10 healthier alternatives to cream in your coffee
Are you looking to improve your coffee in the morning to make it healthier? Here I share 10 alternatives to cream to consider and what makes them a perfect alternative.
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world, and it is the legal drug most of us are addicted to, with most people regularly looking to sign up for a subscription so they can have regular coffee packs arriving at their home.
Drinking three to four cups a day might be just a routine for all the coffee lovers out there. Who does not love to add cream and sugar to their coffee and enjoy a frothier, creamier coffee twice or maybe more a day? Well, this can be dangerous for your health.
If you load your coffee with cream and sugar every morning, you are starting your day on the wrong foot. Adding up to 500 calories to your coffee each morning can have serious health issues for you.
The good news is you don’t have to drink boring, tasteless coffee; there are healthier alternatives and homemade coffee creamer recipes you can try and still enjoy delicious coffee.
Why Ditch the Cream in Your Coffee?
Cream in coffee might feel like a luxurious addition, but when it comes to health, it’s far from ideal. Packed with saturated fats, added sugars, and often artificial flavours, cream can turn your morning pick-me-up into an unintentional calorie bomb. The occasional treat is fine, but if creamy coffee is a daily habit, it might be time to consider a healthier alternative.
Here’s why cream deserves a spot on your “treat occasionally” list and some excellent substitutes to lighten up your coffee routine.
Why Cream in Coffee Isn’t the Healthiest
- High in Calories and Fat
A single tablespoon packs around 50 calories and 5 grams of fat. Now, if you’re one of those “just a splash” coffee drinkers, we respect the optimism, but the truth is, most people are definitely splashing on more than one spoonful!
- Added Sugars
Many creamers, particularly the flavoured or ultra-processed types, are loaded with sugars, which can contribute to weight gain and energy crashes.
- Artificial Additives
Popular non-dairy creamers often contain ingredients like hydrogenated oils and synthetic chemicals. Fun fact – these are great for making coffee taste like dessert but not so great for your health.
- Impact on Long-Term Health
Excess saturated fats and sugar aren’t doing any favours for your heart, cholesterol levels, or waistline.
Alternatives to Cream in Coffee
Coconut milk
Coconuts are full of nutrients and fibre, and they contain vitamins C, E and B, and minerals, including iron and calcium, encouraging even those without lactose intolerance to add coconut milk to their coffee.
By adding milk in your coffee, you can make your coffee as good as it was with a huge gulp of regular creamer that you were used to adding. Your calorie intake will also be lowered. Coconut milk smells excellent, and it also tastes great.
Try it yourself and see if you can replace it with the cream and sugar. With coconut milk, you will drink a guilt-free cup of coffee every morning. Coconut milk has a creamy texture with just a hint of sweetness. While it’s slightly higher in fat than other plant-based options, it’s still a better choice than traditional cream.
Egg yolks
It may sound a little crazy to you, and you may not want to add a raw egg to your morning coffee, but egg yolk makes a frothier coffee and is a very healthy alternative for cream.
Eggs are full of proteins, and other nutrients and egg yolks are excellent emulsifiers; they will give a very smooth frothy texture to your coffee. It is very easy to make, with no fuss involved.
Boil three cups of water. Mix egg yolk, coffee grounds, and three tablespoons of cold water. Make a paste of it. Then add this paste to the boiling water and leave it on the heat for three minutes.
Pour it into your cup, and you will have smooth, frothy coffee in three easy steps. Lots of people add creamer to their coffee to take away its bitter taste; egg yolk has the natural tendency to lower the bitter taste of coffee, giving you a coffee rich in taste and texture.
Spices
Spices are healthier alternatives for your coffee. You can make your spiced coffee without the guilt of spending dollars at Starbucks. You can add cinnamon to your coffee; it will give a very aromatic touch to your coffee and also helps prevent spiking in your adrenals.
Turmeric has a lot of health benefits. It keeps you warm in winter and is also associated with improving your quality of life. Adding half a teaspoon of turmeric to your coffee will give you a long and healthy life in the form of a delicious coffee!
China spices are available in the market, it is a five-spice powder, and you can also add this to your coffee for a change. Cardamom, fennel seeds, and mint are also worth a try to flavour up your coffee without using preservatives and consuming calories.
If you need a sweet taste, you can honey instead of sugar, and it is the healthiest alternative to refined sugar.
Whipped coconut cream
If you are craving cream on your coffee and no other healthier alternative satisfies your craving, then go for coconut cream. It has fewer fats and sugar content and, of course, the coconut benefits.
There are many coconut creams available in the market; pick the one you think is the best after reading the contents. It is okay to have a little coconut cream on your coffee now and then. You can blend it in your coffee or have a spoonful or two on top of your coffee.
Almond milk
Almond milk is another healthier option for you to add to your coffee. First of all, it is lactose-free; lactose is the main component that can cause health issues. Secondly, it has more calcium than cow’s milk. It has fewer calories and offers the same sweet flavour as regular coffee creamers.
Its subtle nutty taste is a perfect addition to your coffee. Make sure to look for the unsweetened variety. So, to enjoy a delicious, sweet, and creamy coffee without the guilt of consuming cream and sugar, add almond milk to your coffee.
Soy Milk
Soy milk offers a protein-packed alternative with a smooth consistency. Opt for unsweetened versions to keep sugar levels in check.
Cashew Milk
Slightly creamier than almond milk, cashew milk is a velvety option that pairs wonderfully with coffee. Look out for unsweetened, fortified varieties.
Unsweetened Plant-Based Creamers
Many brands now offer plant-based creamers made from blends of nuts, seeds, and oats. These are crafted for coffee, ensuring the right texture and taste, without the downsides of regular cream.
Oat Milk
Silky, naturally sweet, and low in saturated fat, oat milk is an excellent choice. It froths beautifully, making it ideal for lattes or cappuccinos. Many oat milk brands are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, so you’re getting a little extra nutritional boost too.
Plain Milk (Skimmed or Semi-Skimmed)
If you’re not plant-milk-inclined, traditional milk is still an improvement over cream. It has less fat and will still provide a satisfying creaminess to your coffee.
Try out these healthier alternatives to cream and sugar for your coffee and see which you like the most. They will let you drink a delicious coffee without worrying about the extra calories.
Alternatively, why not try to enjoy black coffee?
