Is Sugar-Free Coffee Creamer Bad For You?
Coffee is not only a cup of beverage; it is an emotion. For many people, a cup of coffee means a lot.
It is like their company when they are bored, exhausted, or want to spend some cosy time. With that, people love to add some creamer to their favourite beverages.
There are many different types of coffee creamer that people like to use as a topping for their coffee and prefer if it is sugar-free.
Sugar-free creamer has been around for a long time. As the name suggests, it doesn’t contain sugar. It is for people concerned about sugar intake in their bodies, but they have a sweet tooth and miss having a sweet topping in their coffee.
Sugar-free creamer is a good alternative for this reason. People can also use these in cooking and baking to add sweetness without adding sugar.
Let us know more about whether sugar-free coffee creamer is bad or suitable for you.
What Makes Coffee Creamer Creamy?
There are numerous reasons why people add milk or cream to their coffee. By adding milk or cream to a cup of coffee:
- Tastes good and cools down the coffee
- It helps in reducing the acidic nature of the coffee
- It makes the consistency of the coffee creamier and tastes better
- It helps in reducing the bitterness in the coffee
Coffee creamer is nothing but a mixture of milk, thickener, sweeteners, and flavours. There are two basic types of thickener used in this product which are guar gum and lactose.
Due to these two different types of thickener used in the coffee creamer, it has a creamy texture.
Oil in Coffee Creamers
Most of the store-based creamers contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. These oils contain naturally occurring fatty acids. Hydrogenation is a manufacturing process that converts unsaturated fats into saturated fats.
The majority of these canola or soybean oils used in creamers contain trans fatty acids. Trans fat is a type of fat found naturally in milk and meat products;
they contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and clogged arteries, and there is some research to suggest that trans fats increase the risk of heart disease and major depression.
Sugar in Coffee Creamers
Major coffee brands contain traces of refined sugars in the creamer. Sugar in creamers is known to cause tooth decay, tooth abscesses, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Furthermore, sugar in coffee creamer can also cause diabetes, obesity and lead to insulin resistance. Due to which it has become a big issue for many people.
There are various reasons why people like to replace sugar with other sweeteners, such as noxyl alcohol (also known as glycocholic acid), erythritol, and mannitol, which are all artificial sweeteners.
Some have even called these ingredients ``fake sugar" because of the adverse effects on the body's metabolism.
Besides that, some other artificial sweeteners are used in creamer. They include aspartame and sucralose.
Both aspartame and sucralose are hydrolyzed forms of sugars. They hydrolyze into two mono- and disaccharides: aspartic acid and phenylalanine, respectively. Due to which it has gained a bad name in the market because of the side effects.
All these artificial sweeteners may cause weight gain, diabetes, cancer, depression, headaches, irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbance, cramps in the muscles, etc.
What is a sugar-free coffee creamer?
Coffee creamer is a product used to add flavour and sweetness to the coffee without adding sugar. The main ingredients in this type of creamer are milk, thickener, and sweeteners.
These come in many different kinds of flavours, such as chocolate, vanilla, and so on. They also come in various sizes, such as a half-cup or a full-size cup that people put into their coffee. So again, there are many flavours to choose from.
You can find flavoured coffee creamers in the office cafeteria, at restaurants, and even at home.
Among all those, sugar-free coffee creamer is the most known and used by more than half of the world's population. Its popularity is because of the health benefits of such creamer.
Sugar-free coffee creamer contains milk and thickener.
The thickener used in this product is called lactose, while the milk is either fat-free or low-fat milk. These can be found in many restaurants and homes, supermarket shelves, and some grocery stores usually found as cream or whole milk.
In addition, the coffee creamer can come in different flavours such as chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut, hazelnut chocolate, caramel, etc.
As for the thickener used in this product, there are two types of thickener: lactose and guar gum. Both of them are present in sugar-free coffee creamers.
There are also some other ingredients like xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, erythritol, lactitol, maltitol, maltodextrin, polydextrose, and xylitol syrup. In addition, some flavours are there in the product, such as vanilla extract and caramel flavour.
Sweeteners in Sugar-Free Coffee Creamers
Sweeteners differ from sugar because they do not contain calories and may be considered artificial sugar.
They often provide a specific flavour and aroma to foods, which may be desirable; however, this effect is temporary and differs for each type of sweetener used.
Some sweeteners may be substituted for sugar in foods, while others you may use to reduce the amount of sugar in the final food more than they need.
Sucralose
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute commonly marketed under the trade names Splenda and SucraPlus that is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar).
It is produced from sucrose by a selective chlorination process that replaces three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms.
It is used as a tabletop sweetener because it does not affect blood glucose levels. However, the majority of sucralose is used in beverage applications.
