The best (and worst) hazelnut coffee creamers
Some like their coffee black, bitter and as strong as they can get it. Not a fan? No problem. Transforming that brew into a softer, sweeter, more dessertlike drink is just a splash away
— in the form of coffee creamer.
In recent years, creamer options have exploded. There are creamers made from everything from dairy to grain to nuts. Flavors include vanilla, caramel, pumpkin, peppermint, snickerdoodle and even oatmeal cookie. For this feature, we landed on hazelnut flavored creamers.
The best hazelnut coffee creamers turn a simple cup of black coffee into creamy dessert-in-a- cup, a rich gulp that is like melted coffee ice cream, minus some of the sugar. To play well with coffee, creamer needs to be extra-rich, fresh and must have a decent punch of natural flavor that lingers.
Sadly, many brands overshoot the goal, adding far too much sugar, or huge doses of artificial flavoring. Many rely on a host of fats and stabilizers that mess up the flavor. The worst are flavorless, cloying concoctions that are nothing more than liquid sugar. Thankfully, avoiding these is simple: Just read the fine print. Flavorings should be natural, additives minimal and sugar content under 4 grams.
Here are details on the best hazelnut coffee creamers, and the fake-tasting sugar-bombs that are best dumped down the drain. Nutrition info refers to 1 tablespoon of creamer, about one-third of what is typically used in a full cup of coffee.
Chobani Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
Less is definitely more. This simple mix of milk, cream, sugar and flavors is perfection. It’s more nutty than sweet, and the cream makes it taste extrafresh. 30 calories, 1.5 g fat, no sodium, 4 g sugar. $4.99 for 24 ounces at Raley’s. \*\*\*\*
Trader Joe’s Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
The powerful hit of real vanilla and roasted hazelnuts in this thin but freshflavored mix is impressive. A single
splash turns a cup of extra-strong coffee into a tasty treat. 30 calories, 1.5 g fat, no sodium, 4 g sugar. $3.49 for a quart. \*\*\*/*
365 Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
A touch less sugar would make this creamer stand out. It has bold hazelnut flavor and fresh cream flavor without added fats. 35 calories, 1.5 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 5 g sugar. $2.79 for 16 ounces at Whole Foods. \*\*\*
Califia Farms Almondmilk Hazelnut Creamer
Ultra-thick and creamy, this adultstyle blend offers lots of authentic nut fla
vor and enough sweetness to please. It is, however, a bit too viscous — it requires a big stir. 15 calories, 0.5 g fat, 15 mg sodium, 2 g sugar. $5.49 for 25.4 ounces at Sprouts.
Nutpods Almond + Coconut Hazelnut Creamer
For those who want richness without sugar, this velvety nondairy creamer is a win. It’s rich and nutty and it pours like cream. 10 calories, 1 g fat, no sodium, no sugar. $3.99 for 16 ounces at Sprouts. \*\*\*
International Delight Hazelnut
A massive punch of artificial hazelnut extract in this viscous, extra-sweet concoction makes it taste like cheap hazelnut gelato. Leave this one for the kids. 35 calories, 1.5 g fat, 10 mg sodium, 5 g sugar. $3.99 for a quart at Safeway. \*\*
Lucerne Farms Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
There’s nothing authentic about the hazelnut flavor in this mix, but it’s not overpowering and the sugar is in check. 30 calories, 1.5 g fat, no sodium, 4 g sugar. $3.29 for a quart at Safeway. \*/*
Nestle Coffeemate Hazelnut Creamer
The overpowering flavor of fake nuttiness and a massive smack of sugar make this difficult to drink. If it’s the only creamer offered, use sparingly. 35 calories, 1.5 g fat, 5 mg sodium, 5 g sugar. $3 for a quart at Safeway. \*
Califia Farms Hazelnut Oat Creamer
If nuts, coconut and dairy are off limits, this grainy stand-in might be welcome. Unfortunately, it’s very thin, lacking in creaminess and the flavor of oats completely drowns the hazelnut flavor. 15 calories, 1 g fat, 10 g sodium, 1 g sugar. $5.49 for 25.4 ounces at Sprouts. /*
First Street Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
Murky, ultra-manufactured flavor and too much sugar makes this a big disappointment. It’s creamy but regrettable. 35 calories, 1.5 g fat, no sodium, 5 g sugar. $2.49 for a quart at Smart & Final. ( No stars)