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Coffee is a popular (and for some people, necessary) part of morning routines. A daily caffeine fix may not be the healthiest habit, but it is most likely fine in moderation. That being said, you should be keeping in mind how coffee affects you–and if you’re experiencing any uncomfortable side effects, it’s always best to consult an expert first.
Although a cup of coffee is pretty harmless for most people, that does not mean that you should become careless when it comes to common coffee additions. Creamers, half-and-half, and sweeteners can transform your harmless coffee into a source of empty calories, trans fats, and sugar. But there might be one coffee mistake that is worse than the rest: the use of nondairy creamers.
Why Using Nondairy Creamers Is A Bad Idea
Nondairy creamers are tempting, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy products. However, nondairy creamers might be better off avoided.
According to Prevention, nondairy creamers have some seriously concerning ingredients. "Topping ingredient lists are often corn syrup solids and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils," the article explains. "Corn syrup essentially equates to sugar and empty calories, while partially hydrogenated oils are just a fancy way of saying trans fats—manmade, artery-clogging, industrially produced fats that have been strongly linked to heart disease and diabetes."
Nondairy creamers could also contribute a hefty amount of calories to your regular cup of coffee, especially when compared to other options. According to Everyday Health, "[E]ach tablespoon of nondairy creamer runs 10-20 calories compared with 5 calories in a tablespoon of nonfat milk."
"Adding a liberal amount of nondairy creamer to your coffee could mean 50 calories per cup," the article adds.
These calories will do little to keep you full throughout the morning, but could add up when it comes to your waistline. With that in mind, unless you have an intolerance for dairy, you're probably better off sticking to nonfat milk.
However, if you do still want to limit your dairy intake, you are not stuck choosing between nondairy creamers full of sugar, empty calories, and trans fat. There are plenty of healthier options to fit your dietary needs.
What Nondairy Products You Should Use Instead
Instead of using these processed dairy-free creamers, consider sweetening your coffee with a more natural substitute. Even if you are trying to limit dairy, you still have plenty of options to choose from. Popular choices include almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk.
If you have a sweet tooth, a dash of cinnamon could do the trick. Otherwise, consider using Monk fruit or Stevia extract, which can sweeten your coffee too.
