Skip to content

How many calories are in a cup of coffee with oatmilk creamer?

4 min read

Plain black coffee contains a negligible 1-2 calories per cup, but adding creamers dramatically changes the nutritional profile. This raises a key question for many people: just how many calories are in a cup of coffee with oatmilk creamer, and how does it affect your diet?

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a cup of coffee with oatmilk creamer varies based on the brand, serving size, and whether it's sweetened. Unsweetened versions are often lower in calories, with some brands averaging around 10-30 calories per tablespoon, while flavored options can be higher.

Key Points

  • Variable Calorie Count: The calorie content of coffee with oatmilk creamer varies significantly depending on the brand and whether it is sweetened or unsweetened.

  • Serving Size Matters: A standard serving is one tablespoon, but using larger portions can rapidly increase the total calorie and sugar intake.

  • Unsweetened is Lower Calorie: Opting for unsweetened versions minimizes added sugar and results in a lower-calorie beverage, with some unsweetened creamers having as few as 10 calories per tablespoon.

  • Beware of Added Sugars: Many popular flavored oatmilk creamers contain added sugars, so checking the nutrition label is essential for managing your sugar intake.

  • Homemade Offers Control: Making your own oat milk creamer is an excellent way to control all ingredients, including sugars and oils, for a healthier option.

  • Compare with Alternatives: Oatmilk creamer is generally lower in calories than heavy cream and sometimes half-and-half, but is higher than black coffee, which has 1-2 calories.

In This Article

Demystifying Oatmilk Creamer Calories

Oatmilk creamer has become a staple for many looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional half-and-half or cream. Its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet taste make it a perfect match for coffee. However, unlike black coffee which has virtually no calories, adding any creamer introduces calories from fats, carbohydrates, and added sugars. The exact calorie count depends heavily on the specific brand and flavor chosen.

Most commercial oatmilk creamers provide calorie information per tablespoon (15mL), which is a crucial detail to remember. Oatly's 'Sweet & Creamy' creamer, for instance, reports 30 calories per tablespoon, with 4 grams of sugar. Planet Oat's 'Sweet & Creamy' has similar nutritional information, also listing 30 calories per tablespoon. Unsweetened varieties will naturally contain less sugar and fewer calories, but many popular options are sweetened. For example, some brands like Earth's Own list as low as 10 calories per tablespoon for their 'Original for Coffee Oat Creamer'.

The Impact of Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Varieties

Your choice between a sweetened or unsweetened oatmilk creamer can significantly alter your daily calorie intake, especially if you enjoy multiple cups of coffee. Unsweetened versions are the clear choice for weight management or sugar control, as they avoid the extra grams of added sugars found in their sweetened counterparts. A single tablespoon of sweetened creamer might seem insignificant, but this can quickly add up, turning your morning ritual into a significant source of daily calories.

  • Unsweetened Oatmilk Creamers: These typically contain less than 20 calories per tablespoon, primarily from fats and carbohydrates derived from the oats themselves. Some unsweetened brands also add a small amount of oil to improve texture, but they contain no added sugar.
  • Sweetened and Flavored Oatmilk Creamers: Common flavors like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut contain higher sugar content, boosting the calorie count. Brands often add natural or artificial sweeteners to achieve the desired flavor profile. Always check the nutrition label for the 'Includes Added Sugars' line to understand the impact on your diet.

Portion Control: A Key Factor

The number of calories you consume also depends on how much creamer you actually use. While nutrition labels use a standard one-tablespoon serving size, it's common for people to pour more freely. Using two or three tablespoons can double or triple the calories and sugar, so monitoring your portion size is vital for staying on track with health goals.

Comparison: Oatmilk Creamer vs. Other Creamers

To put the calories of oatmilk creamer into context, it's helpful to compare it to other common coffee additions. This highlights why oatmilk creamer can be a healthier choice than some dairy options, but still requires attention to serving size. Plant-based creamers, in general, tend to be lower in calories than traditional dairy creamers.

