Vegan Coffee Creamer Guide

Take a coffee break the right way, with the best vegan coffee creamer on hand! Here's what you need to know before you stock up.
post featured image
Vegan art illustration of an oat milk latte in a pink coffee mug with a heart in the foam.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. Please read my policy page.

Wake up to a better cup of coffee when you ditch the dairy and opt for vegan coffee creamers instead. Rich, smooth, and incredibly diverse, the days of chunky, curdled lattes are over. You don’t need to be a barista to craft gourmet coffee creations at home when you’ve got the very best non-dairy creamer waiting for you at home. Save your money and the animals by making this easy swap! 

What Is A Nondairy Creamer?

Not all coffee whiteners are created equally. Legally, “non-dairy” coffee creamer can in fact contain dairy derivatives. Sodium caseinate is a component of milk used by some mainstream brands as an emulsifier, making these options neither vegan nor safe for those with dairy allergies. They can even be labeled as “lactose-free” while containing trace amounts of lactose! Always read labels carefully to avoid these pitfalls. 

Many creamers have added flavors, like vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and more, adding to a more luxurious coffee experience. These often have a sweetener included to create an instant latte, no other ingredients needed. If you’re sensitive to sugar, seek out unsweetened options. Many of these have a subtle, naturally sweet taste already, so you’ll never feel like you’re missing out.  

Best Vegan Coffee Creamer Brands

You could easily try a different vegan creamer every day of the year and never taste even a quarter of all the options out there! Found right alongside conventional dairy creamers, plant-based alternatives take up an equal portion of the aisle these days. From shelf stable containers to fresh bottles, there’s a wealth of creamy goodness out there to suit every need.  

Silk

Silk has been at the vanguard of dairy-free innovation since 1977 when the only milk alternative was soy. Since then, their product lines have expanded to include all sorts of plants. Their creamers are readily available in mainstream supermarkets, featuring oat, almond, and soy bases. There’s a flavor for every craving, too. 

Silk Caramel Almond Creamer beside a mug and plate of cookies.
Photo source: Silk

Califia

From cookie butter to mint chip, these unique varieties set Califia creamers apart from the pack. They have all the classics in stock too, using oats and almonds as the creamy foundations. 

Oat-based Mint Chip coffee creamer from Califia Farms next to a mint chocolate coffee drink with mint leaves.
Photo source: Califia Farms

So Delicious

Crafted with organic coconut cream, choose from French vanilla and sweet & creamy for an easy coffee upgrade. 

So Delicious dairy-free coffee creamer carton beside several glasses of coffee drinks.
Photo source: So Delicious

Nutpods

Don’t compromise your wellness just to soothe a craving; these creamers are vegan, keto-friendly, and offer many Whole 30-approved options, too. Even the sweetened flavors are still sugar-free! 

Two cartons of Nutpods vegan coffee creamers on a countertop.

Chobani

Though you’ll still see their conventional dairy options on the same shelves, Chobani now has two lines of vegan creamers too. Double check that the cartons clearly state “plant-based” to avoid disappointment.  

Carton of Chobani plant-based coffee creamer in Caramel Macchiato flavor next to a caramel macchiato in a glass.
Photo source: Chobani

Elmhurst

Blending health with high-end indulgence, these clean-label creamers are worth every penny. Buy online and stock up because these cartons are shelf stable at room temperature until opened.  

Elmhurst oat coffee creamers in a row on a shelf.
Photo source: Elmhurst 1925

Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze line of coffee creamers has classic flavors like vanilla, sweet crème, and caramel almond milk creamer will lighten your coffee and brighten your day. Just a little splash goes a long way. 

Bottle of Almond Breeze Vanilla almondmilk creamer next to a glass of iced espresso.
Photo source: Almond Breeze

Homemade Dairy-Free Coffee Creamer Recipes

Why buy when you can DIY? Make your own vegan creamer from scratch to have complete control over the ingredients, nutrition, and flavor. Scroll to the recipe card below for our simple vegan coffee creamer that only requires 2 ingredients!

Here are more variations we love:

  • The Best Cashew Coffee Creamer is simply nuts—Literally! All you need are cashews, water, and 5 minutes to whip up a super smooth, luxurious, and yet wholesome dairy-free creamer. 
  • Homemade Vegan Coffee Creamer can start with any plant-based milk you prefer, with options for a light and full-fat version. 
  • Paleo Vanilla Coffee Creamer combines the best of all worlds for an allergen-free and diet-friendly option everyone can enjoy. Using thick coconut cream is the secret to success. 

