If you’re trying to lose a couple of extra pounds, or maintain your current weight, then you know just how important it is to track your calories. You need to be aware of exactly what’s going into your body and the effects it might have on your health in the long run.
Instead of completely cutting out all the good stuff from your diet, experts recommend substituting unhealthy items for healthier alternatives. A great starting point would be your coffee creamer.
Now, we’re suggesting that you give it up entirely. If that’s what you were expecting to read next, we’re not here to take away the little joy you have left in your mornings. All we’re saying is – there are good creamers and bad creamers, especially if you’re watching your weight.
Most people are completely oblivious to how much fat some creamers have. Some brands are packed with an obscene amount of sugar, trans fats, fillers, and flavor additives that aren’t just bad for your waistline; they can also clog up your arteries, causing a host of cardiovascular issues.
With that in mind, we sought to find the best coffee creamer for weight watchers to keep that bulging belly in check.
Nestle Coffee Mate Fat-Free Creamer | Nutpods Almond and Coconut Creamer | Califia Farms Almond Milk Creamer | |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Best Plant-Based Option | Best Low-Calorie Option | |
Fat-free | Yes | No (Less than 1%) | No (Less than 1%) |
Lactose-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sugar-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cholesterol-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
We tasted (and tested) so many creamers, and we mean – many. Some were amazing, and others were downright gross. To narrow down our options, we were interested in their flavor (obviously) and ingredients. Those were the two main criteria we used when rating the products.
As far as ingredients go, we leaned more toward products that were fat-free and sugar-free. Bonus points if they didn’t contain artificial sweeteners. We automatically eliminated creamers that listed carrageenan as one of their ingredients. (More on that in the Buying Guide section of this article).
Our Pick: Nestle Coffee Mate Fat-Free Creamer – Best Overall
Features:
- Fat-free: Yes
- Lactose-free: Yes
- Sugar-free: Yes
- Cholesterol-free: Yes
- Gluten-free: Yes
Nestle Coffee Mate is hands-down the best-tasting non dairy creamer we’ve come across. When we first added it to our coffee, we couldn’t get over how rich and creamy it tasted. You would be forgiven for thinking it is dairy milk. We can affirmatively verify that it’s not. It is completely lactose-free, fat-free, sugar-free, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free.
On a closer inspection of the ingredients, we did notice that it contains less than 2% sodium caseinate, which happens to be a milk derivative. Based on our own independent research, we confirmed that it is not a source of lactose. You shouldn’t experience any side effects from this creamer if you’re lactose intolerant.
It’s worth mentioning that it does contain trace amounts of artificial flavors. The good news is – these don’t have any impact on your weight loss goals.
Coffee Mate comes in powder form, so all you have to do is scoop one tablespoon (or two teaspoons) of the creamer, add it to your black coffee, and stir. The creamy consistency you get, alongside the rich, irresistible taste, is simply mind-blowing. It’s downright addictive. We might never buy any other brand of creamer again!
- It is a powdered creamer, so no refrigeration is required
- Lactose-free and cholesterol-free
- Rich, delicious flavor
- It doesn’t contain carrageenan
- Derived from coconut, soybeans, and palm kernel
- It does contain artificial flavors
- 16 oz size of Nestle Coffee mate Original Fat Free Powdered Coffee...
- Original Coffee mate creamer transforms every cup with velvety...
- This fat free powdered creamer is also lactose free, gluten free and...
Best Alternatives
Nutpods Almond and Coconut Creamer – Best Plant-Based Option
Features:
- Fat-free: No (Less than 1%)
- Lactose-free: Yes
- Sugar-free: Yes
- Cholesterol-free: Yes
- Gluten-free: Yes
If you’re looking for a natural, plant-based coffee creamer made with all-natural ingredients, try integrating Nutpods into your daily morning ritual. It is derived from almond and coconut milk, giving you a rich, creamy consistency like no other.
We have to admit, though. We were a little skeptical at first since the pack mentioned that it was unsweetened. Once we added it to our morning cuppa, the sweet cream flavor of the almonds made up for the lack of sugar and artificial sweetener. A few sips in, and we could hardly notice anything missing.
