Do you take cream with your coffee, or coffee with your creamer? Perhaps you haven’t found the right blend, or your coffee maker is incapable of producing a palatable crema, but either way, you just don’t do black coffee. You take your coffee somewhere on the color spectrum of deep brown to light tan, and you need a dairy-free creamer that won’t ruin your morning by breaking into an unappealing, curdled mess. We get it.

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There are a lot of vegan creamers on the market, but only some stand up to the dairy-based blends that got us hooked on java. Here is everything you need to know to set up your morning cuppa for sweet, creamy, caffeinated success.

What’s in vegan creamer?

Just like with dairy-free milk, there are a ton of unique vegan creamer options, and not all are made with the same ingredients. Vegan creamer options parallel the dairy creamer trends—there are sweetened, unsweetened, flavored, half and half, and even vegan keto creamers to choose from. Further, the vast range of vegan creamers also accounts for the variety of their creamy bases. If there’s plant milk, we can virtually guarantee it’s been used to create a dairy-free creamer. Common creamy bases include oat, soy, almond, coconut, pea, and hemp milk. 

VegNews_VeganCreamers_CoffeeMateCoffee Mate

It takes more than just plant-based milk to make a creamer creamy. Depending on the brand and style of creamer, you may find added sweeteners (cane sugar; salt; or stabilizers such as lecithin, locust bean gum, gellan gum; and preservatives such as calcium carbonate and potassium citrate). These ingredients help to preserve the texture and shelf life of the product. Vegan or not, creamer isn’t a winner when it comes to its nutritional profile, but it’s fine when consumed in moderation.

RELATED: Oatly and Friends: 10 Oat Milk Brands That Taste Better Than Dairy

Is dairy-free creamer vegan?

Not all dairy-free creamers are created equal—not by a long shot. In fact, some dairy-free creamers aren’t even vegan. Before the plant-based trend really took off, it wasn’t uncommon to find creamers (particularly the powdered varieties) with a non-dairy label. Under the FDA, non-dairy products can contain certain dairy components, such as casein. So if you see a tub of powdered non-dairy creamer in the store, scan the ingredient label before you buy it. Keep an eye out for “sodium caseinate.”

VegNews.CoffeeBenefits.Canva7Canva

Lactose-free is another deceiving term since lactose-free creamer still contains dairy. Enzymes (lactase) are added to the product to break down the lactose sugar found in cow’s milk. This term is most often found on liquid creamers, so if you see a product with just a lactose-free label, you can assume with 99-percent certainty that it is not vegan and contains dairy. 

In short, not all non-dairy creamers are vegan. Be wary of the powdered options and lactose-free labels, and you should be in the clear.

21 vegan creamers to try

Looking for a non-dairy creamer? Give these brands a try when you’re looking for something new.

Violife creamerViolife

1 Violife

Violife initially made its name as a vegan cheese brand, but over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include a variety of dairy-free products. In addition to plant-based butter and dips, Violife now features a line of velvety, thick creamers made with lentils. You can choose from three delicious flavors: Tempting Vanilla, Seductive Caramel, and Boldly Original.
Find it here

Silk creamerSilk

2 Silk

There is an undetectable difference between this non-dairy creamer and our former favorite dairy creamer. If you’re looking for the same sweet taste that explodes into a beautiful creamer cloud the instant it hits your coffee, look no further. Silk is it. The company makes creamers in soy, almond, oat, and half and half. We love the latter two for their rich creaminess. 
FIND IT HERE

Oatly-Oatmilk-CreamersOatly

3 Oatly

For the days when you need something with a little more oomph than a splash of oat milk, Oatly’s new creamers add a kick of caramel, vanilla, and sweet and creamy flavor to any morning brew.  
FIND IT HERE

Malk creamerMalk

4 Malk

Last year, Malk expanded its lineup by introducing three new plant-based creamer options, each made with high-quality, organic ingredients and free from artificial whiteners. The new flavors—vanilla almond, caramel almond, and sweetened oat—offer a delicious, creamy texture that complements a variety of drinks.
Find it here

Organic Valley oat milk creamersOrganic Valley

5Organic Valley

Earlier this year, Organic Valley—best known for its organic dairy products—debuted its new line of vegan creamers. Made with oat milk, the dairy-free creamers are available in four flavors: vanilla, caramel, cinnamon spice, and oatmeal cookie.
Find it here

Ripple half and half creamerRipple

6 Ripple

Looking for something creamy without the sugar? Ripple’s half-and-half answers the call. This pea protein-based creamer is stable and completely sugar-free, providing a milky cloud of cozy that lets the flavor of the coffee (or tea) shine. This product is also fabulous in both sweet and savory recipes that call for dairy-based half-and-half. 
FIND IT HERE

VegNews.ChobaniOatBaristaChobani

7 Chobani

The Chobani company has proved that it can produce fabulous, extra creamy oat milk—there’s no need to continue with cow’s milk. The Original Oat keeps our coffee and tea light and sweet year-round.
FIND IT HERE

