Non dairy creamer vs half and half

You see, a lot of people don't think much about what they add to their morning coffee, but that choice matters, especially in terms of daily calories, sugar consumption, and saturated fat levels.

Sure, some of the comparisons are a bit obvious -- of course heavy cream has more calories and saturated fat than whole milk -- but others can be surprising. For instance, did you know that coconut milk has almost as much fat as heavy cream? And that fat-free half and half has twice as much sugar as regular half and half? Add flavored creamers, nut milks, and other variations to the mix and things can get downright confusing.

Well, they could... but that's why we're here!

Let's un-complicate things, shall we?

We'll start with a chart. My team and I compared the 11 most popular liquids that people are adding to their coffee -- everything from traditional cream to unsweetened almond milk. We explored total calories, fat content, saturated fat content, grams of protein, and levels of sugar, then put all of our findings in a handy chart.

Check it out!

Wow!

Let's look at the winners: almond milk has the fewest calories, while whole milk, pea milk (Ripple) and soy milk tied for best protein content.

Now let's talk about the ones you should watch out for. Many people assume that coconut milk is heart healthy, but it's loaded with saturated fat, not to mention calories! Another one to carefully think about is the French vanilla coffee creamer -- with 40 grams of sugar in a dinky half cup, that creamer could throw off your nutrition plan for the whole day!

And speaking of serving size...

The packages had lots of different serving sizes listed in their Nutrition Facts. Heavy cream called for a tablespoon, as did the vanilla creamer, while others listed their nutrition inforamtion by the cup, like whole milk and almond milk. Many other creamers had a serving size of 2 tablespoons. How could we compare such different amounts?

For the most straightforward evaluation, we decided to compare the same amounts of each creamer. So we did a little math and compared a half cup serving of each liquid. If you're only using a splash or a dash of one, its impact will of course be less than if you're pouring a half cup or more.

We pulled manufacturer's data from peapod.com and calorieking.com in order to get the most accurate numbers.

And just between you and me, Ripple is hands-down my favorite. It's a plant-based half and half alternative that's dairy-free and made with pea protein. I'm able to cook with it and I love to use the unsweetened version in soups.

Anyway, that wraps up the first installment, but never fear! More is on the way!

We'll follow up with the most healthful ways to prepare coffee, along with a closer look at the health impact of many popular coffee drinks from restaurants like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts. We'll also dig into the cost of coffee and address the effects of caffeine.

In the meantime, here's the PDF handout comparing those creamers: Handout: Creamer Comparsion Chart

And if you're looking for more coffee resources, don't miss the sugar comparison chart (do you sweeten your coffee?) and Dr. James J. Kenney's article Coffee or Tea?

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Stephanie Ronco

Stephanie Ronco has been editing for Food and Health Communications since 2011. She graduated from Colorado College magna cum laude with distinction in Comparative Literature. She was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 2008.

Coffee-mate and half and half are two popular creamers for coffee, but what is the difference between them?

Each has a distinctive nutrient profile and a different taste. 

Furthermore, many people are unaware of the type of milk used in each. However, the calories in each are relatively the same as well.

Have a close look, compare their nutritional facts and ingredients, and then decide which suits your taste buds and your specific dietary needs. 

We will also try to answer questions like “is coffee mate better than milk?” and “what is the substitute for half and half in coffee?” Heavy cream vs half and half in coffee – Is cream a good substitute? Lets find out about all this and more on Coffee-Mate Vs Half And Half! 

In this Article

• Coffee-Mate Vs Half And Half 
• TYPES OF CREAM
• Coffee mate vs Half and Half – What Are Other Differences Between Creamer And Half-And-Half?
• Frequently Asked Questions:
• Conclusion on Coffee-Mate Vs Half And Half

Coffee-Mate Vs Half And Half 

Most of them get confused in choosing the right type of creamer for their coffee. There are a lot of options in the market nowadays. In choosing the right one you need to know what’s best for you.

TYPES OF CREAM

CREAMER

Coffee creamers are made without dairy content in it. Creamer is a milk-based drink that you can consume with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The cream is not a dairy product but a blend of fat and protein in a liquid state.

Coffee creamers are mixes of oil and sugar with a flavouring agent in them. You can buy them in all forms, including powder, bar form that easily dissolves in water, or you can add it to hot beverages with great ease. They have been produced with different flavour options to suit the taste buds of all types of people. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

Coffee mate is a type of a creamer! So, is coffee mate the same as half and half,? Lets read about half and half to understand more!

HALF AND HALF

Compared to creamer, half and half is both higher in fat and calories. It is made from dairy products, including cream and whole milk.

Also, it contains a carrageenan thickening agent. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed and has been shown in studies to cause inflammation.

