The Hidden Perils Lurking in Your Coffee Creamer

It’s a hidden enemy we don’t think about because we love coffee! I too love coffee but have changed my approach to coffee creamers.  After reading this you may do the same.

Some prefer their coffee black, a significant number of us coffee enthusiasts reach for that convenient bottle of coffee creamer to add a touch of richness and flavor. However, beneath the seemingly innocent appearance of your favorite coffee creamer lies a host of potential dangers that may give you pause the next time you think about adding processed creamers.

Artificial Additives: A Chemical Cocktail

Many commercial coffee creamers are loaded with artificial additives, such as sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives and artificial flavorings. These chemicals may enhance the taste and texture, but they also introduce a chemical cocktail into your daily cup of joe. The long-term health effects of consuming these additives are still a subject of ongoing research but think it is pretty safe to say they are not good for us.

Hidden Sugars: A Sweet Sabotage

One of the most significant dangers of coffee creamer is the hidden sugars lurking within. Sweetened creamers can contribute to excessive sugar intake, leading to potential health issues like weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Consumers are often unaware of the added sugars, as they are masked by other flavors.  It is likely that each serving  put in our coffee cups contains between 50-100 wasted calories.  Multiple that by 3=4 cups a day and it creates a big hill to overcome and the caloric equivalent of 30 minutes of hard cardio.

Trans Fats: The Silent Culprit

Some coffee creamers contain trans fats, which are known to raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. While many food products have reduced trans fats in recent years, certain creamers may still contain partially hydrogenated oils, the primary source of these harmful fats that add unwanted fat to the bat wings and love handles.

Preservatives and Shelf-Stabilizers: Compromising Freshness for Convenience

To extend the shelf life of coffee creamers, manufacturers often incorporate preservatives and stabilizers. These additives may help maintain the creamer’s texture and prevent spoilage, but they also introduce substances that may not align with a health-conscious lifestyle.  How do we think those single serve creamers stay so “fresh” 5 years after sitting next to the coffee station at our local gas station?

While coffee creamer may seem like a harmless addition to your daily cup of coffee, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers associated with certain commercial creamers. As consumers, making informed choices about the products we consume empowers us to prioritize our health and well-being. Consider opting for natural alternatives or making your own creamer at home to savor the flavor of your coffee without compromising on your health or the environment.

In changing my approach, I first dropped my every morning staple WaWa French Vanilla and Hazelnut creamer that has the thickness of a milkshake. I transitioned to 1 tablespoon of MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) Oil to reduce caloric intake, support brain clarity, boost my energy, and assist in weight loss, I also add a few drops of stevia or monk fruit as a sweetener and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened coconut milk to my coffee.  My coffee is now very tasty and serving its primary purpose as a healthy caffeine delivery vehicle rather than being a milkshake weight gainer.