You may love your creamer for the rich and decadent texture it adds to your coffee, but this likely means that you’re packing your mug with carrageenan, a thickening agent derived from red seaweed which has been shown to invoke digestional issues. Rather than using actual dairy in coffee creamers, many products rely on this plant-based alternative to create the velvety texture we know and love, but this could be putting our bodies at risk. The Cornucopia Institute did a study on the inclusion of carrageenan in commonly consumed products, finding that research has linked this ingredient to a variety of gastrointestinal issues and even colon cancer.
Although the FDA reports that carrageenan is generally safe for consumption, controversy has swirled around this dairy-free ingredient with some research showing intestinal damage and even weakening of the immune system after regularly drinking carrageenan. Greatist reports, “However, most of these effects were found from a specific type of carrageenan used in research studies called poligeenan. It’s a possible human carcinogen, which means there’s some evidence it may cause cancer. And it’s not an FDA-approved food additive, so you won’t find it in food.”
While more research needs to be done to solidly determine the effects of carrageenan on the body, when in doubt, it’s best to leave it out of your diet. Instead, consider using skim or oat milk to add a creamy consistency to your coffee without relying on unnatural sweeteners or emulsifiers to thicken up your morning beverage.
Both of these options veer away from the heavy use of preservatives that many creamers use, and milk can provide an added dash of protein and calcium to help support your overall health while cutting through the harsh taste of black coffee. Some oat milks can still contain unnatural additives, so make sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing to choose the healthiest option. Our pick? Oatly Original Oatmilk for a creamy flavor without wreaking havoc on your gut.
You should be able to enjoy your morning cup of coffee without fear of impacting your metabolism, digestive health, or being forced to drink it black. Although black coffee does tout the most benefits to your overall health, you can still improve your wellbeing with your morning cup, provided you make an educated choice when opting for a creamer to accompany it.
Instead of choosing one which contains carrageenan and may offer a certain consistency, it’s best to go for a more natural option such as skim or oat milk to cut through the flavor of your coffee without irritating your stomach. Improving your health is all about making small, actionable changes to your diet which you can maintain over time, and giving the ingredients list of your coffee creamer a second glance is a great place to start.