We Asked 3 Dietitians Their Favorite Coffee Creamer

• Dietitians love its simple ingredients with no artificial sweeteners or fillers.
• Each serving has just 3 grams of added sugar and contains zero saturated fat.
• Made with almond milk, it offers a creamy texture and delicious flavor.

With countless coffee creamers crowding the shelves—from oat to coconut and every flavor imaginable—choosing a healthy option can feel overwhelming. To help simplify your choice, we asked dietitians which option stands out from the rest. Unanimously, they pointed to Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Creamer. 

For those of us who don’t enjoy drinking black coffee, there are a handful of places to start when choosing a coffee creamer. April Milevski, M.S., RDN, says, “I always start with the ingredients list. Short, recognizable ingredients are best, with no unnecessary additives. After that, I check the added sugar content.” Many creamers on the market rely on additives to stay smooth and shelf-stable. However, some studies have shown that ingredients like carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickener, may negatively impact gut health. Other research has shown that additives like titanium dioxide may be linked to inflammation. That said, these results were derived from animal studies, so more research is needed to clarify their findings. A splash of these additives here and there may not make a big difference, but for daily coffee drinkers (especially those who pour generously), those extra ingredients can stack up over time.  

Here’s why this pick rises above the rest, and what makes it a smarter addition to your morning cup.

Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Coffee Creamer Nutrition 

One of many reasons Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Creamer is a top choice is due to its short ingredients list, which includes organic almond milk (water, organic almonds), organic cane sugar, baking soda and organic natural flavor. Each serving has just 3 grams of added sugar, while many other creamers can pack double or triple that amount. To put this into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 6 teaspoons (about 25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (about 36 grams) per day for men. Here’s the nutrition information for a 1-tablespoon serving of the Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Coffee Creamer:

• Calories: 20 
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Dietary fiber: 0g
• Total sugar: 3g 
• Added sugar: 3g
• Protein: 0g
• Total fat: 0g 
• Saturated fat: 0g  
• Cholesterol: 0mg 
• Sodium: 10mg

Why Dietitians Love This Coffee Creamer 

Minimal Added Sugars

Most of us start our mornings with breakfast and a cup of joe. Ideally, our first meal is balanced, containing protein and fiber to help support steady energy levels and help prevent early-afternoon crashes. That first sip of coffee often sets the tone for the day, and starting with less added sugar can make it easier to stay on track with healthier choices at our next meal. Alyssa Smolen, M.S., RD, says, “Creamers can add extra fat and calories to your morning drink. Try to stay under 20% of the daily recommended intake for added sugar.” 

Lower in Fat

Unlike many creamers that are high in dietary fat, Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Coffee Creamer leaves it out completely. Gila Singer, M.S., RD, CSG, CDN, FAND, notes, “It has no dietary fats while still giving the flavor and creaminess you want.” Since it’s made with almond milk, Califia Farms offers a plant-based alternative that doesn’t rely on the same fats or additives commonly used to thicken dairy creamers. This also means it’s free of saturated fats, making it a heart-healthy choice to start your morning with. Smolen notes, “This creamer is under 20% of the daily recommended intake for added sugar and 7% of the daily recommended intake for saturated fat. It is a great choice for a healthy daily drink.”

No Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, flavors and fillers might make other creamers last longer on the shelf, but they may also impact our bodies. Milevski states, “I recommend limiting artificial sweeteners, as they may affect gut health, glucose response and cravings for sweet foods.” Some research shows that while artificial sweeteners can be widely used as a low-calorie substitute for those managing conditions like diabetes and obesity, their long-term health effects may be more complex. A recent study linked high intake of artificial sweeteners to increased risks of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease, underscoring why it’s worth paying attention to how much you consume.

In addition, other additives like gums and fillers can add creaminess, but can be tough to digest if consumed in high amounts. Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Coffee Creamer skips these additives altogether, using a short list of simple ingredients that combine to keep your coffee smooth and flavorful without the extras. 

Our Expert Take

Coffee is often the first thing we reach for in the morning, and the creamer we choose can shape more than just the flavor of our cup. Many creamers are packed with added sugars, saturated fats and artificial sweeteners that could impact your health in the long term. Califia Farms Organic Vanilla Almond Coffee Creamer takes a different approach while still prioritizing flavor. With an almond-milk base and simple, recognizable ingredients, it delivers a creamy satisfying texture without compromising on nutrition.