Creative Uses For Vegan Creamers

Beyond the morning brew, vegan coffee creamers make excellent additions to many other recipes, and particularly in desserts. Make the most of your supply with these delicious ideas:  

  • Ice cream: Churn out the most decadent scoops you’ve ever eaten by using vegan creamer as the base. It’s higher in healthy fats than most plain dairy-free milks, which helps prevent large ice crystals from forming. If you start with a nondairy creamer that already has sugar and flavors added, you can pour it right into the machine as a ready-made ice cream base, nothing else added! 
  • Baked goods: Add moisture and improve textures in cakes, muffins, breads, and more. As a side benefit, this often helps extend the shelf life of your treats, too. 
  • French toast: Give stale bread a new lease on life with a quick dip in a custard made from vegan creamer. You can use it as-is or add classic cinnamon and spices to taste. 
  • Soups, stews, and curries: Unsweetened, unflavored creamer is the key to luscious, full-bodied bisques. Many curries start with a coconut milk base, so coconut haters can happily indulge by using a neutral nondairy creamer instead. 

FAQs 

Is Coffee Mate vegan? 

Good news! Coffee Mate recently came out with a new line of specifically plant-based, dairy-free creamers called Natural Bliss. They’re made with either almonds or oats and come in five flavors in all. As the single most popular brand of coffee creamers in the US, you can expect to find these options nationwide in Target, Walmart, and more. 

Is International Delight vegan? 

No, none of the coffee creamers made by International Delight qualify as vegan, as they all contain sodium caseinate.  

Can I use regular non-dairy milk as a coffee creamer? 

Absolutely, any sort of vegan milk will work in a pinch. Plain dairy alternatives will be more watery and less sweet though, so you won’t get that same rich texture or bold flavor. Additionally, bear in mind that some options may curdle in acidic liquids, AKA coffee. 

Vegan art illustration of Milkadamia brand dairy-free coffee creamer

More Creamy Coffee Recipes To Try

  • If fall is your favorite season, you must try our Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe. It’s creamy, warm, and has the perfect amount of amazing autumn vibes.
  • Raise a glass to an even happier hour with a Drunken Dalgona Cocktail at hand. This bold and boozy drink is both soothing and invigorating at the same time. 
  • Don’t wait for winter to enjoy a refreshing Vegan Peppermint Mocha. This classic combo never goes out of season. 
  • Wash away your worries by using a DIY Vanilla Latte Coffee Body Scrub first thing in the morning. You’ll be wide awake and ready to tackle the day when you’re done. 

Vegan Coffee Creamer

Author: Allison Rivers Samson | The Dairy Detox Cookbook
5 from 1 vote
You’ll never miss out on luscious creamy coffee with this homemade vegan coffee creamer, crafted from rich hazelnuts or buttery Brazil nuts. Perfectly creamy and utterly satisfying, it’s the ideal addition to your morning brew!
Pouring vegan coffee creamer into a glass of coffee.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups

Equipment

  • Blender (high-powered like Vitamix or Blendtec is ideal)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw unsalted hazelnuts or brazil nuts, soaked at least 4 hours, and drained
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • In a blender on the highest speed, process all ingredients for 1-3 minutes, depending upon how long it takes your blender to get it smooth.
  • Strain by holding a nut milk bag over a big bowl, and pouring the freshly blended milk through it. Gently squeeze the nut milk bag until the milk has passed through and the almond pulp remains in the bag.
  • Refrigerate, and use within 3 days.

Notes

This recipe makes 2 cups of vegan coffee creamer. Each serving is about 2 tablespoons.

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Course Beverage, Drinks, Ingredient
Cuisine American
Keyword dairy free coffee creamer, homemade coffee creamer, vegan coffee creamer

Vegan Coffee Creamer recipe shared with permission from The Dairy Freedom Cookbook by Allison Rivers Samson and Michelle Cehn. Coffee creamer photo sourced from Canva.

newsletter offer

Get Our FREE Vegan Shopping List

Whether you love it or hate it, we all have to go grocery shopping, and it can be a little intimidating when you first start eating vegan. Our beginner-friendly shopping list includes all the grocery essentials you'll need make many satisfying vegan meals! You'll also receive a blank shopping list you can customize yourself, plus our weekly e-newsletter with delicious plant-based recipes.

Thank you for subscribing!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Not a coffee drinker but it must be amazing now to have all these options

  2. Andrea White says:

    Yay for vegan coffee creamers! It’s so awesome to see so many options on the shelves!

Stay Inspired!

Thank you for subscribing!