International Delight and Palm Oil: Ingredient Breakdown
For consumers asking, "Does International Delight have palm oil?", the answer is yes. Palm oil is a common ingredient in most of their liquid coffee creamers and is often listed high on the ingredient list, usually after water and sugar.
International Delight incorporates palm oil for several reasons: it acts as an emulsifier to achieve a smooth, creamy texture and prevent ingredient separation; it improves shelf stability; and it provides a rich mouthfeel similar to dairy fat, even though the creamers are non-dairy but contain a milk derivative (sodium caseinate).
Sustainability and Sourcing
International Delight, a B Corp participant, addresses concerns about the environmental impact of palm oil.
The company states that since 2012, all palm oil used in their creamers is certified sustainable. In 2021, they upgraded to using segregated RSPO-Certified Palm Oil, offering better traceability to certified sustainable sources.
Comparison: International Delight vs. Palm Oil-Free Creamers
Many other creamer options do not use palm oil. The table below compares the primary oil content of various popular creamer types.
| Creamer Brand/Type | Primary Fats/Oils | Contains Palm Oil? | Sustainability Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Delight | Palm Oil | Yes | RSPO Certified (Segregated) |
| Dairy Cream (Half-and-half) | Milkfat | No | Conventional dairy sourcing |
| Oat Milk Creamer | Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil | No | Varies by brand |
| Almond Milk Creamer | Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil | No | Varies by brand |
| Coffee Mate (Liquid) | Vegetable Oil (often Soybean and/or Canola) | Some products may, but often soybean/canola | Varies greatly by product line |
Identifying Palm Oil on Labels
While palm oil can be listed under many names, International Delight explicitly labels it as "Palm Oil." Consumers should also be aware of potential palm oil derivatives like mono- and diglycerides or sodium stearoyl lactylate, though these are typically in small amounts (under 2%).
Alternatives for Palm Oil Avoiders
For those who prefer to avoid palm oil, consider:
- Dairy Products: Half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Plant-Based Alternatives: Creamers made from oat, almond, or soy milk often use sunflower, coconut, or canola oil.
- DIY Creamers: Homemade options using milk or plant-based milk and flavorings.
Conclusion
International Delight coffee creamers do contain palm oil, which contributes to their texture and stability. The company sources segregated RSPO-Certified Sustainable Palm Oil to address sustainability. Consumers wanting to avoid palm oil should check product labels carefully or choose alternative creamers.