Forager Project and oatsForager Project

8Forager Project

Forager Project offers a variety of dairy-free products, from drinkable yogurts and sour cream to protein shakes—and yes, even creamer. Its plant-based creamer comes in three flavors: cinnamon vanilla, plain unsweetened, and sweet and creamy. Each is made with organic, non-GMO ingredients like gluten-free oats, cashews, and coconut cream, delivering a rich and satisfying taste.
Find it here

Laird Superfood creamerLaird Superfood

9Laird Superfood

Laird’s non-dairy creamer comes in a convenient, shelf-stable powder form, yet it still delivers a creamy, rich, and naturally sweet taste. Made with plant-based ingredients, it’s an easy way to add a luscious texture and subtle sweetness to your coffee without the need for a fridge. Simply stir in two tablespoons, mix well, and enjoy.
Find it here

VegNews.NaturalBlissCoffee Mate

10Coffee Mate

Those who live by Coffee Mate’s inventive flavors don’t have to break their creamer addiction when they go vegan. The brand’s line of plant-based creamers—in almond, coconut, and oat—provide an easy swap. Flavors mimic the dairy-based versions with simple varieties like vanilla and sweet crème to more indulgent options such as Brown Sugar Oat and Pumpkin Swirl Cookie.
FIND IT HERE

VegNews.VeganCreamer.TraderJoesTrader Joe’s

11 Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s may have broken our hearts when it discontinued the soy creamer, but its brown sugar-flavored Non-Dairy Oat Creamer is welcome in our fridge. The cult-favorite chain is also known for launching a lot of seasonal flavors, so be sure to keep an eye out for new launches.
FIND IT HERE

Califia Farms Organic CreamersCalifia Farms

12Califia Farms

We’re big fans of variety, and Califia Farms delivers. Its almond- and oat-based creamers come in classic flavors like unsweetened, vanilla, and hazelnut. But for a truly unique coffee experience, go for the birthday cake, chocolate chip, or lavender flavors.
FIND IT HERE

Elmhurst oat creamerElmhurst 1925

13Elmhurst 1925

This former dairy brand doesn’t add gums or emulsifiers to its products, which are used to thicken many plant-based milks, but may cause upset in people with a sensitive stomach. Its oat- and cashew- based coffee creamers come in a variety of flavors including churro, pistachio crème, and caramel macchiato. Elmhurst also makes a range of four barista-style oat milks made from pistachios, oats, almonds, and walnuts.
FIND IT HERE

VegNews.VeganCreamer.NutPodsNutpods

14Nutpods

All of Nutpods’ products are designed to be used with coffee or tea. The brand’s creamer range features several unique flavors, such as toasted marshmallow, cookie butter, and cinnamon swirl. They also make oat milk for baristas, which is made to have a thick, creamy froth that you can use on lattes or just your regular ol’ cup of coffee.
FIND IT HERE

VegNews.SownSown

15 Sown 

This ultra-smooth and creamy oat-based coffee creamer is like no other. With a perfect, velvety texture that effortlessly melds with the bitter notes of espresso (and never separates in our cup), it makes for a dreamy cup of joe. 
Find it here

VegNews.PlanetOatCreamersPlanet Oat

16 Planet Oat

Flavors such as French vanilla, caramel, sweet and creamy, brown sugar, and coffee cake (count us in) make that morning coffee hour better than ever—and it’s all thanks to Planet Oat, the oat milk supplier to Dunkin’ Donuts
find it here

VegNews.StarbucksStarbucks

17 Starbucks

Starbucks recently ditched its vegan milk surcharge across all US locations, but for the days when you want to brew a cup at home, the chain offers a variety of dairy-free creamers made with a blend of almond and oat. Inspired by the coffee giant’s beloved drinks, flavors include caramel macchiato, hazelnut latte, and more.
Find it here

VegNews.PKNPKN

18 PKN

Tired of all the oat, soy, and almond creamers? Swap them for this no-added-sugar, pecan-based creamer. Simple ingredients and the richness of the naturally occurring fats in pecans (that are home-grown and sourced in the state of Texas, where PKN is based) nicely complement a hot cup of coffee or tea. 
Find it here

VegNews.SoDelicious.PCVeganintheFreezerVegan in the Freezer

19 So Delicious 

This longtime favorite vegan brand knows its way around non-dairy products, and its coffee creamer is no exception. Offered in French vanilla, this coconut-based coffee addition is perfectly smooth and well-balanced. 
Find it here

VegNews.baristalatte.goodkarmaGood Karma

20 Good Karma

Creamy oats are combined with nutrient-dense flax and peas for a next-level barista milk that delivers an exceptional froth for all of your hot and cold creations. Made with an added boost of Omega-3s, this barista milk is also keto- and allergen-friendly to boot. 
Find it here

VegNews.VeganCreamer.WholeFoodsWhole Foods

21 Whole Foods 365 

This budget-friendly, Whole Foods name-brand product is a great staple to reach for on your next grocery run. Made with simple almond milk ingredients resulting in a classic velvety smooth creamer consistency, you’ll be pleased with the results when you pour this into your iced coffee or buzzy cold brew. 
Find it here

For more vegan shopping guides, read: 

Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.

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