Coffee Mate Creamers, Ranked Worst To Best
It's no secret that Americans love coffee, whether it's a bold brew from a local coffee shop, a quick pod at home, or a flavorful concocted treat at either location. They love it strong, mild, regular, and sweet, and they can consume one or multiple cups each day. American coffee habits are certainly varied across the land, but if you're not a fan of flavored, sweet coffees, you may be unaware of just how many flavors of creamer are available in grocery stores throughout the country.
Nestlé S.A is one of the largest producers of coffee creamer in the United States, and Coffee Mate is their iconic brand. There are over 25 flavors in its lineup, with options that range in availability from all year round to seasonal and even to limited-edition specialties. For new as well as experienced coffee palettes, there is a flavor for everyone, whether with sugar or without. Try one, or three, or try them all, but with such a large array of options, there is almost definitely a favorite to be found. This guide will help you explore the expansive world of Coffee Mate creamers available on the shelves countrywide.
14. Italian Sweet Crème Liquid Coffee Creamer
You might expect sweetness and smoothness from the Italian sweet crème flavor. The mini cannoli perched beside the steaming latte, contrasted on the royal purple label, would lead you to believe that you're in for a delicious, Italian-inspired addition to your morning cup of coffee, but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case. This Italian sweet crème does not adequately reflect the indulgent flavors of almond and vanilla that one might anticipate.
Reviewers of the once-beloved creamer have voiced their complaints about how the taste seemingly changed all of a sudden. According to them, it now has a "horrible flavor" and a long-lasting "sour aftertaste." While the name of the creamer boasts a famously sweet component, other reviewers report that it's "bitter." With a rating of just 2.8 out of 5 on goodnes.com, an online community for Nestlé products, something has obviously gone wrong for this flavor to end up as one of the least liked offerings on Coffee Mate's current menu.
13. Zero Sugar Chocolate Caramel Coffee Creamer
Chocolate and caramel: It's a decadent combination that's found in an array of candies and baked goods worldwide. Some people would argue that the duo is one of the most perfect flavor sets to ever coexist, and would they be wrong? Love it or leave it, it's fair to say that you should expect a close imitation of such a classic pairing from Coffee Mate, but this chocolate caramel creamer falls flat.
Zero sugar is the only option currently available for this particular flavor. It's possible that the lack of authentic sweetness is the reason you won't find the luscious, chocolatey taste that you would desire from a coffee shop-quality treat. The reviews on this option are mixed, with some confirming that the chocolate taste is lacking, and others who have been having a hard time finding the product in stores in the first place. Perhaps this creamer is better M.I.A., since it's not one of the tastiest you could buy.
12. M&M's Milk Chocolate Liquid Coffee Creamer
When you think about a delicious breakfast, you might imagine a steaming plate of scrambled eggs and toast or a stack of fluffy pancakes dripping in gooey maple syrup. Not many people would consider a bowl of M&M's to be appetizing in the morning. If you're not in your early childhood, candy is one of the last things you might want for breakfast, let alone want to pour straight into your coffee.
M&Ms has plenty of different flavors, including year-round varieties like caramel and peanut butter, plus a plethora of seasonal limited editions like white chocolate candy corn. This creamer, though, chooses to showcase their signature milk chocolate. The hard candy coating taste is not instantly recognizable (if it's even supposed to be there at all), which leaves only the chocolate center. If you're curious about using it to create delicious dessert coffees, Coffee Mate's M&M's milk chocolate creamer could be worth checking out. However, according to a review by Erika R., the chocolate flavor is too similar to plain chocolate milk and doesn't taste anything at all like real M&M candy — so maybe don't get your hopes up.
11. Natural Bliss Classic Caramel All-Natural Coffee Creamer
This flavor of Coffee Mate's Natural Bliss line contains dairy, unlike most of their other, traditional creamers. It's made with all-natural milk and cream, so don't forget to read the label if you happen to pick this up. It does contain authentic caramel flavoring and real cane sugar, which stays true to their "natural" pledge. However, the caramel doesn't have a strong enough taste to put you in a state of "bliss."
Reviewers on Target.com have reported the insufficient caramel flavor and overall lack of sweetness. Some claim that this is yet another flavor that has changed all of a sudden, but used to be okay. Buyers are generally unhappy with this creamer's higher-than-normal price, sometimes over $5 depending on where you live, for the average 32-ounce bottle. This alone might not be worth it for a creamer that isn't as delectable and creamy as you'd hope it would be.
10. Glazed Donut Liquid Coffee Creamer
Did you know that glazed is the most popular kind of donut in the United States? Then it might not surprise you that Coffee Mate has incorporated a flavor dedicated to the beloved breakfast treat. The pleasing sweetness of a vanilla-based glaze is present in this variety's taste profile, but is it really special enough to be a creamer all on its own?
