Whether you’re searching for alternatives or desperately need a creamer, there are a variety of coffee creamer substitutes just waiting to elevate the flavor of your cup of black coffee.  

 

Coffee is not just about caffeine, it’s about the morning ritual too. And nothing can throw off your morning routine like running out of creamer when you are making coffee at home. Fortunately, not all is lost. There are all sorts of creamer substitutes just waiting for you to give them a try. There are plant-based creamers for the health conscious folks. Then there are some artificial creamers for those who like decadent brews. Of course, there are also dairy-free and full-fat milk options to suit your dietary needs. Some of these substitutes may even be hiding in your kitchen right now!

From dairy-free to uber creamy, these are the top ten delectable coffee creamers you can substitute in your morning coffee cup. You may even find a new one you like more than your usual stuff!

1. Evaporated Milk

Out of milk? Try coffee with evaporated milk. As the name suggests, evaporated milk is just that. It’s milk that gets heated until a majority of the water content evaporates, then it undergoes a canning process. And you know what that means, it has an excellent shelf life! Tuck away a can in your pantry and you’ll always have a coffee creamer substitute on hand. When stored right, an unopened can of evaporated milk can last up to a year. Plus, it’s just as tasty as the regular stuff and it’s a lifesaver in a pinch. 

2. Sweetened Condensed Milk

If you take your coffee with cream and sugar, sweetened condensed milk is right up your alley. Add it sparingly, though, because it’s highly concentrated. Rich, milky, and wonderfully sweet, a tiny drop of sweetened condensed milk is all it takes to turn your coffee into a decadent treat. Oh, and keep in mind it’s very thick. So you’ll want to be sure to give it a good stir to ensure it dissolves completely. For a really extravagant treat, use it to whip up a Vietnamese coffee. All you need is a couple of tablespoons and a strong dark roast. You can even serve it on ice for a warm weather afternoon pick-me-up. 

3. Half And Half

Half and half is one of the most popular coffee creamers around. A good substitute that is part whole milk, part cream, half and half has the perfect balance of milk fat so it’s not too rich or too watery. It also doesn’t have any added sugar or syrups, unlike some commercial coffee creamers that feature corn syrup as the main ingredient. That makes it a great choice for those who prefer their coffee with cream, but like to skip the sugar. 

4. Heavy Cream

Want a coffee creamer that’s even creamier than half and half? Heavy cream is your solution. A splash of real cream will turn your morning cup of joe into a luxurious, velvety cup. Sure, it’s rich and not exactly fat-free. But the oh-so-heavenly texture and flavor is well worth it. Add a splash at a time until it’s creamy enough for your liking. A little will go a long way so it won’t take much. 

Dairy-Free Creamers

Can’t do dairy? Don’t worry. There are a ton of dairy-free coffee creamer substitutes for you to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites you won’t want to miss:

5. Almond Milk

Almond milk is hands down one of the best non-dairy coffee creamer substitutes. It has a creamy texture, zero lactose, and you get a boost of protein. Not to mention the nutty flavor makes coffee taste extra delightful. Speaking of flavor, almond milk comes in different flavor options. You have your choice of unsweetened, vanilla, chocolate, and more. Unopened almond milk has a great shelf life, but once you crack that seal you’ll want to use it up in a week. If you need help, I highly recommend adding it to a smoothie or pouring it into oatmeal.

6. Oat Milk

Oat milk has been all the rage lately. Give it a try and you’ll instantly see why. This plant-based milk is mild, creamy, and slightly sweet. It has a similar flavor to regular milk, except more oaty. That means it complements coffee exceptionally well. Plus, it’s a great choice for those who are looking to minimize their soy consumption or don’t like the nuttiness of almond milk. Available in sweetened and unsweetened oat milk.

7. Soy Milk

Soy milk has been a popular coffee creamer for quite some time now. It’s one of the better non-dairy options for frothing and has a silky texture. Like almond milk, it also gives you a boost of plant-based protein and comes in an assortment of flavors. Try chocolate soy milk to give your coffee a mocha taste. Or go with vanilla for an enhanced cup. Of course, you can’t go wrong with just regular soy milk too. 

8. Coconut Cream

Love tropical flavors? Then you need to try coconut cream in your coffee. Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk. The extra creamy texture and coconutty taste is divine mixed into freshly brewed coffee. You get the addition of the fruity flavor without the added sugars that come with artificial creamers. Plus, you can use the leftovers to make a comforting curry. 

9. Butter

Dairy-free butter may not be the first thing that comes to mind when doctoring up your coffee. But now it will be! Dairy-free butter works great in a pinch. It’s low in carbs and rich in fat, making it a stellar option for vegans and keto dieters alike. You can even add it to your cup to make a vegan bulletproof coffee. It will help satiate you in the morning and jumpstart your metabolism for the day. 

Regular, grass-fed butter is another great coffee creamer alternative for your hot coffee if you are ok to eat dairy.

10. Coconut Oil

A wonderful sugar-free option to try in your coffee. Coconut oil is loaded with MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) which is made up of healthy fat and great for brain health. This is a good option for low-carb or Keto.

Sweeteners

While it may not be creamer, sweeteners are also a fantastic substitute. When it comes to sweeteners, you have two options: natural sweetener and artificial sweetener. Both of which have their own perks.

Artificial sweeteners like Equal (Aspartame) and Splenda (Sucralose) store well and take up little space.

If you prefer natural sweetness, you can choose from an array of natural sweeteners. Monk fruit, agave, maple syrup, and honey to name a few. As the name suggests, they are naturally sweet so additives like corn syrup or white sugar aren’t necessary. They won’t necessarily have the same creamy texture that comes with milk, but they’re equally delicious!

What creamer do you like to use for the perfect cup of coffee? Let me know in the comments.

Coffee Drink Recipes

• Chocolate in coffee
• RumChata coffee
• Mocha Frappuccino