Is Coffee Creamer Bad For You?
Also Known As: non-dairy creamers, coffee whiteners
Short answer
Although many of the side effects only come from long-term use, coffee creamers are still very bad for you. Looking out for your future health, we recommend you try a healthier alternative.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
When you think coffee creamer, you are probably thinking about a non-dairy creamer that brightens and sweetens up your morning cup of joe. The majority of coffee creamers are an artificial powdery or liquid substance that can sit out all week or all month without having to be refrigerated. One can only wonder if this stuff is bad to put in our bodies.
Ironic as it may be, those little flavored “creamers” have nothing to do with cream at all. They are basically a combination of trans fat, artificial flavoring, and water. Trans fat (from hydrogenated oils) is the bad kind of fat that is known for clogging arteries. It is created when a metal molecule is injected into a fat molecule. The trans fat then is able to solidify at higher temperatures, increasing the stabilization of the creamer. Fat in your bloodstream is also solidified. The consumption of trans fat can lead to higher cholesterol, blood pressure, risk of diabetes, and risk of heart disease. Recent studies have also linked trans fat with Alzheimer's.
Artificial flavoring is another one to put on your stay away list. Artificial flavors are usually a combination of 10's - even 100's - of chemicals reacting with each other in order to produce a certain smell/taste. Why do they use these? To save money and lengthen shelf life of course. Nonetheless, artificial flavors can cause a wide range of side effects from dizziness, headaches, and nausea to brain damage, depression, and seizures.
Possible short-term side effects
- dizziness
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headaches
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blood sugar spike
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nausea
Possible long-term side effects
- raise in cholesterol
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raise in blood pressure
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diabetes
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heart disease
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weight gain
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cancer
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central nervous system damage
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respiratory / circulatory depression
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kidney damage
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brain damage
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- convenient
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tastes good
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makes coffee sweeter
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Laird Superfood Creamer
- Non-dairy creamer
- Coconut-based
- Sweet & creamy
- Gluten-free & Vegan
- Non-GMO
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-01-2023
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