjoy your coffee for a fraction of the calories?
  • Panini911
    Panini911 Posts: 2,325 Member
    edited July 2019
    How many calories is it adding? I keep trying almond milk in coffee/flat white and just don't like it so take the hit for the calories of my milk. I try having good quality coffee so I don't use a ton of milk. So another option is slowly over time reducing quantity of creamer?

    enjoying my morning coffee is important to me so i was willing to balance a reasonable amount of calories and keep something i like.

    oddly I prefer almond milk in tea...
  • neugebauer52
    neugebauer52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    Medium fat cream and full fat cream.
  • rxtraci
    rxtraci Posts: 1 Member
    I use nutpods, they're the best substitute I've found. I too was a serious cream addict and needed a replacement when I decided to eliminate dairy from my diet.

    https://www.amazon.com/nutpods-Original-Unsweetened-Dairy-Free-Creamer/dp/B01ENL3PXA/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=nut+pods&qid=1562763418&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
  • dxkorn99divine2
    dxkorn99divine2 Posts: 1 Member
    I love my morning coffee. So I started using a little bit less cream (but the same kind) and a zero calorie sweetener like Stevia (has a weird after taste), Truvia, or Erythritol.
  • Emmapatterson1729
    Emmapatterson1729 Posts: 1,296 Member
    I'm a coffee addict, have to have lots of cream and sugar. Love my lattes!!

    I recently started looking for alternatives, they were all gross.

    Finally made one I'm growing accustomed to and enjoying.

    1/4 cup Half and half.
    1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
    1 tbsp stevia, monk fruit, or swerve.

    This lasts me two cups of coffee.

    Heat on low, stir with fork or whisk until cocoa is mostly blended (and starts looking like coffee creamer).

    In the beginning, I was adding 2 tbsp of stevia and 1 tsp vanilla extract. But taste buds have adjusted to cocoa flavor, and I don't need as sweet any longer.
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  • Terytha
    Terytha Posts: 2,097 Member
    I just use milk. Tastes pretty close.
  • aries68mc
    aries68mc Posts: 173 Member
    I drink coffee black, so probably not much help here. I'd just suggest reducing the amount you already use, or maybe try skim milk.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    keith_sweatpants2 wrote: »
    Yeah, I think I am just going to keep using the good stuff and try and slowly reduce the amount. Thanks for the suggestions!

    I think this is possibly the best bet, or perhaps try a slightly lower fat cream or milk. I weaned myself down to a splash of Fairlife 2% milk, if I go any lighter or less and I don't enjoy it. It ends up being 1/3 cup milk total per day, 40 calories.
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  • pinkparadox
    pinkparadox Posts: 20 Member
    I love my coffee and I love it VERY strong with a generous portion of half and half, but I have successfully changed to about 1/3 half and half and 2/3 Fairlife whole milk. And I actually prefer the taste now. I may push myself to try just the Fairlife, but I'm with you - I won't wreck my coffee for a handful of calories!
  • lcatalan93
    lcatalan93 Posts: 45 Member
    Have you've tried doing protein powder in your coffee? I usually add half a scoop of my fave chocolate peanut butter protein powder with my black coffee in the mornings that I dont even need milk or creamer anymore. I have not tried it cold tho xD
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  • autumnblade75
    autumnblade75 Posts: 1,661 Member
    When I buy half & half instead of the usual 2% milk, I find I don't use as much - a tablespoon will do, as opposed to 2 ounces of milk. The calories are equivalent.

    I think I like the half & half better, but it's only a slim margin.
  • deputy_randolph
    deputy_randolph Posts: 940 Member
    I started buying pre-made cold brew (Stok unsweetened). I think it tastes great without any additives (keep in mind I generally drink black coffee). My kids even like it.

    If I feel like splurging, I do add a serving of half and half...it's 40 calories.
  • texasredreb
    texasredreb Posts: 541 Member
    I kept my coffee the same. It's my breakfast now.
  • Pricklypineapple422
    Pricklypineapple422 Posts: 52 Member
    I drink either cold brew or iced coffee and I have slowly decreased the amount of vanilla oat milk creamer I add to it. I currently drink 16 oz of coffee with between 5 and 15 of the creamer, which is a max of 25 calories. Changing over slowly has made it an easy adjustment for me, and I still really enjoy my coffee.

    If you like a sweeter coffee, consider cold brew as it naturally is less bitter.

    I like the idea of adding protein powder and I can't wait to try it tomorrow.
  • Love_2_Hike
    Love_2_Hike Posts: 103 Member
    I am NEVER giving up cream in my coffee. 1 tablespoon at 66 calories aint killed anyone......yet
  • Pricklypineapple422
    Pricklypineapple422 Posts: 52 Member
    lcatalan93 wrote: »
    Have you've tried doing protein powder in your coffee? I usually add half a scoop of my fave chocolate peanut butter protein powder with my black coffee in the mornings that I dont even need milk or creamer anymore. I have not tried it cold tho xD

    I just finished having iced coffee blended with some ice and a scoop of protein powder and it may be my new go to! Absolutely delicious, and I'm always struggling to hit my protein goal so this will definitely help. Thanks for the suggestion!
  • Keep_on_cardio
    Keep_on_cardio Posts: 4,166 Member
    Coffee addict here too and not switching it up lol.. I will watch other items and keep the deliciousness as is. 😄 coffee is my happy place 💜
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    i buy good coffee. then no cream is necessary
  • autumnblade75
    autumnblade75 Posts: 1,661 Member
    mbaker566 wrote: »
    i buy good coffee. then no cream is necessary

    Oh, yeah - if I go through the trouble of using the Chemex rig, I can drink it black. I might still prefer cream, anyway, but could probably do with just a teaspoon.
  • Emmapatterson1729
    Emmapatterson1729 Posts: 1,296 Member
    I am going to try the protein powder, that sounds good!

    And probably easier than my homemade creamer.

    Unfortunately, all of the sugar substitutes cause me nausea, headaches, and bloat except stevia and pure monk fruit (which tastes the closest to real cane sugar) but pure monk fruit is over the top expensive and not in my budget, so stuck with Stevia.
  • divinehipster69
    divinehipster69 Posts: 17 Member
    Unsweetened cashew milk is creamier than almond milk and imo works better. I put a half cup of one or the other in mine. There's lots of calcium in it too.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited July 2019
    lcatalan93 wrote: »
    Have you've tried doing protein powder in your coffee? I usually add half a scoop of my fave chocolate peanut butter protein powder with my black coffee in the mornings that I dont even need milk or creamer anymore. I have not tried it cold tho xD

    This time of year I brew the coffee (over coconut shreds) the day before and stick it in the frig once it's cooled a bit. The day of, I add chocolate protein powder, soaked chia seeds, water to make 24 oz, and call it breakfast.

    Note: protein powder might clump if added directly to regular temperature hot coffee. You can "temper" the PP with water before adding it to the coffee, or let the coffee cool a bit.
  • kjkare
    kjkare Posts: 1 Member
    I use Vanilla Premier Protein. The 11oz container is 160 calories and a little goes a long way in coffee.
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