The coconut flavor was quite subtle – nothing like we had initially expected. We thought it would overpower the rich coffee flavor, but it didn’t – thankfully. Instead, it lingered playfully in the background, allowing the coffee flavors to shine through.
Nutpods is a liquid creamer and comes in 11.2-oz. packs. It has a long shelf life and doesn’t need refrigeration once opened. All in all, this is an excellent option for a coffee drinker on the Keto and Paleo diet.
- Suitable for vegans
- Rich, creamy consistency
- No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Long shelf life even without refrigeration
- The subtle flavors don’t overpower the coffee
- It tends to curdle if you don’t add it to piping hot coffee, so it might not be ideal for a cold brew
- Creamy and Delicious Coffee Creamers - Enjoy the smooth, rich flavor...
- Zero Sugar Per Serving - nutpods sugar free coffee creamer is a rich,...
- Whole 30 Keto Creamer For Coffee – nutpods non dairy coffee creamer...
Laird Superfood Unsweetened Creamer – Best Keto-Friendly Option
Features:
- Fat-free: No (Less than 5%)
- Lactose-free: Yes
- Sugar-free: Yes
- Cholesterol-free: Yes
- Gluten-free: Yes
The Laird Superfood Unsweetened coffee creamer is another favorite. One of the best things about it is that it is plant-based, making it ideal for coffee drinkers on the Keto diet. It is by far one of the most natural creamers on the market.
A quick look at the ingredients reveals that it contains no sugar additives, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, and no chemicals. We were pretty impressed by this point.
As we have come to expect with most natural creamers, Superfood creamer is derived from coconut milk powder, extra virgin coconut oil, and aquamin. It doesn’t contain soy, though.
From a flavor standpoint, we would rate it as average. It isn’t up there with Nestle’s Coffee Mate and Nutpods, but it isn’t all that bad either. While we would have preferred a richer, more complex flavor profile, it might be better suited for individuals who would rather have their creamer not taste like anything.
Overall, if you’re looking for the most natural coffee creamer, this is your best bet. The subtle flavors point to the fact that it is made with all-natural ingredients. It does not contain any fillers or flavor additives, so every tablespoon of the creamer is a healthy addition to your morning cup of coffee.
- Best suited for individuals on a Keto diet
- Contains trace amounts of healthy fats (coconut oil)
- Sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO
- It comes in powder form for a longer shelf life
- It doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, fillers, or sugar additives
- Some people might find the flavor a little too subtle
- Laird Superfood Non-Dairy Reduced Sugar Powder Coffee Creamer:...
- Vegan, Keto-Friendly Creamer: Laird's Superfood Creamer is made with...
- Superfood Creamer without preservatives or fillers: Laird's Dry Coffee...
Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk Creamer – Best Low-Calorie Option
Features:
- Fat-free: No (Less than 1%)
- Lactose-free: Yes
- Sugar-free: Yes
- Cholesterol-free: Yes
- Gluten-free: Yes
Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk is no doubt the best low-calorie, healthy coffee creamer on the market. It contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners and only has a measly 10 calories per serving. Now, that’s pretty impressive if you think about it.
Califia has a rich, thick, and creamy consistency and blends seamlessly with black coffee without curdling. This is true for iced coffee as well. The almond milk provides just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the rich, decadent flavor of the coffee. While it does have coconut cream as part of its ingredients, we hardly noticed it once we mixed it in the coffee.
This creamer is all-natural and does not contain any trace of saturated fat. It is dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and carrageenan-free. You can use it in your smoothie, add it to your protein shake, pour it over your cereal, use it as a substitute for heavy cream, or mix it in your pancake batter.
When you’re craving a flavored creamer, Califia Farms Almond Milk comes in several different options, including Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha, Pecan Caramel, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla.
- It contains a measly 10 calories per serving
- Delicious, creamy flavor makes it ideal for tea, coffee, or ice cream
- No added sugar or artificial sweetener
- Thick, rich, full-bodied consistency
- Available in Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha, Pecan Caramel, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla flavors
- 10-day shelf life is a little on the lower side
- LOW CAL: Only 5 calories per serving
- YUMMY: Real nut cream provides delicious taste and creaminess from...
