Looking for a diabetes-friendly coffee creamer can be overwhelming. Which one is best? Which ones are dietitian-approved?

In this post, I’m sharing the best coffee creamers for diabetes, plus expert tips on what to look for on the label, how different sweeteners affect blood sugar, and how to enjoy your morning coffee without compromise.

Can people with diabetes drink coffee with coffee creamer?

Yes, people with diabetes can drink coffee with coffee creamer, but there are a few things to remember when choosing a low-carb, diabetes-friendly coffee creamer.

What to look for in a diabetes-friendly coffee creamer

When shopping for healthy coffee creamers for diabetes, look at the nutrition label for two main ingredients: added sugars and saturated fat content. 

Added Sugars

Added sugar refers to any type of sugar introduced into a product that doesn’t naturally contain it. Common examples include:

• Table sugar (sucrose)

• High fructose corn syrup

• Honey

• Molasses

• Fruit juice concentrates

• Syrups 

Added sugars have a large impact on blood glucose, so it is best to avoid them in coffee creamers for diabetes.

Consuming too much added sugar can also contribute to weight gain, which can make insulin resistance worse over time. 

For a diabetes-friendly coffee creamer, I recommend keeping added sugars less than 2g per serving.

Non-nutritive Sweeteners

If you are concerned about sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, for example, check out the ingredient list underneath the nutrition label. 

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), also known as sugar substitutes, low-calorie sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners, provide sweetness without adding nutritional value or calories. 

Some of the most widely used and approved NNS include:

• Aspartame (NutraSweet® and Equal®)

• Acesulfame-K

• Neotame

• Saccharin (Sweet’N Low®)

• Sucralose (Splenda®)

Artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, so only small amounts are needed to achieve the desired sweetness, making NNS can be a great option for those monitoring their sugar or calorie intake. 

In fact, many NNS are classified as “free foods,” which means they contain fewer than 20 calories and 5 grams or less of carbohydrates, so they don’t need to be counted in your carbohydrate and calorie totals.

However, it’s important to consider the overall nutritional profile of foods containing NNS. These products often include other ingredients that could impact blood sugar levels.

Nutritive Sweeteners

Nutritive sweeteners (NS) provide both calories and nutritional value, offering energy the body can use.

An example of a nutritive sweetener is good old table sugar or honey.

While these type of sweeteners are often deemed “natural”, they will affect blood sugar levels.

All nutritive sweeteners provide 4 grams of carbohydrate per level teaspoon and 4 calories per gram.

Saturated Fat Content

Saturated fat is the second thing you want to look at when choosing a healthy coffee creamer for diabetes.

High-fat meats, whole-fat dairy products, most baked goods, and fried foods are the largest sources of saturated fats.

Milk and cream-based coffee creamers will contain saturated fat.

To be considered a diabetes-friendly coffee creamer, look for coffee creamers with little to no saturated fat (<2g per serving).

Best Coffee Creamers for People with Diabetes

The healthiest types of coffee creamers for people with diabetes are ones low in added sugar and saturated fat. 

Here are recommendations for the best sugar-free coffee creamers for diabetes.

1. NutPods: Almond + Coconut Creamer, Best Sugar Free Coffee Creamer

If you like creamy but subtle flavors in your morning brew, this creamer is for you!

NutPods are naturally unsweetened, with no artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners, making it a smart, diabetes-friendly choice. 

Each tablespoon has just 10 calories, 0g carbs and sugar, and 0g of saturated fat,

With flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Caramel, and Toasted Marshmallow, there’s something for everyone.

Nutpods are a versatile option for anyone navigating dietary or religious restrictions since they are dairy-free, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

2. Califia Farms Unsweetened Better Half, A No-Sugar Creamer for Diabetes

Califia Farms is a close runner-up to NutPods as one of the best coffee creamers for diabetes.

The nutritional information is the same between the two brands, but Califia Farms Unsweetened Better Half does not come in different flavors like NutPods do.