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener made from two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is approximately 196 times sweeter than sucrose. It is prevalent because it tastes like sugar and has no calories, so you can use it however much you want.
Aspartame was discovered in 1965 by James M. Schlatter at the G.D. Searle company (which later became part of Monsanto).
It was approved for use in dry foods in 1981 and for carbonated beverages in 1983. It is available under the brand names NutraSweet, Equal, Canderel, E951, and AminoSweet.
Aspartame may be less suitable for cooking than other sweeteners because it breaks down when heated and loses its sweetness. Aspartame's stability at high temperatures is due to its resistance to hydrolysis.
Under high pH conditions (i.e. low pH), aspartame may be degraded into phenylalanine, methanol, and aspartic acid.
Acesulfame Potassium
Acesulfame potassium (also known as Acesulfame K, Ace-K, Ace-K, and ACK) is a calorie-free sugar substitute. It has two-thirds the sweetness of sucrose and has no bitter aftertaste.
In addition, it is an odourless white powder that you can use in both cooking and baking.
Acesulfame potassium is 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). But, like other caloric sweeteners, it contains no nutrients.
What Else is in Sugar-Free Coffee Creamers?
Besides the main ingredients, sugar-free coffee creamers can have other components as well. For example, it may contain flavours such as artificial butter flavour, imitation vanilla extract, caramel colour, etc.
Sodium caseinate or micellar casein
Sodium caseinate (also known as milk protein or milk protein concentrate) is a byproduct of the cheese-making process. It is used in the production of sugar-free coffee creamer. There are different types of sodium caseinate; however, they all work the same.
The main ingredient of soy lecithin is also used in its production.
Mono- and diglycerides (emulsifiers), dipotassium phosphate (buffering agent), natural and artificial flavours: Different types of flavours are used to produce sugar-free coffee creamer, such as artificial butter flavour, imitation vanilla extract, caramel colour, and so on.
Carrageenan: This ingredient improves the texture and stability of sugar-free coffee creamer.
Sugar-Free Coffee Creamers and Nutrition
As we know, sugar-free coffee creamer is made from milk and thickener. The thickener used in this product is called lactose, while the milk is either fat-free or low-fat milk. In addition, the coffee creamer can come in different flavours.
Coffee-Mate sugar-free flavours
French vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, caramel macchiato, caramel, mocha cappuccino, and so on.
International Delight sugar-free flavours: Hazelnut, caramel, salted caramel latte, french vanilla, peppermint mocha, chocolate mint coffee creamer
Kroger sugar-free flavours:
Alternatives to Conventional Sugar-Free Coffee Creamer
These are breakdown into two categories:
Unsweetened Plant and Nut Milk
Unsweetened plant and nut milk are an excellent alternative to conventional sugar-free coffee creamer. This milk is made from a base of nuts or seeds, such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts, coconuts.
When you add them to your coffee instead of conventional sugar-free coffee creamer, you will get a nutty taste that mixes well with the coffee flavour.
This type of nut milk is available in many flavours, and you can find it in many local grocery stores or food markets.
When using this product, you will need to shake the container well before use. The liquid should be poured into the coffee first, and then stir it. It is to ensure that there are no clumps of the nut milk left in the cup of coffee.
Keto Coffee Creamers
Keto coffee creamer is made from coconut milk and heavy cream. It has only two ingredients: coconut milk and heavy cream.
This product will not cause you to gain weight because it contains no sugar; it is also low in carbs, fat, and calories.
Keto Coffee Creamer is a keto-friendly product in many flavours like chocolate, French Vanilla, Mocha Latte, Butter Pecan Latte, Espresso Roasthouse Hazelnut Latte & Whipped Coconut Cream.
Sugar-Free Coffee Creamers VS Sugar-Free Syrups
The main difference between them is that sugar-free coffee creamer is thickened with lactose, milk sugar, but it has no calories or carbs.
The main ingredients of sugar-free syrup are high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and potassium sorbate as a preservative.
Many people use this product because it’s easier to use and cheaper than the other products found on the market.
In addition, it comes with various flavours and is also available as a fat-, calorie-, and carb-free alternative to some artificial sweeteners.
Sugar-Free Coffee Creamer VS Regular Coffee Creamer
Regular coffee creamer may contain milk, butterfat, and milk solids. It is made from cream, milk solids, butterfat, and milk sugar. ‘
These creams are available in different flavours, such as vanilla, French vanilla, and caramel creamer used for baking and cooking. It is also another name for regular coffee creamer, which is produced by adding sugar into milk.
The main ingredients of sugar-free coffee creamer are two-thirds less sweet than regular coffee creamer.
