Coffee creamer is a popular addition to hot and iced coffee drinks. The rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor it provides can transform a bitter black coffee into a luxurious treat. However, traditional powdered coffee creamers are often packed with sugar, trans fats, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients.
If you love creamer but want to avoid the processed additives, there are many healthy powdered creamer substitutes to consider. With some creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, you can come up with powdered creamers made from natural ingredients that mimic the taste and texture of store-bought versions.
Why Powdered Coffee Creamers Can Be Unhealthy
Before jumping into the alternatives, it helps to understand why store-bought powdered creamers may not be the best choice health-wise. Here are some of the common concerns:
- Added sugars - Powdered creamers can contain up to 4 grams of added sugar per serving. Overusing creamer spikes blood sugar and leads to weight gain over time.
- Trans fats - Creamers made with hydrogenated oils contain artery-clogging trans fats that raise LDL cholesterol levels.
- Preservatives - Powdered creamers often include preservatives like sodium stearoyl lactylate and sodium phosphates to prolong shelf life.
- Artificial flavors & colors - Fake flavorings and dyes mimic the taste and appearance of cream but offer no nutritional value.
The bottom line is that heavily processed powdered creamers are far from a wholesome, natural product. But thankfully, healthier DIY options abound. Keep reading to discover easy creamer powder substitutes to make at home.
Recreate the Creamy Texture with Milk Powder
The first step in making a homemade powdered creamer is to find an ingredient that mimics the creaminess of traditional versions. Plain milk powder, also called instant dry milk, is the perfect option.
When mixed into hot coffee, milk powder dissolves and provides the same luxuriously creamy mouthfeel as store-bought creamers. But unlike traditional creamers, dry milk contains no added sugars or hydrogenated oils. It's simply dehydrated milk in powdered form.
You can purchase non-fat dry milk powder to keep calories minimal. Or opt for full-fat milk powder if you don't mind the extra calories. Just a tablespoon or two stirred into your morning brewed coffee makes it deliciously creamy.
For example, try this basic recipe:
- 2 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Add 1-2 teaspoons per cup of coffee as needed. Tweak the amounts of each ingredient to suit your tastes.
With just three simple ingredients, you have a basic homemade coffee creamer with zero added sugars or artificial anything. Let's look at how to take it a step further.
Boost Flavor with Extracts, Sweeteners and Spices
Once you have a milk powder base, it's easy and fun to add different flavors. Try out various extracts, natural sweeteners, and ground spices until you find combinations you love.
Extracts - Almond, vanilla, coconut, hazelnut, maple, and others infuse rich flavors.
Sweeteners - Honey, maple syrup powder, monk fruit, and stevia gently sweeten.
Spices - Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice mix complement coffee.
You really can't go wrong experimenting with different add-ins. Tailor homemade creamers to your personal tastes and dietary needs. Those avoiding sugar can use stevia or monk fruit to lightly sweeten. For a vegan and dairy-free option, swap the milk powder for a plant-based powder like coconut milk or almond milk powder.
Replicate Favorite Creamer Flavors
Once you master the basic homemade creamer formula, replicating store-bought flavors is a cinch. Here are recipes for some classic creamer varieties:
Vanilla Creamer
- 3 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 1 tablespoon powdered vanilla bean
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Hazelnut Creamer
- 3 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon hazelnut extract
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup powder
Mocha Creamer
- 3 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup powder
Pumpkin Spice Creamer
- 3 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
The options for homemade creamer flavors are truly endless. Feel free to experiment with combining different extracts, spices, cocoa powders, nut butters, and natural sweeteners. Track your successes and failures to perfect your favorite recipes over time.
Key Takeaway: Tailor homemade coffee creamers to your tastes using milk powder, extracts, spices, and sweeteners. Replicate store-bought flavors or get creative with your own combinations.
Use Dairy-Free Powders for Plant-Based Creamers
Those avoiding dairy due to preferences or intolerances don't have to miss out on powdered creamers. Several plant-based milk powder options work wonderfully:
Coconut milk powder - Adds rich coconut flavor and creamy texture
Almond milk powder - Provides nuttiness and subtle sweetness
Oat milk powder - Imparts a mild oat taste; great for lattes
Soy milk powder - Works well for neutral, dairy-free creamers
Plant-based powders dissolve easily into hot coffee for a smooth, creamy mixture. Make sure to get unsweetened varieties without added sugars. Then flavor them however you wish.
For example, a dairy-free vanilla creamer might include:
- 3 tablespoons coconut milk powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
Powdered peanut or cashew butter also makes a tasty vegan addition to creamers.
