Many people are shocked when they start their gluten-free diet because of all the places they might find gluten. One of those places is coffee creamers. Yes, you need to add gluten-free coffee creamers to your list of foods to look for.
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Why Do Coffee Creamers Contain Gluten?
While not every coffee creamer is filled with gluten, it’s important to pay attention to it as you navigate your gluten-free diet. Things like bread and pasta are the first places we tend to look, but something like a coffee creamer isn’t necessarily first on our list of places that might contain gluten.
Many store-bought coffee creamers contain flavor and additives like malt extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein, or modified food starch. All of these may come from gluten-containing grains, making them not a gluten-free option.
Not to mention, gluten is a thickening agent. It adds thickness and texture to foods and drinks. Gluten could be used in coffee creamers or as part of the flavorings added to them.
Coffee creamers are known to be thick, flavorful, and creamy, so it’s not uncommon for gluten to be used in store-bought creamers.
Cross Contamination and Coffee Creamers
As with anything gluten-free, it’s important to pay attention to cross contamination, especially if you are someone who has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Any little bit of gluten can be extremely damaging to your body.
While the ingredients may look clean of gluten, it’s possible that coffee creamers are mass-produced in a factory that also uses gluten. When this happens, it means that they are no longer safe from cross-contamination.
When looking for a gluten-free coffee creamer, look for the certified gluten-free logo. This logo ensures that your coffee creamer meets all of the requirements that make it not only gluten-free but also free of the possibility of cross-contamination.
Making Your Coffee Creamer
If you aren’t ready to give up flavor and creamers in your coffee but are not ready to trust a store-bought coffee, you can make your coffee creamers at home. There are countless recipes out there that are great for coffee.
Golden Milk is my favorite recipe, and we use it regularly here. It’s not only delicious but has healing properties with it. As someone on a gluten-free diet, you likely have healing to do in your gut. This is a perfect recipe for that.
- All Natural Vanilla Coffee Creamer
- How To Make Cold Foam With Creamer
- The Best Cashew Coffee Creamer
- Homemade Salted Caramel Creamer
Gluten-Free Coffee Creamers
It’s important to always do your research on each specific type of coffee creamer. If you use an app to scan ingredients, I highly recommend checking each flavor before buying.
According to their websites, the following brands are considered certified gluten-free.
With seasonal drinks, changes in flavors and ingredients being added or removed, it is important to pay attention to the coffee creamer labels when you purchase them.
Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Coffee Creamers
It is more common to find dairy-free and gluten-free coffee creamers. There are so many brands out there, but like standard coffee creamers, always research when you’re in the grocery store.
A few of the more popular brands to start with are:
Each one has a unique flavor and likely will be different from what you’re used to. Don’t give up after the first one if it isn’t your favorite.
Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free?
Many people turn to oat milk as a dairy-free and gluten-free alternative to coffee creamers. It’s creamy, thick, and great in coffee.
However, there is a big debate in the gluten-free community about whether oat milk is gluten-free. The reality is that it depends on the brand. Some brands of Oat Milk are certified gluten-free, but not all brands are.
At the end of the day, always do your research by checking the brand’s website or scanning it in a food allergy app. Do not trust a Facebook group to give you answers. Most importantly, look for the certified gluten-free logos.
Just because you’ve gone gluten-free doesn’t mean you need to give up cream in your coffee. Use this list as a starting point for enjoying your coffee each morning.
Need More Breakfast Inspiration?
If you’re looking for gluten-free recipes to make alongside your morning coffee, the Going Gluten-Free Meal Plan is the place to start. Inside are 15 family-friendly recipes designed to make gluten-free eating simple and stress-free. With a mix of go-to meals and new ideas to try, it’s perfect for anyone looking to make meal planning easier.
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ABOUT ME
Hey There, I’m Kristin Longacre, a gluten-free nutrition coach helping women get started with a gluten-free lifestyle in a way that is manageable and less overwhelming.
