Coffee is one of the top sources of antioxidants. It’s linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, and several reports say that coffee drinkers live longer, too. But what we put in our coffee can make it or break it, so today we’re Getting the Skinny with Molly on best and worst bets for coffee creamers on shelves.
How we start our day sets the tone for managing our energy levels and controlling cravings. Instead of sipping a sugar-filled cup of coffee first-thing, Molly recommends a lower-carb creamer, one with minimal sugars or carbs.
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High Protein|Low Sugar ready-to-drink protein drink like ICONIC. Half a carton (5.5 ounces) has 65 calories, 10 grams protein, 4 grams carbs, 1.5 grams sugar.
Half and half. Just milk & cream. 20 calories & 1 gram sat fat per tablespoon. Nothing artificial; no added sugars.
Unsweetened Almond Milk . Per cup: 30 calories, 1 gram carb, 0 sugar, 1 gram protein. Best with iced coffee.
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So Delicious Coconut Milk Creamer (Original). Just 10 calories and one gram of sugar per tablespoon. Ingredients are simple: mostly just coconut milk, though does contain dried cane syrup & carageenan.
Coconut Oil. Texture is similar to butter. ~120 calories per tablespoon, so still keep an eye on portions.
Sugar-Free Flavored Creamers (any brand). Just 15 calories, 0 sat fat, 0 sugar per tablespoon. The ingredients are anything but natural (corn syrup solids and artificial sweeteners). But for those who like flavored coffee and use just a tablespoon or so, this is one of the better options in regular stores.
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So Delicious Flavored Coconut Creamer & Flavored Soymilk Creamer – added sugar can add up quickly.
Per tablespoon: 20-25 calories, 0 saturated fat, 3-4 grams sugar
Powdered Creamers, including Fat Free, Lite, and Flavored.
First ingredients almost always sugar and/or corn syrup solids, then partially hydrogenated oils and more sugar.
The nutrition facts don’t look that bad, but that’s because the serving size is listed in teaspoons.
Per tablespoon, it has more like 30 calories of mostly sugars and saturated fat
Fat-Free Flavored Creamers (any brand). Ingredients include sugar, corn syrup solids, partially hydrogenated oil.
Per tablespoon: 25 calories, 0 saturated fat, 5 grams of sugar
Non-Dairy Creamer: powder, liquid, and portion-control packets
Ingredients: mostly corn syrup solids and vegetable oils. 30 calories & 5 grams sugar per creamer.