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Coffee lovers view their morning bean brew as nonnegotiable when it comes to starting their day right. There are many ways to enhance the flavor, but if you’re lactose-intolerant, you may feel like you’re missing out. However, great alternatives exist. Try these dairy-free coffee creamer recipes to find new favorites that will perk up your cup of joe and make you look forward to waking up.
Sure, you can buy dairy-free creamers at the grocery store. However, the options might be limited. Plus, it’s best to avoid the preservatives and excess sugar that are often found in these products. They typically contain thickeners like carrageenan, which can harm gastrointestinal health, as well as titanium dioxide, an additive that can cause immunotoxicity, inflammation and neurotoxicity. This is bad news if you already have a sensitive stomach.
Dairy-free coffee creamer recipes can be tailored to your taste. You control the ingredients and level of sweetness, plus you get to experiment with new flavor combinations. You can feel confident that you’ll avoid the stomach cramps, bloating and gas that occur when you’re lactose intolerant.
Before diving into the directions, it’s helpful to understand the ideal ingredients that make for a delicious dairy-free coffee creamer recipe. Here are the top options to keep on hand in your kitchen:
Start your dairy-free coffee creamer recipe journey with this foundational recipe that is quick, easy and versatile. It only has three ingredients, making it an easy favorite you’ll reach for time and again.
Place one 13.5-ounce can of coconut milk, 1 cup of oat milk and 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar in a blender. You can also add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract if you’d like. Blend on high speed for about 10 to 20 seconds. Then, strain the mixture into a lidded container and refrigerate for up to 10 days. Be sure to shake well before using.
If you like pancakes or waffles, you’ll love this dairy-free coffee creamer recipe to complement your favorite breakfast. The almond milk and maple syrup impart a subtle sweet flavor that will make your mornings complete.
Combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and ½ teaspoon of cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir the mixture frequently over medium heat until it reaches a slow boil. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to five days, shaking before use.
Sometimes you want something unique in your morning brew. Transform a basic Monday into a sunny getaway by adding orange extract, or try something bold like a jolt of mint. This recipe can be personalized to your tastes and can be made differently each time.
Place 1 1/4 cups of almond milk, 3 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of your extract of choice and 2 tablespoons of honey in a blender. You may also add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken. Mix until well blended and store in the fridge. Experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint, hazelnut or caramel.
This nut-free dairy-free coffee creamer recipe has an ultrarich, frothy texture. This is due to the healthy fats in the hemp seeds, which create a foam that’s ideal for cappuccinos and lattes. This option is perfect for those with nut, gluten or soy allergies, as well.
Place ¾ cup of hulled hemp seeds and 1 ½ cups of water in a blender. Blend for two minutes until smooth and creamy. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or a sieve lined with cheesecloth, and then squeeze the pulp to extract all the cream. Pour this back into your blender. Add 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 3/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt and blend until creamy, about one minute.
This oat-based dairy-free coffee creamer recipe is ideal if you are looking for a low-budget option with no added oils, which you might find in store-bought versions for emulsification. This is also ideal if you’re watching your weight and are looking for something low in fat that still tastes great.
Rinse 1 ½ cups of rolled oats. Add to the blender with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. You can add dates to taste if you’d like a bit of sweetness. Blend for 25 seconds at high speed until smooth, and then pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a container and refrigerate. Shake it well before using.
After you’ve made your nondairy coffee creamer of choice, you’ll want to store it properly to ensure freshness. It should be kept in a sealed, airtight container, such as a Mason jar or a bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will prevent it from absorbing other odors from your fridge and prevent it from spoiling too quickly. You should use it within the time frame mentioned in your recipe, generally no longer than 10 days.
Be aware that separation is normal when using these natural ingredients, so you’ll need to shake well before use.
Making your own coffee creamer enables you to control the ingredients, taste and consistency you desire. You can experiment with different bases and flavors until you find your favorite combination. Having something healthy and delicious in your fridge makes it much easier to get out of bed on a chilly morning and face the day with confidence. Rise, shine and make the best brew for you.
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