With only 10 calories, 0g carbs or sugar, and 0g of saturated fat, this diabetes-friendly coffee creamer gives you just the right amount of creaminess without all the calories.

If you like some sweetness in your coffee (like me!), you may need to consider adding a non-nutritive sweetener or sugar-free flavoring of your choice when using this product. 

Made with coconut cream and almond milk, this product is a great option for anyone with a dairy intolerance or those seeking a plant-based alternative.

3. Splenda Sugar Free Coffee Creamer, Low-Carb Coffee Creamer

Available in classic flavors like French Vanilla and Sweet Cream, this low-carb coffee creamer brings a touch of indulgence to your daily cup without the sugar.

From a nutrition standpoint, it’s a win: one tablespoon contains just 15 calories, 0 gram of saturated fat, 1 gram of carbohydrate, and 0 grams of added sugar. 

✅Another plus: Splenda Sugar Free Coffee Creamer contains no high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is high in fructose and may contribute to insulin resistance and blood sugar spikes.

This coffee creamer is sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame-K, a zero-calorie sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.

4. Ripple Half and Half, Diabetes-Friendly Coffee Creamer

***picture of Ripple plant-based milk not Ripple Half and Half

Ripple’s Half and Half is free from the top 9 allergens, making it diabetes-friendly and a versatile choice for most people.

This low-carb coffee creamer provides 20 calories, 2 g saturated fat, and 0 g of added sugar per tablespoon.

The total fat content is higher than the other blood sugar-friendly coffee creamers, which moves it lower on our list of best coffee creamers for diabetes.

This product does not come in different flavors, which may not appeal to many people looking to flavor their coffee. Jump ahead to learn how to naturally sweeten your coffee.

💡Pro tip→ Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to plant-based milks to bring out the nutty flavors!

If you are looking for an option with higher protein and calcium, Ripple also makes a plant-based, dairy-free milk which provides 90 calories, 0g saturated fat, 5g of added sugar per cup.

5. 1% or Nonfat Milk

Call me crazy, but I think the best coffee creamer for diabetes is simply milk!

What type of milk is up to you and your flavor preferences. 

If you like and tolerate cow’s milk, opt for 1% or non-fat milk. 

1 tbsp of 1% milk contains about 6.5calories, .25g saturated fat, and <1g of natural sugar.

Not only is 1% milk a low-carb option, it also contains protein and important vitamins and minerals unlike sugar-free coffee creamers that do not contain either of these.

If you are a plant-based milk fan, I recommend almond or unsweetened soy milk.

1 tbsp of unsweetened almond milk is about 2 calories, 0g of fat, 0g of added sugar and carbohydrate.

1 tbsp of unsweetened soy milk has 5 calories, 0g saturated fat, 0g added sugars and carbohydrate.

Plant-based milks also provide essential vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, offering added health benefits.

ℹ️ Fun Fact: Nearly half of the people in the United States do not get the recommended amount of calcium from their diet.

6. Protein Drinks

Protein helps to stabilize blood sugars, so why not add some protein to your coffee?

My favorite protein shakes to add to coffee are Nurri, Fairlyfe, and Premier Protein.

Nurri, Best High Protein Coffee Creamer

A relatively new product in the protein shake area, this is by far the best-tasting protein drink I have tried. It currently comes in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla.

In 1 tbsp, there are 7 calories,  <.05g saturated fat, 0g of added sugar, and 1.5g of protein.

I would compare the taste of these protein shakes to that of a milkshake- you’d be surprised that there is no added sugars!

Similar to milk, these diabetes-friendly protein drinks contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and more!

Fairlife Nutrition Plan

Fairlyfe Nutrition Plan Protein shakes and Nurri are comparable in nutrition and taste. 

In 1 tbsp, there are 7 calories,  <.1g saturated fat, 0g of added sugar, and 1.5g of protein.

The difference I found between the two is that Fairlyfe has a noticeable aftertaste from the non-nutritive sweeteners used. 

