Does Hazelnut Coffee Creamer Have Gluten? A Comprehensive Guide

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

While most plain cream and sugar are naturally gluten-free, the same cannot be said for all coffee creamers. This comprehensive guide addresses the critical question, "Does hazelnut coffee creamer have gluten?", helping you navigate ingredients and make safe choices for your coffee.

Quick Summary

Most hazelnut coffee creamers are gluten-free by formulation, but label verification is crucial for flavored and non-dairy varieties. Understand how to spot potential gluten sources.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always read the ingredient list and look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" seal, especially for flavored and non-dairy versions.
Additives are the Risk: While plain cream is gluten-free, additives like thickeners and flavorings in hazelnut creamers can sometimes contain gluten.
Cross-Contamination is a Concern: For those with celiac disease, check for warnings about shared equipment during manufacturing.
Confirm by Brand: Brands like International Delight and specific lines from Coffee Mate (e.g., Natural Bliss) are often gluten-free, but always verify the specific product.
Beware of Oats: If choosing an oat-based creamer, ensure it is specifically labeled as using certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination.
Homemade is an Option: For total control, consider making your own hazelnut coffee creamer from scratch using safe ingredients.

Is Hazelnut Creamer Naturally Gluten-Free?

The answer to whether hazelnut coffee creamer has gluten is not a simple yes or no; it depends heavily on the brand and formulation. Plain, unflavored dairy products like milk and cream are naturally gluten-free. Therefore, if a creamer was just cream and hazelnuts, it would be safe. However, commercial hazelnut creamers contain a variety of additives, including sweeteners, thickeners, and natural and artificial flavorings, which are the potential sources of gluten or cross-contamination. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, reading labels carefully is non-negotiable.

Potential Sources of Gluten in Creamers

To ensure you are making a safe choice, it's essential to know where gluten can hide in a coffee creamer's ingredients list:

Thickeners and Stabilizers: Ingredients like modified food starch, certain gums, or maltodextrin (rarely, but possible) can sometimes be derived from gluten-containing grains. A "gluten-free" label can confirm the safety of these additives.
Flavorings: The natural and artificial flavorings that provide the hazelnut taste could, in rare cases, contain gluten. If a product is not labeled gluten-free, the flavorings should be viewed with caution.
Oat-Based Creamers: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are at high risk for cross-contamination during growing, harvesting, and processing with gluten-containing grains. Oat-based creamers must explicitly state they are made with certified gluten-free oats.
Cross-Contamination: Even if ingredients are gluten-free, if a product is manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat, barley, or rye, cross-contamination can occur. This is a significant risk for those with high sensitivity.

Comparison of Popular Hazelnut Creamer Brands

When navigating the coffee creamer aisle, it helps to be informed about how different brands handle gluten. Here is a comparison of some popular options:


Brand	Status (Based on General Info & Searches)	Notes
Coffee Mate	Many liquid and powdered versions are labeled gluten-free.	Must check specific product; the oat-based variety may not be certified gluten-free.
International Delight	Generally states all products are gluten-free.	Good for those with sensitivities, but verification is still best.
Nutpods	Labeled gluten-free and Whole30 compliant.	Excellent non-dairy option for those avoiding gluten and dairy.
Silk	Almond and soy creamers are gluten-free, but oat-based products may not be.	Check the specific product label carefully, especially for oat-based flavors.
Califia Farms	Advertises many products as gluten-free.	Plant-based, so often a safe bet, but always verify the label.
Kroger Brand	Some specific products, like their liquid hazelnut, are explicitly labeled gluten-free.	Store brands vary widely; always read the label on the specific flavor.

The Importance of the "Certified Gluten-Free" Label

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, relying solely on an ingredients list is not enough. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other organizations allow a voluntary "gluten-free" label for products containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. The "Certified Gluten-Free" label, backed by third-party organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), provides an even higher level of assurance. These certifications indicate that the product has been rigorously tested and manufactured in a facility with strict controls to prevent cross-contamination.

Steps for a Safe Choice

Read the Label Meticulously: Don't just scan the front. Read the entire ingredients list, and look for an allergen statement.
Look for Certification: Prioritize products with a "Certified Gluten-Free" seal for the highest level of safety.
Be Wary of Oats: If it's an oat-based creamer, ensure the label specifies that it was made with certified gluten-free oats.
Check for "May Contain" Warnings: These warnings indicate a risk of cross-contamination, which should be avoided by individuals with celiac disease.
Visit Manufacturer Websites: Many companies, like International Delight and Coffee Mate, provide detailed gluten-free information on their websites.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice with Confidence

The simple joy of a hazelnut-flavored coffee is accessible to most people avoiding gluten, provided they exercise caution. While the core ingredients of most creamers are gluten-free, the additives and manufacturing processes vary by brand. Checking for a "Certified Gluten-Free" label is the most reliable method for ensuring safety. For the highest assurance, consider making your own hazelnut creamer at home, where you have complete control over ingredients and preparation. By becoming a savvy label reader and being aware of the risks, you can confidently enjoy your hazelnut-flavored brew without worry.

Visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's guide on reading labels for more tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all coffee creamers are gluten-free. While many are, especially plain dairy options, some flavored varieties or those with certain additives can contain gluten or be at risk for cross-contamination. Always read the label to be sure.

Many Coffee Mate hazelnut creamers, including liquid and powdered versions, are labeled gluten-free. However, you should always check the specific product's label, as their oat-based products may not be certified gluten-free.

According to their website, International Delight creamers, including the hazelnut flavor, are gluten-free and caffeine-free.

You should be vigilant for ingredients that may indicate hidden gluten, such as malt (often from barley), certain flavorings, or modified food starch that isn't specified as gluten-free.

A 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal means a product has been tested by a third-party organization and contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, offering a higher level of assurance against cross-contamination.

Single-serve creamers are often manufactured in controlled facilities and may be gluten-free. However, if you are highly sensitive, the safest option is to check the ingredient list on the individual tub or ask a barista for an unopened, clearly labeled carton.

No, non-dairy hazelnut creamers are not always guaranteed to be gluten-free. Oat-based non-dairy creamers, in particular, carry a risk of gluten cross-contamination unless they are certified gluten-free. It's crucial to check the label on all non-dairy products.