Here's What Happens When You Drink Coffee Creamer Every Day

For those groggy mornings, coffee is essential. However, the bitter taste that jolt of java produces can be hard to swallow. That's where coffee creamer comes in, making that cup of joe ever so delightful and sweet. And now there's more options than ever in your grocery store, with flavors like creme brûlée, pumpkin spice, salted caramel, and more. This increase in variety makes sense when you consider sales for these popular creamers recently reached $2.5 billion in profits, as reported by market research firm Packaged Facts. But if you're consuming coffee creamer every day, are there any negative side effects? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Dietitian, Dana Angelo White, explained that most "creamers" contain no actual cream, per the Food Network. While this might be good news for those that are lactose intolerant, it often means the products are full of sugar, oil, and thickeners. The oil is often partially hydrogenated, making in a very unhealthy trans fat to consume daily. Eating a lot of trans fat raises your chances of having bad cholesterol that can raise your risk of developing heart disease or stroke, according to EatFresh.org. Though Food Network notes that "a one-tablespoon serving contains less than 0.5 grams" of trans fat, given its incredibly unhealthy nature, pouring it into your cup of joe each morning is not the best idea. The solution? Go for the real deal if you can.

Though some brands boast that they are sugar-free and fat-free, that might not be a positive thing. White says in addition to oils and thickeners, creamers can contain chemicals from artificial sweetener. So even though you might save on ingesting a few calories, the positives don't seem to outweigh the negatives. 

Unfortunately, even some brands that contain real dairy use thickeners and stabilizers. That being said, there are some natural brands on the market that offer healthy alternatives, like vegan and sugar-free creamer (via Taste of Home). An almond- or macadamia nut-based creamer may be free of GMOs, gluten, and other potentially-harmful ingredients, but it is worth noting you may sacrifice on creaminess and taste to cut out all the "bad" stuff (although, that's not always the case). 

The takeaway? Check labels and know exactly what you're putting in your coffee.

If you reach for a delicious French vanilla creamer, it could also cause you to put on some pounds. Eat This, Not That! noted that one serving of creamer is considered 1 tablespoon, and on average we pour more than four times that amount. You think you just had a 35 calories drink, when it was actually a whooping 140 calories. Ouch. This tiny oversight could lead you to gain 15 pounds a year!

However, there is some good news for coffee creamer fans. White explained the healthiest way to add some sweetness to your coffee is using measured portions of actual cream and sugar. That way, you get the taste without the unnecessary added ingredients. And, bonus, you can be sure how much you're consuming. If you do decide you simply can't skimp on your daily coffee creamer habit, just remember, moderation is key.