Sugar-Free Coffee Creamer VS Low Carb Coffee Creamer
Low carb coffee creamer consists of one-third of the calories and fat, low carb substitute for cream or butter, and at least 50% fewer calories than regular coffee creamers.
It is made from cream, fat-free milk solids, and a blend of artificial sweeteners, which you can substitute for sugar in recipes.
Sugar-free coffee creamer has calories and carbs, which are both negligible compared to low-carb coffee creamer.
5 Healthy Coffee Creamers to Buy
Elmhurst Unsweetened Oat Creamer
The Elmhurst Unsweetened Oat Creamer contains oat milk, water, sugar, salt, phosphates. This product is suitable for those who are on a ketogenic diet. It has the lowest carb count of all the products listed on this list.
If you're not on a ketogenic diet, but you want to try out some sugar-free coffee creamer, then Elmhurst Unsweetened Oat Creamer may be just what you're looking for.
Frozen vanilla coffee creamer
Frozen vanilla coffee creamer contains water, milk, sugar (non-bone char), tapioca syrup, sunflower oil, cellulose gel (to prevent separation), rice dextrin (thickener), natural flavour, xanthan gum.
This product also has no calories or carbs; however, it is deficient in fat content. It has 49 calories, 2 g fat, 12 g sugar, 0 g protein and 0 g fibre per serving. 3.
Half-and-half and coffee creamer
Half & half and coffee creamer contain cream, water, sugar (non-bone char), high fructose corn syrup, salt, potassium sorbate (preservative), mono and diglycerides, xanthan gum.
Half-and-half can come in different flavours like French vanilla, Caramel Macchiato, Hazelnut etc., and you will find it in most local grocery stores or food markets.
Chobani Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer
Chobani Sweet Cream Coffee Creamer contains milk, sugar (non-bone char), whey protein concentrate, tapioca syrup, sunflower oil yellow colour.
It also has the lowest carb content and calorie count of all the products listed, with only 14 calories per serving.
Chobani has many different flavours of sweet cream coffee creamer such as vanilla, caramel macchiato, French vanilla, etc.
Nut Pods Original Unsweetened Creamer
Nut Pods Original Unsweetened Creamer contains water, coconut milk, sugar (non-bone char), tapioca syrup, sunflower oil yellow colour. This product has no calories or carbs and is low in fat content.
It has a nutritional value of only 35 calories per serving. Nut Pods Sweet Cream Coffee creamer comes in vanilla flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is sugar-free coffee creamer okay?
Sugar-free coffee creamer is okay for people with diabetes because it does not contain any sugar or carbs. Plus, it has no calories or fat.
So, it is safe to consume sugar-free coffee creamer because it will not affect your weight or blood sugar levels.
However, people with diabetes should watch their diet closely by considering the number of drinks they consume, especially non-diet drinks.
What is the healthiest sugar-free coffee creamer?
The healthiest sugar-free coffee creamer would be one that is lowest in carbs or carb-free. The fat content of this product is almost non-existent; it has no calories, fat, or sugar; and its sodium content is much lower than regular coffee creamers.
Does coffee with sugar-free creamer raise blood sugar?
As for coffee creamers, the answer is yes, but only if they have high carbs. If you have diabetes, remember that it’s best to avoid sugar-free coffee creamer because of the carbs it contains.
Does sugar-free creamer cause weight gain?
Sugar-free coffee creamer does not cause weight gain because it has a minimal amount of calories.
For example, one tablespoon of the sugar-free coffee creamer has only 1.5 calories. Because of its low carb content, it is safe for people with diabetes to consume sugar-free coffee creamer.
Is dairy-free creamer bad for you?
Dairy-free creamer, also known as soy creamer, is not bad for you because of its low calorie and carb count.
However, it contains high sodium and sugar levels, but this is a common issue with coffee creamers and most other types of creamer.
Is sugar-free creamer safe to consume?
Sugar-free coffee creamer is safe because it has no carbs, fat, and calories, less sodium than regular creamer, and no additives.
As for dairy-free creamer, it is also safe to consume. It is high in sodium and sugar, but this is usually an issue with conventional coffee creamers.
What is the healthiest non-dairy coffee creamer?
There are several non-dairy coffee creamer products on the market that contain almond or coconut milk. These products are full of natural sugar, fat, and protein.
They also have added vitamins and minerals, which will provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
Conclusion:
The creamy texture is essential in many recipes. However, many people are confused about what exactly makes something creamy.
Sugar-free coffee creamer is a clear liquid made by mixing a sweetened version of instant coffee with sugar. It has a very smooth consistency and dissolves easily in liquids. It's a great alternative to using milk or cream when making coffee drinks.
Many people also use it in baked goods, sauces, and salad dressings. Sugar-free coffee creamer is an excellent product for people who want to reduce their sugar intake.