This additive is not healthy, and it is best if you avoid it. Luckily, you can find brands that don’t contain carrageenan, such as Organic Valley Half’ n half.

Also, half and half have more calcium than creamer. For those who want fat-free, it's better to choose a non-dairy option or to add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed oil to your coffee. 

So, is coffee mate the same as half and half?

A coffee mate is an artificial creamer. Coffee mate comes in many varieties, such as: coffee mate original, hazelnut coffee mate, vanilla (Coffee-Mate), mocha (Coffee-mate) , hazelnut mocha and many others.

Half and half is cream that is half milk and half cream. Half and half has a heavier taste than cream or people who are not used to using creamer in their coffee might find it a bit too rich for their palate.

HEAVY CREAMERS

Heavy creamers are high in saturated fats and also very rich in cholesterol and calories. You can find heavy creamers in ice cream, whipped cream, and other desserts. Restaurants and fast-food chains usually use them. 

In addition, you will find heavy creamers frozen in stores. Some heavy creamers may also come in cartons or cans.

You can make your heavy cream at home by adding whipping cream to your blender. It will yield a creamy texture similar to heavy cream.

NON-DAIRY CREAMER

Non-dairy creamer is an excellent alternative to heavy creamers that you can usually find in powdered or liquid form. The powder form is usually mixed with warm water to give you a creamy blend for your coffee.

They can be low in fat, cholesterol, and calories too. They also have a lot of vitamins that offer great nourishment to the body.

You can use them according to your taste and need, then this will give you an excellent flavour for your coffee as well as being healthy at the same time.

Coffee mate vs Half and Half – What Are Other Differences Between Creamer And Half-And-Half?

Here are a few more differences between coffee creamers, heavy creamers, & half-and-half:

They're different but have similar uses.

Heavy cream, half and half, and coffee mate are three popular ingredients to put in your coffee, but they all have different functions. 

Heavy Cream

Also known as Heavy whipping cream, it is made by skimming part of the cream from regular whole milk. The thick high-fat cream found in ice cream and other frozen desserts is becoming more common in standard coffee drinks. 

However, they are mainly used in baking and desserts. Because the cream is the central part of heavy cream, it contains the most calories.

Half-And-Half

Also known as Light cream, Double cream, or Half cream is made by mixing equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream.

It is thinner and lower in fat than heavy cream. Useful in many types of recipes as it has a lighter taste and mouth-feel. 

Half-and-half contains additives such as carrageenan. Carrageenan helps in enhancing the texture of the final product. 

Fat-free products usually include a combination of skim milk with corn syrup are widely available. They are suitable for those who seek a reduced-fat product and who want to lose some weight.

Coffee creamer

Apart from the conventional heavy cream, half and half, you can use coffee creamer in place of them. Most effective coffee creamers are a combination of water, vegetable oil, and sugar. 

In addition, some of the common additives are used to boost up the taste and texture of coffee creamers. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

However, just like other creamers, coffee creamer is also filled with calories. They are also very high in saturated fat. 

So, is coffee mate better than milk?

The answer to this is yes, coffee mate is better than milk. Coffee mate is a preservative free coffee creamer which contains no high fat dairy products such as cream that can cause weight gain if you consume too much.

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

Heavy cream vs half and half in coffee: Which is better?

• Both are delicious, but each has its own qualities.
• For starters, Heavy cream is thicker and more saturated. Half and Half is thinner.
• There are about 35% more calories in heavy cream than half and half.

Heavy cream also has about a third less fat content than half and half. So it will taste richer but will contain less fat than half and half.

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

When it comes to how well they dissolve, Half and Half dissolves better than heavy cream. It has more emulsifiers and will blend with your coffee better!

Differences In Fat And Calorie Content

One of the significant differences between coffee creamers, half-and-half, & heavy cream is their fat content. Each has a different fat content. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

Coffee-mate contains about 45% sugar, 23% carbohydrates, 6% protein, 2% fats and 1.3% minerals. Half-and-half has about 12% of each. 

You will find the differences in their nutritional value in the calories they contain. For example, Half-and-half has 112 calories per tablespoon, while coffee creamer has 142 calories per tablespoon. Heavy cream has 148 calories per tablespoon. 

They Taste Different

Apart from nutritional differences, these taste different. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

On the other hand, half-and-half is a little less affluent and has a mellow, milky flavour. It is pretty sweet and contains about 30% sugar. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

They are often artificially flavored to enhance their flavor. There are a variety of flavours, including chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla, strawberry, coconut, and more. 

Your choice

It all depends on what you prefer. If you want your coffee extra rich and sweet, then go for half-and-half. If you are not very fond of milk duds, then go for the coffee creamer instead. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

So, What is a good substitute for half and half in coffee?

