Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Coffee Creamer Bad For You?

Also Known As: non-dairy creamers, coffee whiteners


Grade

F


Short answer

Although many of the side effects only come from long-term use, coffee creamers are still very bad for you. Looking out for your future health, we recommend you try a healthier alternative.

Grade

F

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

When you think coffee creamer, you are probably thinking about a non-dairy creamer that brightens and sweetens up your morning cup of joe. The majority of coffee creamers are an artificial powdery or liquid substance that can sit out all week or all month without having to be refrigerated. One can only wonder if this stuff is bad to put in our bodies.

Ironic as it may be, those little flavored “creamers” have nothing to do with cream at all. They are basically a combination of trans fat, artificial flavoring, and water. Trans fat (from hydrogenated oils) is the bad kind of fat that is known for clogging arteries. It is created when a metal molecule is injected into a fat molecule. The trans fat then is able to solidify at higher temperatures, increasing the stabilization of the creamer. Fat in your bloodstream is also solidified. The consumption of trans fat can lead to higher cholesterol, blood pressure, risk of diabetes, and risk of heart disease. Recent studies have also linked trans fat with Alzheimer's.

Artificial flavoring is another one to put on your stay away list. Artificial flavors are usually a combination of 10's - even 100's - of chemicals reacting with each other in order to produce a certain smell/taste. Why do they use these? To save money and lengthen shelf life of course. Nonetheless, artificial flavors can cause a wide range of side effects from dizziness, headaches, and nausea to brain damage, depression, and seizures.


Possible short-term side effects

  • dizziness
  • headaches
  • blood sugar spike
  • nausea

Possible long-term side effects

  • raise in cholesterol
  • raise in blood pressure
  • diabetes
  • heart disease
  • weight gain
  • cancer
  • central nervous system damage
  • respiratory / circulatory depression
  • kidney damage
  • brain damage

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • convenient
  • tastes good
  • makes coffee sweeter

Healthier alternatives

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Laird Superfood Creamer

  • Non-dairy creamer
  • Coconut-based
  • Sweet & creamy
  • Gluten-free & Vegan
  • Non-GMO
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023




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