Is There a Zero Calorie Coffee Creamer? A Complete Guide

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, a product can be labeled 'zero-calorie' if it contains fewer than 5 calories per serving. This allowance means that while pure zero-calorie creamers are rare, many products marketed as 'zero calorie' do exist and can be a suitable addition to a low-calorie diet.

Quick Summary

This article explores the availability of zero and near-zero calorie coffee creamers, detailing the natural and artificial sweeteners used, potential ingredients, and popular brands available. It provides alternatives, DIY recipes, and a comparison to help readers make an informed choice for their diet.

Key Points

Availability: Many commercial 'zero calorie' creamers exist but typically contain fewer than 5 calories per serving, not a true zero.
Ingredients: They rely on non-nutritive sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and sucralose for flavor, and emulsifiers for texture.
Walden Farms: A popular brand that produces a wide variety of true zero-calorie, zero-sugar, and dairy-free creamers, relying on artificial flavors and sweeteners.
Nutpods: An unsweetened, almond and coconut-based creamer that is very low in calories (10 kcal/tbsp) and a popular near-zero option for a creamier texture.
DIY Options: Homemade creamers can be made using almond milk, water, and natural sweeteners like liquid stevia or monk fruit for a customizable, additive-free alternative.
Texture vs. Calories: There is a tradeoff between pure zero-calorie options and creamy texture. The creamiest options typically contain slightly more calories from fats in coconut or almond milk.
Best for Weight Loss: For strict calorie counting, pure zero-calorie brands or homemade recipes offer the best control. For a more natural approach, unsweetened nut-based milks or creamers are an excellent alternative.

For many, the morning coffee ritual is non-negotiable, but the calories added by traditional creamers can hinder health goals. The quest for a truly zero-calorie option leads to the exploration of different ingredients and product categories. While a creamer with literally zero calories is almost nonexistent, regulatory allowances mean many effective, diet-friendly alternatives are readily available. These products achieve their near-zero calorie count by replacing sugar and dairy fats with non-nutritive sweeteners and stabilizers.

The Role of Sweeteners in Zero Calorie Creamers

The most important ingredients in zero-calorie coffee creamers are the sweeteners and thickeners that provide flavor and mouthfeel without the caloric load of sugar and fat. These are primarily categorized as non-nutritive sweeteners and may include both natural and artificial options.

Natural Non-Nutritive Sweeteners

Stevia: Derived from the stevia plant, this natural sweetener is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar and contains zero calories. Pure stevia extract is a popular choice for those seeking a less processed option, though it can have a slight aftertaste for some. Brands like Walden Farms use stevia in their zero-calorie coffee creamers.
Monk Fruit: Extracted from the monk fruit, or luo han guo, this sweetener is 100-250 times sweeter than sugar. It has a clean taste profile and is often used in combination with other sweeteners to balance flavor. Some commercial creamers and DIY recipes leverage monk fruit for its taste and zero-calorie benefits.
Allulose: Though technically a sugar, allulose is absorbed by the body but not metabolized for energy, giving it a near-zero calorie status. Some newer creamer products are incorporating allulose to provide a more sugar-like taste and mouthfeel.

Artificial Sweeteners

Sucralose: This artificial sweetener is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and is a common ingredient in many zero-sugar products, including some coffee creamers. It is highly shelf-stable and doesn't break down with heat, making it ideal for coffee.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Frequently used in combination with sucralose to create a more balanced flavor profile, Ace-K is also a calorie-free, high-intensity sweetener.
Aspartame: Used in small, concentrated amounts in some products due to its high sweetness, aspartame is technically a nutritive sweetener but contributes negligible calories in typical usage.

Store-Bought Zero Calorie Creamers and Alternatives

For those who prefer convenience, several brands offer zero or near-zero calorie creamers. These products use a variety of non-dairy bases and sweeteners to achieve their profile.

