What are the ingredients in hazelnut creamer?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While many assume coffee creamer contains only milk and flavor, the reality is far more complex; many popular varieties use a combination of water, oil, and sweeteners to achieve their signature texture and taste. This guide will explain what are the ingredients in hazelnut creamer and how they differ across brands and types.

Quick Summary

Hazelnut creamer typically consists of water, vegetable oil, sugar, and various emulsifiers and stabilizers to create its creamy consistency. Many 'non-dairy' versions contain sodium caseinate, a milk derivative, while truly plant-based, organic, or sugar-free options use different formulations to achieve a similar result.

Key Points

Common Ingredients: Most hazelnut creamers contain a base of water, vegetable oil (palm or coconut), and sugar, thickened with additives.
Misleading Labeling: Many products labeled "non-dairy" are not vegan, as they often contain sodium caseinate, a milk derivative.
Additives are Functional: Stabilizers like carrageenan and emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides are essential for a smooth texture and preventing ingredient separation.
Healthier Alternatives: Options like organic dairy or truly plant-based creamers offer simpler ingredient lists with fewer additives and processed ingredients.
Reading Labels is Key: Consumers should check the full ingredient list to ensure the product aligns with their dietary restrictions regarding dairy, sugar, and artificial ingredients.

The Core Ingredients of Conventional Hazelnut Creamer

At its most basic, conventional hazelnut creamer is a heavily processed product designed to mimic the creaminess of dairy. Most commercial non-dairy hazelnut creamers share a core set of ingredients:

Water: The primary and most abundant ingredient, serving as the liquid base.
Sweeteners: This usually comes in the form of sugar, corn syrup, or cane sugar, providing sweetness and body to the creamer. For sugar-free varieties, artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium are used.
Vegetable Oil: To provide the rich, creamy mouthfeel, many brands use vegetable oils such as palm, coconut, or soybean oil instead of dairy fat.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: These are crucial food additives that prevent the water and oil from separating, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture. Common examples include mono- and diglycerides, carrageenan, dipotassium phosphate, and sodium stearoyl lactylate.
Flavorings: Both natural and artificial flavorings are added to give the creamer its distinct hazelnut taste.
Coloring: Ingredients like titanium dioxide or beta carotene may be added to give the creamer its white color.

The Truth About "Non-Dairy" Creamers

It is important to note that the term "non-dairy" on many coffee creamer labels can be misleading for those with dairy allergies or who follow a strict vegan diet. Many popular brands, including International Delight and Coffee-mate, contain sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative. While it is lactose-free and a non-significant source of lactose, it is still a milk protein and not suitable for a vegan lifestyle. Truly dairy-free options, such as those made with almond or oat milk bases, explicitly list their plant-based origins and contain no animal byproducts.

Dairy and Plant-Based Hazelnut Creamers

For consumers seeking a less processed or truly dairy-free option, several alternatives exist with very different ingredient lists:

Organic Dairy Creamers: Brands like Chobani or Simple Truth offer hazelnut creamers made with more recognizable, simpler ingredients. These typically contain organic milk, organic cream, organic sugar, and natural hazelnut flavor.
Plant-Based Creamers: Products from brands such as Silk or Chobani's plant-based line utilize a base of plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. These are free of animal products and often use natural flavors and thickeners like gellan gum or sunflower lecithin.

A Closer Look at Specific Additives

Carrageenan: A common food additive derived from red seaweed, used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Dipotassium Phosphate: An emulsifier and stabilizer that helps prevent the creamer from curdling when added to hot coffee.
Mono- and Diglycerides: Emulsifiers derived from fats that keep the ingredients blended smoothly.

Making Sense of the Labels

When examining a hazelnut creamer's ingredient list, it is crucial to read beyond the marketing claims. Be aware of the distinction between "non-dairy" and "dairy-free." Look for the specific ingredients that align with your dietary needs, whether it is avoiding added sugars, processed oils, or milk derivatives like sodium caseinate.

Hazelnut Creamer Ingredient Comparison


Feature	Conventional (e.g., International Delight)	Organic Dairy (e.g., Simple Truth)	Plant-Based (e.g., Silk Almond)
Main Base	Water, Vegetable Oil (Palm or Soybean)	Organic Milk, Organic Cream	Almond Base (Water, Almonds)
Sweetener	Sugar, Corn Syrup	Organic Cane Sugar	Cane Sugar
Key Emulsifiers	Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Mono- & Diglycerides	Natural, Simpler Thickeners	Sunflower Lecithin, Gellan Gum
Flavoring	Natural & Artificial Flavors	Natural Hazelnut Flavor	Natural Flavor
Vegan Status	Not Vegan (Contains Sodium Caseinate)	No (Contains Milk, Cream)	Yes (No Animal Products)

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Understanding what are the ingredients in hazelnut creamer is the first step toward making more informed and health-conscious dietary decisions. While conventional creamers offer convenience and shelf stability, they often contain a complex mix of additives, sugars, and processed oils. For those seeking simpler, less processed alternatives, organic dairy or plant-based creamers are excellent options. By reading labels carefully and knowing what each ingredient does, you can select a product that best fits your lifestyle and preferences. For more detailed information on specific products, consider using resources like the EWG's Food Scores to help guide your choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many creamers labeled 'non-dairy' are not strictly vegan because they contain sodium caseinate, a milk protein derivative. While it contains negligible amounts of lactose, it is still an animal byproduct and unsuitable for a vegan diet. Always check the full ingredient list for milk derivatives.

Sodium caseinate is a milk protein used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in many non-dairy creamers to create a smooth, creamy texture and prevent ingredients from separating. It is not a source of lactose.

The hazelnut flavor in creamers is derived from either natural or artificial flavorings, which are chemicals and extracts added to replicate the nutty taste. Some organic products use more concentrated natural flavors.

Vegetable oils, such as palm or soybean oil, are used to create the rich, creamy texture and mouthfeel that consumers expect from coffee creamer without using dairy fat.

Many conventional creamers contain high levels of added sugars, processed fats, and various additives, which can be a concern for frequent or heavy users. However, healthier alternatives with simpler ingredient lists are available if you are mindful of your choices.

Ingredients like carrageenan, dipotassium phosphate, and mono- and diglycerides are emulsifiers and stabilizers. They prevent the oil and water components from separating, ensuring the creamer mixes smoothly and doesn't curdle in hot coffee.

Zero-sugar hazelnut creamers replace standard sugar or corn syrup with non-nutritive, artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium to provide a sweet taste without the calories.