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Short answer
Used in moderation, Natural bliss is a healthier alternative to most coffee creamers - especially non-dairy varieties. However, the creamer still contains some questionable ingredients and should, therefore, be consumed with caution.
Recommended Alternative
Long answer
Is this a too-good-to-be-true “natural” coffee creamer or is it actually good for you? Nestle is not typically known for their all-natural healthy food products. Most contain harmful ingredients that we want to avoid consuming on a regular basis.
Natural Bliss, unlike the original version of the Coffee Mate creamer, does not contain partially hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, GMO’s or milk from growth hormone treated cows. In fact, the only ingredients listed are non-fat milk, cream, cane sugar and natural flavor.
Let’s shine some light on some of these ingredients.
Flavorings added to products are used as enhancers to make the food or beverage taste better. All added flavorings are created in a lab and most companies do not leak out what they are actually made of. We generally believe that “natural” flavorings are 100% pure ingredients from nature. However, even if they are derived from a natural product, they are still made by chemical processes in a lab and so technically they are partially artificial.
Although not listed among the ingredients, many low-fat, non-fat, and milk-free products use carrageenan as a thickener and stabilizer for liquids, giving it a creamier texture. Only the full-fat flavors of Natural Bliss are carrageenan-free, reported by the Cornucopia Institute.
Carrageenan is made from seaweed and is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Although this additive is natural, it has been shown in studies to cause irritation to the digestive system, gastrointestinal malignancy, inflammation of the bowels and could possibly be carcinogenic to humans. The latter needs more research, however, to be conclusive.
There’s no doubt when compared to other coffee creamers, Natural Bliss is the better choice, mainly because the list of ingredients isn’t a mile long. However, this processed milk-like product would not have any positive benefits to your health.
Although creamers can be a tasty addition to a coffee beverage, they also come with processed sugar, extra calories, and questionable flavorings. It would be better to stick to a regular milk and cream product like half & half and add in the sugar and flavorings of your choice. Remember that full-fat is better than no fat and choosing organic (not just “natural”) ensures that you are getting the best quality.
Cow’s milk, in general, is highly debated as being dangerous for your health. Commonly, many people experience negative effects of drinking milk such as gas, bloating and acne. You might even want to go for a carrageenan-free non-milk option of your coffee.
Possible short-term side effects
- gas
- bloating
- acne
- increased blood sugar
Possible long-term side effects
- digestive irritation
- gastrointestinal malignancy
- bowel inflammation
- tumors and cancer
- diabetes
Ingredients to be aware of
- “natural” flavor
- carrageenan
- sugar
Benefits
- free from many harmful ingredients found in other coffee creamers
Healthier alternatives
- half & half
- non-milk products made from almonds, coconut, cashews, etc…
Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)
Nutpods French Vanilla Creamer
- Keto-friendly
- Whole30 approved
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO & Vegan
- Sugar-free