Consider Collagen Powders for Added Nutrition
Collagen peptides powders offer an interesting nutritional twist on homemade creamers. Derived from animal bones/tissues or eggshells, collagen peptides dissolve easily into hot and cold liquids.
The potential benefits of consuming more collagen include:
- Improved skin hydration and elasticity
- Reduced joint pain
- Faster recovery from exercise
- Strengthening of nails and hair
Unflavored collagen mixes into coffee without altering the taste. But for a more indulgent drink, choose flavored collagen creamers in varieties like vanilla, chocolate, and caramel.
Since collagen peptides are a form of protein, they contain calories. But they offer more health perks than traditional creamers full of empty calories and fillers.
How to Store Homemade Powdered Creamers
Like coffee itself, homemade creamers stay fresh longest when properly stored. Follow these tips for maximum longevity:
- Store in an airtight container - Mason jars or food storage containers with an airtight seal prevent moisture exposure.
- Keep in a cool, dry place - Avoid temperature extremes. Store at room temperature or in the pantry.
- Refrigerate flavored liquid creamers - Creamers made with real extracts, oils, or nut butters should be refrigerated after mixing.
- Let coffee brew first - Mixing creamer powder directly into piping hot coffee can cause clumping. Add after coffee has cooled slightly.
- Use within a few weeks - Consume homemade creamers within 2-4 weeks for optimal freshness.
With proper storage, DIY coffee creamers stay fresh for a month or more. It's easy to whip up a new batch when needed.
Benefits of Switching to Healthy Homemade Creamers
Ditching store-bought powdered creamers in favor of homemade options offers several advantages:
- Avoid added sugars - Naturally sweeten or go sugar-free.
- Skip trans fats - No need for hydrogenated oils.
- Prevent preservative exposure - Made with real food, not chemicals.
- Control flavors - Craft creamers to suit your individual preferences.
- Improve nutrition - Add superfoods like collagen and real extracts.
- Reduce cost - Inexpensive to make using ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Enjoy fresher taste - Homemade creamers are less processed and store better.
For the health and flavor conscious coffee aficionado, taking a DIY approach to creamers is a winning strategy.
FAQs
Can you make liquid creamers into powder?
Yes, it is possible to transform homemade liquid creamers into powdered form. To do this, first make your liquid creamer using milk/dairy-free powder, extracts, sweeteners, etc. Then, spread the mixture thinly onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Dehydrate in an oven on the lowest temperature setting with the door propped open. Once fully dried, break into pieces and blend into a fine powder using a high speed blender or food processor. Store the finished powdered creamer in an airtight container.
What can I use if I don't have milk powder?
Regular dry milk powder provides the most authentic taste and texture, but in a pinch, you can use an equal amount of dry milk alternatives like soy milk powder, coconut milk powder, or protein powders (whey, plant-based, collagen, etc.). These won't replicate the flavor of dry whole or nonfat milk exactly, but can work well in a creamer.
How long does homemade powdered creamer last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, most homemade powdered creamers will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks. Refrigerate any creamers made with real vanilla or other extracts for maximum longevity of around 2 weeks. Write the date on your container so you remember when to use it by.
Is powdered creamer bad for your health?
It depends on the ingredients. Traditionally powdered non-dairy creamers contain trans fats, artificial additives, and added sugars that make them unhealthy. But powdered creamer you make at home using whole food ingredients like milk powder and natural flavors is much better for you. Avoid anything artificial or hydrogenated, and minimize added sugars.
What's the best way to use powdered creamer when making coffee?
For lump-free creamer that mixes smoothly into your coffee, avoid adding it directly to piping hot liquid. Let the brewed coffee sit for 1-2 minutes to reduce the temperature slightly, then stir in the powdered creamer. Whisk briskly with a spoon or small whisk to fully dissolve any clumps. Start with 1 teaspoon per cup of coffee and add more to taste if desired.
Can you use powdered creamer in baking and cooking?
Yes, homemade powdered creamers can work great in baked goods, desserts, cream sauces, and more. Use dry milk powder or dairy-free powder in place of regular milk powder called for in recipes. For lighter cooking,Skim or nonfat milk powder prevents added fat and calories.
Conclusion
Whipping up homemade powdered coffee creamers is simple, fast, and endlessly customizable. You can easily replicate store-bought flavors or get creative making specialty creamers to suit your personal tastes.
Avoid the pitfalls of traditional powdered creamers by using wholesome ingredients like milk powder, plant-based powders, natural sweeteners and flavorings.