In terms of consistency, the Fairlyfe protein shakes have a thicker, creamier texture compared to Nurri.

Premier Protein

Premier Protein is similar to Nurri and Fairlyfe protein shakes nutritionally. 

1 tbsp has 7 calories ,0 g saturated fat, 0 g added sugar, and 1.3g protein.

With a ton of flavors to choose from, whether you are a classic vanilla lover or a seasonal pumpkin spice fanatic, you will not be disappointed. 

💡Pro tip→ Meal replacements, which are similar to protein drinks, can also be added to coffee as a creamer if you are looking to add more nutritional value to your coffee.

7. Coffeemate Sugar-Free Coffee Creamer

Last but not least, CoffeeMate Creamer makes our list of best sugar-free creamers for diabetes because there are so many great flavors that actually taste good without having to add other sweeteners or ingredients. 

1 tbsp has 15 calories, 0g saturated fat, and 0g added sugars.

The consistency and taste of this creamer are most similar to regular flavored creamers.

Despite this creamer tasting better than most creamers on the market, consumers have concerns about the ingredient list. More specifically, the addition of corn syrup.

While the amounts of corn syrup in the product are minimal (usually <.5g/serving), some people report that they still have some increases in their blood sugar.

Blood sugar levels vary from person to person based on a variety of factors, so it’s important to take these into consideration before choosing a sugar-free coffee creamer.

How to Naturally Sweeten Coffee without Artificial Sweeteners

Don’t want to add any sweeteners or creamers? No problem! 

💡Use these tips to make your coffee naturally sweet without shooting blood sugars up.

• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for added flavor.
  
• Cocoa powder: For a chocolatey touch.
  
• Flavored ice cubes: Try coconut-flavored cubes for iced coffee.
  
• Herbs: Infuse coffee with mint, rosemary, ginger, or lavender.
  
• Natural sweeteners: Use stevia or monk fruit to add sweetness without sugar.

Almond milk brings a mild, nutty flavor and a thinner, more water-like consistency, making it a great base for spiced coffee. Its light texture allows spices like cinnamon to shine, so try it next time you’re making your morning brew.

Soy milk, by contrast, has a richer, creamier texture, which makes it ideal for frothing if you enjoy a silky, elevated coffee experience. 

7 Best Coffee Creamers for Diabetes

Finding the right coffee creamer doesn’t have to be a compromise between taste and health. 

With the right options, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful cup of coffee without spiking your blood sugar. 

Remember to look for creamers low in added sugars and saturated fats, and always consider how different ingredients may impact your blood sugar levels.

Whether you prefer plant-based, dairy-free options or a creamy, protein-rich addition, there are plenty of choices that cater to your needs.

With these dietitian-approved options, you can savor your morning routine while staying aligned with your health goals. 

If you also like going out for coffee, check out this article on how to make drinks at Starbucks diabetes and weight loss friendly.

PS: Be sure to download our Best Coffee Creamers for Diabetes Chart to help you pick your favorite coffee creamer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee creamer for weight loss?

Many of the diabetes-friendly coffee creamers are often also weight-loss friendly.

Coffee creamers that are diabetes-friendly are usually low in calories, low in fat, and low in added sugars which make them great options for weight loss.

Does sugar-free coffee creamer raise blood sugar?

Sugar-free coffee creamers that contain non-nutritive sweeteners should not raise your blood sugars.

Some coffee creamers do use small amounts of added sugars which can affect blood sugars, so it’s important to read the nutrition label to see what’s used to sweeten the product.

Natural sweeteners like honey, dates, brown sugar, or even maple syrup are still sugars that can raise blood sugar levels.

How much coffee creamer can I use?

How much coffee creamer to use in your coffee is a matter of personal preference. 

If you choose a creamer that is low in added sugars, saturated fats, and calories, you can use more without consuming excess calories.

If you choose coffee creamers with added sugars and saturated fats, it’s best to limit your intake to 2 tablespoons to avoid blood sugar spikes.