- NO SUGAR ADDED: Unsweetened
How to Choose the Best Coffee Creamer for Weight Watchers – Buying Guide
There are few things in this world better than that first sip of coffee in the morning. It hits all the right places and makes you feel things you’ve never felt before in places you never knew existed. Add a splash of creamer, and you have a slice of heaven right there in your cup.
What can we say – we love coffee. Can you tell?
Before you reach for the first pack of creamer you come across, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best coffee creamer for weight watchers.
Cream Source
It wouldn’t very well be a creamer if it wasn’t milky in the first place. Even so, you need to make sure you understand what it is that makes it creamy in the first place.
Coffee creamers are usually derived from plant-based milk, dairy, or a sugar and oil mixture.
If you’re counting your calories, plant-based creamers would be your best bet. They are low in fat and sugar and are usually extracted from soy, almond, or coconut. These creamers not only keep your calories in check but are also an excellent source of healthy fats, all of which contribute to your daily macros.
If you’re not lactose intolerant, a regular coffee creamer derived from cow’s milk is a delicious alternative. Skip the whipped cream, though, and use non-fat, sugar-free skim milk instead.
The worst kind of creamer you can get is the variety made from sugar and oil. These offer no nutritional benefits and do nothing to help you reach your weight loss goals. Most of them contain trans fats that have been linked to metabolic disease and coronary disease. The best thing to do would be to steer clear of them entirely.
Sugar Content
We’re not going to lie – sugar makes everything taste better. Unfortunately, it has no redeeming qualities when it comes to beating the bulge and keeping diabetes at bay. The best coffee creamer for weight watchers is the sugar-free variety. Examine the ingredient list to make sure they don’t contain this deadly enemy.
Natural Ingredients
When looking for sugar-free alternatives, ensure the creamers you settle for don’t contain artificial sweeteners. Several animal studies have proven, time and again, that these sugar substitutes are actually worse than sugar itself. They have been linked to weight gain, bladder cancer, brain tumors, and other health complications that you would rather just avoid.
If you must sweeten your brewed or instant coffee, use natural alternatives like honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, French vanilla extract, Almond Breeze, or cinnamon if you’re feeling festive. If you need an energy boost, consider adding a tablespoon of MCT oil.
Presence of Carrageenan
If you come across a pack of creamer that has carrageenan listed as one of its ingredients, toss it in the trash, and keep on moving. Carrageenan is a thickening agent (also referred to as “stabilizer”) notorious for causing a host of gastrointestinal issues and inflammation. It has been linked to destructive health complications, some of which are fatal.
Nutritional Value
The final thing you need to watch out for when choosing the best coffee creamer for weight loss is its nutritional value. These are the amounts listed on the pack under “Nutritional Facts.”
Pay attention to the amount of each nutrient (listed in grams and milligrams) contained in each serving – which is usually a tablespoon of the powder creamer – and make sure it aligns with your Daily Value (DV) in relation to your calorie limit.
FAQ
Is it better to use milk or creamer in coffee?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. If you’re not lactose intolerant, then go right ahead and add a splash of milk to your daily cuppa. Argue all you want, but dairy in coffee tastes better than any substitute you can get.
If you’re watching your weight, get fat-free, sugar-free skim milk instead. If you would rather add a non-dairy creamer to your morning cuppa, use the plant-based varieties. Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk are some great options.
Can I take a creamer if I’m vegan?
Yes, you can – provided it’s the non-dairy variety. There are lots of great-tasting plant-based creamers on the market that would complement your vegan diet. Make sure you check the ingredients and steer clear of the ones that have whey, lactose, and casein.
What is the best coffee creamer for weight loss?
If you’re not lactose intolerant, use a fat-free, sugar-free dairy creamer. If you would rather go the non-dairy route, plant-based options like soy creamer, almond milk, or coconut milk are excellent substitutes. They contain a negligible amount of calories, making them ideal for weight watchers.
Conclusion
Let’s put this bed once and for all, shall we? The best coffee creamer for weight watchers is any product that’s fat-free, sugar-free, carrageenan-free, and free from artificial sweeteners.
Any of the four options we’ve reviewed in this guide would make a delicious, creamy, and healthy addition to your morning cuppa. The Nestle Coffee Mate Fat-Free Creamer is by far our favorite of them all.