I get this question all the time, especially because people are starting to go off dairy and looking for something that tastes similar to replace it with. And while I don’t think I’ve found a perfect substitute yet, I’m pretty happy with what I’ve come up with.

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

I’m sure there are a lot of people out there turned off by the idea of adding “fake” stuff to their coffee, but if you can get past that, it’s clear that Coffee-Mate is a great choice for anyone looking for a dairy substitute.

They Each Have Unique Uses

Coffee creamer, half-and-half, & heavy creamers are similar in nutritional content but differ in taste, texture, and practical use. 

Heavy Cream

This rich, incredibly versatile ingredient can be used to make homemade custards, puddings, sauces, and frostings.

Apart from that, you can use it as a filling for tarts, croissants, and pastries, and commonly used in baking or dessert recipes. It is also great for making smoothies.

Half-And-Half

The creamy texture makes it the best ingredient for soups and sauces. Half-and-half is often used to thicken gravy but can also be used to flavour soups and sauces easily without changing the dish’s colour or consistency.

Coffee Creamer

It is the best ingredient to use when looking for something that you can use to create delicious desserts. It can be used to thicken sauces, cream soups, make ice cream, and other frozen desserts. It also works well in making pies. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

WHAT CAN I PUT IN MY COFFEE INSTEAD OF CREAMER?

If you want to skip the sweetness and sweetness of creamer, but still want a creamy texture to your coffee, then try these alternatives:

• Protein powder
• Spices like cinnamon or pumpkin
• Vanilla or almond extract
• Cacao and honey
• Coconut milk
• Cashew milk
• Almond milk

WHICH IS HEALTHIER: POWDERED OR LIQUID CREAMER?

Powdered has more calories and fat, but you can mix it with water or other liquids to reduce the calories and/or fat.  There are additives in the creamer such as:

• Monoglycerides and Diglycerides
• Dipotassium Phosphate
• Artificial Flavor
• Sodium Caseinate

Can You Substitute Half-And-Half In Place Of Creamer And Vice Versa?

That is a more complicated answer than you would expect. The answer is yes and no. Yes, you can substitute half-and-half in coffee for creamer and creamer for half-and-half, but the results won’t be as creamy and rich as if you used the original product.

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

Who Should Get Coffee Creamer And Why?

Coffee creamers are basically for people who are health conscious. These are perfect alternatives to creamers because they are low in fat and low in calories. They contain things such as sugars, juices, carbohydrates, and oils form of fats. 

Creamers do not alter the flavour of your coffee, hot chocolate or tea. Creamer can be made from cow milk, soy milk, almond milk and others. 

I would recommend these grounds to anyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle and lose weight.

How Do You Make Your Own Creamer?

It’s an easy way to make coffee creamer. You can substitute half-and-half for creamer and creamer for half-and-half, but the results won’t be as creamy and rich as if you used the original product.  

Also, it contains a carrageenan thickening agent. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed and has been shown in studies to cause inflammation.

You can store coffee creamer in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. The recipe makes 1.5 cups of coffee creamer.You can also experiment with different flavoured extracts and spices to find your unique version of coffee creamers. 

Also, it contains a carrageenan thickening agent. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed and has been shown in studies to cause inflammation.

Does Creamer Taste Like Half-And-Half?

No, it does not. Half-and-half is a rich, mellow taste, whereas coffee creamer has more of a sweet taste with a bit of bitterness.

The best way to describe the difference is that if coffee creamers are lighter black, half-and-half is the bolder black. So, is coffee mat the same as half and half? No! It is lighter than half and half. 

Which Is Healthier Creamer Or Half-And-Half?

It depends on what type of creamer you use. While low-fat versions of half-and-half have a lower fat count, sugar substitutes and additives can turn up the calories and carbs. 

Also, it contains a carrageenan thickening agent. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed and has been shown in studies to cause inflammation.

In general, half-and-half is a little more nutritious than creamers because it has more vitamin D and calcium.  So if you don’t have time to make your own, go for this version.

Conclusion on Coffee-Mate Vs Half And Half

So, is coffee mate the same as half and half? Definitely not! Is coffee mate better than milk?Not necessarily! It really depends on your personal preference whether you choose one or the other.

Also, it contains a carrageenan thickening agent. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed and has been shown in studies to cause inflammation.

You can use heavy cream as a substitute for half and half in coffee, but between heavy cream vs half and half in coffee, its better to add half and half! 

Also, it contains a carrageenan thickening agent. Carrageenan is a food additive derived from red seaweed and has been shown in studies to cause inflammation.

If it does, then consider that serving when you can will give you benefits in the long run. The only way to know what is best for you is when you try them both and compare them with each other.

I hope this article helped anyone undecided about which one to use in coffee and also helped you differentiate between coffee mate vs half and half!

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