Creamer Type Average Calories per Tablespoon Typical Composition Health Consideration
Oatmilk Creamer (Unsweetened) ~10-15 Oats, water, oil, minimal sugar Vegan, dairy-free, lower calorie if unsweetened
Oatmilk Creamer (Sweetened) ~30-40+ Oats, water, oil, added sugars Vegan, but higher in sugar and calories
Half-and-Half ~20 Dairy cream and milk, naturally occurring sugars Contains dairy, more fat than unsweetened oat creamer
Heavy Cream ~50+ High-fat dairy cream, trace sugars High in saturated fat and calories
Non-Dairy Powdered Creamer ~20-30 Corn syrup solids, vegetable oil, flavorings Often highly processed, contains trans fat (hydrogenated oils) in some older formulations

How to Minimize Calories with Oatmilk Creamer

For those who love their oatmilk creamer but are mindful of calories, there are several simple strategies to reduce your intake without sacrificing flavor.

  1. Opt for Unsweetened Varieties: The most direct method is to choose an unflavored, unsweetened oat creamer. You can always add a calorie-free natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol if you still crave sweetness.
  2. Measure Your Portions: Use a tablespoon or measuring spoon instead of free-pouring. This simple habit can prevent you from unknowingly over-serving and adding more calories than intended.
  3. Make Your Own: Creating homemade oat milk creamer puts you in complete control of the ingredients. A simple recipe involves blending oats, water, and vanilla extract, with optional natural sweeteners. This avoids the oils and added sugars often found in commercial products.
  4. Try Barista Blends: Barista-style oat milks are formulated for optimal frothing and creaminess, allowing a little to go a long way. This might help reduce the volume needed to achieve the desired richness.
  5. Balance with Black Coffee: Use less creamer by mixing it with a larger portion of black coffee. This lets you enjoy the flavor and creaminess while consuming fewer calories per cup.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in a cup of coffee with oatmilk creamer requires considering the brand, flavor (sweetened vs. unsweetened), and portion size. While a single tablespoon is generally low in calories, these can quickly accumulate. By choosing unsweetened options, measuring your servings, and exploring homemade recipes, you can enjoy the creamy, delicious taste of oatmilk in your coffee while keeping your calorie goals in mind. Oatmilk creamer offers a great plant-based choice, but being an informed consumer is key to making it work for your diet.

Visit the official Oatly website to see specific nutritional information for their products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oatmilk creamer is typically more concentrated and often has a higher calorie count per tablespoon than regular milk. For instance, a sweetened oat creamer can have around 30 calories per tablespoon, while 2% dairy milk has approximately 30 calories per ounce, making the creamer more calorically dense.

Oatmilk creamer can be part of a weight-loss diet, especially if you choose an unsweetened variety and control your portion size. However, calorie-dense sweetened versions can hinder weight loss goals if not consumed in moderation.

Yes, you can use regular oat milk as a coffee additive. Regular oat milk is less concentrated and will have fewer calories per serving than a dedicated creamer. This is a great way to save calories if you don't need the extra richness of a creamer.

The calories in Starbucks oat milk coffee vary greatly by drink. A basic oat milk latte might be around 190 calories, but flavored and larger-sized drinks with added syrup will be significantly higher.

Your oat milk creamer may be high in calories if it's a flavored or sweetened version, which contains added sugars. Some brands also add extra oils to create a thicker, creamier texture, which increases the fat and calorie content.

To make a low-calorie oatmilk creamer at home, blend rolled oats with water, a small amount of oil (like MCT oil for texture), a pinch of salt, and a natural, calorie-free sweetener or vanilla extract. Straining the mixture through a nut milk bag will give you a smoother consistency.

Most commercial oatmilk creamers contain some type of oil (like canola or sunflower oil) to provide a rich, creamy mouthfeel. However, unsweetened and homemade versions can contain less or no added oils.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.