If you are a “give me a little coffee with my creamer” type of person, then you have come to the right place! Coffee creamer can change the flavor profile and texture of your coffee with just a splash.
Nowadays you can find a wide variety of coffee creamers from traditional half and half, flavored creamers to dairy free options.
We like to stock up on our favorite creamer types and flavors so that we have all the options we love on hand when we go to craft a fresh cup.
Before stocking up on coffee creamers, it is good to know the shelf life of each creamer option so you can plan to purchase the right amount without having to throw any away because it has spoiled.
Today Cozy breaks down the different types of coffee creamers available on the market today along with their shelf life. That way you can make sure you have just the right amount on hand when you are ready to make your perfect brew.
If you are looking for a new coffee maker to go with your creamer, Keurig offers popular models that will brew great coffee at the push of a button.
Contents
Does Coffee Creamer Go Bad
First and foremost it is always a good idea to follow the expiration dates noted on the product. If it is past its prime, the rule of thumb is that it is better to be safe than sorry.
When it comes to liquid creamers there are several ways to determine if it is past it prime. You will want to look for:
- Change in texture -Clumps or the liquid appearing to be chunky is a sign that it needs to be tossed in the garbage.
- Odor – If it smells sour or simply “off” that is typically a sign the product has soured.
- Taste – If the creamer has a spoiled or sour taste it most likely has gone bad.
Coffee Creamer Types
There are a wide variety of coffee creamer types available on the market. Today we break down the most popular types and also how long they last until the coffee creamer goes bad.
Powered by Milk
Milk is probably the most popular option used to add a creamy splash to your cup of coffee. There are a wide variety of milk based creamers available:
Cow’s Milk
This popular choice is seen as the traditional creamer used in most coffee and with good reason! It can add the right amount of sweetness and creaminess to your cup.
Shelf Life: Once opened, lasts between 5-7 days in the refrigerator
Buffalo Milk
After cows, Buffalo is the second largest source of milk in the world. Surprisingly buffalo milk can add a creamy tang to your cup.
Those who prefer Buffalo milk typically do because it is the fattiest of all milks, making it a very creamy option for your cup.
Shelf Life: Most supermarket buffalo milk has been pasteurized and if unopened can keep in the fridge for around a week.
Goats Milk
Goats milk creates an earthy and rich flavor profile in your coffee.
Shelf Life: On average, goat milk can last from three to ten days in the fridge. Pasteurized goat milk can last up to six months in the freezer.
Keeping it Creamy
Cream is decadent and delicious in a cup of coffee. There are many different types of cream available:
Half and Half
Made of half milk and half cream, this popular choice is loved for the sweet thickness it adds to their cup.
Shelf Life: Once opened, half and half should be consumed within 7 to 10 days.
Light Cream
The fatter cousin of half and half, this is a creamy option many love for a delicious treat.
Shelf Life: Once opened, light cream should be consumed in 7 to 10 days.
Light Whipping Cream
Has between 30 – 36% milk fat resulting in a creamy and decadent cup of coffee without the extra fat of whipping cream.
Shelf Life: Once opened, should be consumed in 7 to 10 days.
Whipping Cream
Will be thick and creamy in your coffee. Although kind to your taste buds, this option is higher in fat and won’t be as nice to your waistline.
Shelf Life: Can be stored in the fridge for up to a month once opened.
Heavy Cream
With at least 38% milk fat this is the thickest cream option you can use. This is a rich, decadent option that can enhance your cup.
Shelf Life: Can be stored in the fridge for up to a month once opened.
Non Dairy Coffee Creamers
There is a huge variety of non dairy coffee creamers available on the market today. Non dairy flavored coffee creamers are extremely popular and come in many flavor options. Many like to have several coffee creamer flavors on hand so they have them readily available when brewing their daily cup.
Coffee creamers are most popular in two forms: powdered or refrigerated liquid. The largest difference between powered or refrigerated creamers is really in how they are stored. Powdered creamers do not need to be kept cold and can be stored in the pantry. Liquid coffee creamers need to be stored in the fridge. There are also shelf stable liquid creamer options that can be stored safely at room temperature until opened.
Interestingly, coffee creamers are typically not made of cream. Instead most are made of sugar or artificial sweeteners, thickener and oil. Although tasty, they are not the most natural creamer option available.
Powdered Coffee Creamers
There are many powdered coffee creamers on the market today that come in a variety of flavors. We like the popular brand Coffee Mate, this Coffee Mate Sampler Pack comes with four flavor options Original, Hazelnut, French Vanilla and Vanilla Caramel. They are non-dairy, gluten and lactose free. As an added bonus you can also bake with powdered coffee creamers adding flavor to cookies, pancake, french toast and more!
Shelf Life: About 18 to 24 months when properly stored.
Liquid Creamers
Coffee Mate also offers many flavored liquid creamers including their popular French Vanilla Liquid Creamer. They also have a shelf stable option that does not have to be refrigerated until opened such as these Vanilla Caramel single serving creamer cups.
Shelf Life: For liquid creamers requiring refrigeration the shelf life is about 2 weeks once opened. The single serving cups are typically good for about 6 months when sealed.
Almond Milk Creamer
For another non dairy option you may want to give almond milk creamer a try. Most almond milk is lower in calories and comes in plain as well as flavored varieties. We love Califia Farms Almond Milk Coffee Creamer.
Shelf Life: Is good for 7-10 days after opening.
How to Make Homemade Coffee Creamer
Making coffee creamer at home is easy and very economically friendly. Follow these steps to whip up a batch at home:
Step # 1 – Choose Your Base
- Half and Half
- Cream
- Dairy Milk
- Goat or Buffalo Milk
- Soy or Almond Milk
Step # 2 – Sweeten it Up
Add some sweetener to taste to make your creamer more flavorful. Sweetener options you can try are:
- White Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Honey
- Stevia
Step # 3 – Add Flavor
The sky’s the limit when it comes to flavor options! To flavor your homemade coffee creamer add the below ideas to your base.
- Mocha – Two tablespoons of cocoa powder with four tablespoons of brown sugar.
- Hazelnut – Four tablespoons of sugar combined with one teaspoon of vanilla and hazelnut extract.
- Vanilla – Four tablespoons of sugar and two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Pumpkin Spice – one tablespoon of vanilla extract, four tablespoons maple syrup and two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
- Salted Caramel – Combine six tablespoons of brown sugar with a little salt.
Step # 4 – Put it All Together
To make your creamer you will want to follow the below steps. We like to make our homemade creamer a day before we use it so it has time to cool.
- In a small saucepan on the stove add 2 cups of your base
- Add the sweetener and flavor. We recommend you start with one tablespoon of sweetener and flavor then add more to taste.
- Simmer mixture on the stove. Be sure to whisk often to ensure all ingredients blend together.
- Once your creamer begins to steam, remove it from the stove and give it some time to cool.
- Once cooled, store in the fridge and it is ready to be consumed!
Cozy’s Conclusion
Coffee creamers come in a wide variety of options from dairy to non-dairy to flavor or unflavored. Coffee creamers are an easy way to enhance the texture and thickness of your coffee. We hope you give them a try, your taste buds will thank you!
Sending a creamy and dreamy coffee cheers!