Walden Farms: This brand specializes in zero-calorie products, including a line of coffee creamers in flavors like Original, Sweet Cream, Caramel, and Mocha. They are made without dairy or sugar, using natural and artificial flavors to create taste.
Nutpods: Unsweetened nutpods, made from a blend of almond and coconut milk, are dairy-free, sugar-free, and contain only 10 calories per tablespoon, effectively being a near-zero option for most purposes.
International Delight Zero Sugar: Some of their zero-sugar options utilize artificial sweeteners to provide flavor without the calories from sugar.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: A splash of unsweetened almond milk adds creaminess for just 3-5 calories per tablespoon, making it a simple, near-zero calorie choice.

DIY Zero Calorie Creamer Recipes

Making your own creamer at home provides complete control over ingredients, ensuring it is truly free of unwanted additives. Here are a couple of recipes:

Simple Homemade Zero Calorie Creamer

Combine 1 cup unsweetened almond milk with 1/2 tsp liquid stevia extract and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract in a jar.
Shake well and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For extra thickness, use a little coconut cream, being mindful of the slight calorie increase.

Keto-Friendly Chocolate Creamer

Whisk together 1 can light coconut milk, 1.5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 8 packets of Truvia (or equivalent stevia), and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, stirring until smooth and combined, then remove from heat.
Add vanilla extract and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Comparison of Zero Calorie Creamer Options


Feature	Walden Farms Creamer	DIY Almond Milk Creamer	Nutpods Unsweetened Creamer
Calories	0 calories	~3-5 calories/tbsp	~10 calories/tbsp
Sweeteners	Stevia, Sucralose	Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Allulose (user's choice)	None (unsweetened)
Creaminess	Moderate	Low to moderate	High (from almond/coconut blend)
Ingredients	Water, non-dairy flavors, cellulose gum, sweeteners	Unsweetened Almond Milk, Water, chosen sweetener	Almond milk, coconut cream
Pros	Truly 0 calorie, wide variety of flavors	Full ingredient control, customizable flavor	Very creamy texture, whole foods ingredients
Cons	Often uses artificial flavors, less natural feel	Can separate, less convenient than pre-made	Not truly 0 calorie, can still add up

Conclusion: Your Best Choice Depends on Your Goals

Yes, there is a "zero calorie coffee creamer," but the term usually refers to products with less than five calories per serving, not a true zero. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize convenience, ingredient control, or a specific taste profile. Brands like Walden Farms offer true zero-calorie options, but they often rely on artificial ingredients. Unsweetened nutpods or simply using a small amount of unsweetened almond milk offer a near-zero solution with fewer processed ingredients. For ultimate control, a homemade recipe using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit is the best route. Understanding these options empowers you to enjoy a flavorful coffee without derailing your low-calorie or weight management plan.

For more information on sugar alternatives, visit the American Heart Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While most true zero-calorie creamers are not very creamy due to the lack of fats, near-zero options like Nutpods Unsweetened offer a rich, creamy texture from a blend of almond and coconut milk.

Generally, a small amount of a product containing fewer than 5 calories will not break a fast for most people. However, some individuals prefer to avoid all non-nutritive additives, so personal fasting rules should be considered.

Yes, Walden Farms specializes in zero-calorie products and their coffee creamers are formulated to contain zero calories, fat, and sugar per serving, achieving this with a blend of non-nutritive sweeteners and natural and artificial flavors.

Common sweeteners include non-nutritive options like sucralose, stevia extract, erythritol, and monk fruit. These provide sweetness without contributing significant calories.

Homemade creamers offer complete control over ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial flavors and additives found in many store-bought versions. However, they require prep time and may not have the same creamy texture as commercial products.

Some non-nutritive sweeteners can cause digestive discomfort like bloating or gas in certain people. It's advisable to test different sweeteners and monitor your body's reaction.

Aside from commercial zero-calorie creamers, you can use zero-calorie liquid flavorings like stevia or monk fruit drops, or simply add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract directly to your coffee.