Coffee Mate has several other vanilla-centric flavors including Cinnamon Vanilla, French Vanilla, and Funfetti Vanilla Cake, so could this be too much of the same thing? Some reviewers on Walmart.com will tell you that the overall flavor is incredibly subtle: A review from Maria claims that one can only taste the sugary glaze and not so much of the donut flavor. If you ever try it for yourself, try to unearth some semblance of the delightful pastry we've all come to love. If you can, perhaps this creamer will be on its way to becoming one of the more favored.
9. Sugar Free Vanilla Caramel Powder Coffee Creamer
Have you ever lazily awoken, eager to dive into a bold mug of coffee to get your day started, then opened the refrigerator to find that you're all out of your favorite creamer? (Or even just milk?) It can be a crucial moment that disrupts your morning routine, but having a powdered creamer tucked away in your pantry provides an ideal alternative. For this reason, it's always a good idea to keep one handy, and this sugar-free vanilla caramel flavor is the one to go for.
This sugar-free flavor allows you to control your sugar intake without sacrificing flavor, and it's perfect in case you have guests over who prefer their drinks that way. Altogether, you can't go wrong with this one. But a heads up: Some reviewers say that this particular flavor is hard to find. If you're lucky enough to locate it on a grocery store shelf near you, you'll be thankful to find it in your own pantry at home when you're all out of your regular favorite — or just want to shake things up.
8. Cinnamon Vanilla Crème Liquid Coffee Creamer
One of the better vanilla-based creamers in Coffee Mate's lineup is this one that's accompanied by cinnamon. It's not an overpowering cinnamon flavor — it's just a touch of spiciness — but it's the right amount to blend nicely with the sweet vanilla crème. Because it's not super strong or overly sweet, it's a good place to start if you're new to trying flavored coffee creamers. Think of this one as neutral ground. The cinnamon-vanilla duo will add a hint of flavor to your preferred coffee, be it mild or bold, and is light enough to enjoy first thing in the morning.
Cinnamon vanilla crème has a favorable rating of 4.7 out of 5 on its Coffee Mate webpage. Lovers of this product appreciate the deliciously spicy and sweet combination for its ability to balance out richer coffees. Others say that the combination actually enhances their morning joe and they wouldn't go without it. One reviewer, hfriz, suggests that this creamer is excellent in chai as well, which is understandable given chai's mix of spices that include cloves and ginger: Adding the cinnamon vanilla creamer sounds heavenly!
7. Amaretto Liquid Coffee Creamer
Amaretto is an Italian sweet liqueur that's derived from apricot pits that boast a distinctive almond flavor, starting out with a bittersweet bite that soon gives way to a cloying taste profile. It's an additive that's used in popular cocktails and baked goods such as amaretti cookies and tiramisu. In this non-alcoholic coffee creamer form, it works well with a robust coffee to add a more rounded-out flavor.
As prominent a taste as amaretto is, so too are the overwhelmingly positive reviews. It maintains a 4.8 out of 5 rating on the Coffee Mate page, and the love has spread over to Nestle's Amazon shop as well, where it's available to purchase in miniature .375-ounce individual cups for easy, on-the-go access. Reviewer Mertzie says that even homemade coffee creamer doesn't compare to the quality of this product and that it will be hard for any other flavor to beat it. Another, by a Kroger reviewer named WeDemandAmaretto (very fitting), claims that they drove three hours in search of this creamer, stating that it doesn't seem to be available year-round. But given its immense popularity, perhaps that should change.
6. Oatmeal Crème Pie Liquid Coffee Creamer
Oatmeal crème pies are a nostalgic treat for many people these days, made beloved by the Little Debbie brand. The popular snack cake has been enjoyed by children throughout the decades since it debuted in 1960. The mash-up of two soft and chewy oatmeal cookie-cakes and a thick, frosting-like crème center made these a cherished treat of many childhoods.
Now in coffee creamer form, the newest take on this classic snack is a unique and pleasant surprise. Coffee Mate has proven that they are serious about producing some of the most eccentric flavors on the market, and this oatmeal crème pie variety stays true to that effort.
The familiar tastes ring out when you take the first sip. The sweet vanilla crème, a wonderful hint of oatmeal ... It's all there. It's everything that a lover of the snack cake can appreciate, which makes this flavor a fan favorite for those who are old enough to need a caffeine fix or two, or three, to make it through their day. There's no need for a boring creamer at home or at the office when this nostalgic treat is just waiting to be rediscovered.
5. Pumpkin Spice Liquid Coffee Creamer
As the years go by and seasons come and go, we've seen throughout many crisp autumns that pumpkin spice-flavored everything is here to stay. As Business Insider reports, pumpkin spice was popularized among millennials by the ultra-famous Starbucks latte of the same flavor. The generation who grew up with pumpkin spice lattes has come to cherish it as part of their seasonal traditions each and every year.
With Coffee Mate's creamer, it's easier than ever to create your own pumpkin spice latte at home. The flavors that make up pumpkin spice (nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, to name a few) are vivid and full in this creamer. As one reviewer, Fernanda A., puts it, "a little goes a long way," and even the zero sugar substitute is not too shabby. Whether you pour in a little or a lot, whether you prefer it hot, iced, or frozen, this pumpkin spice creamer does not disappoint and is sure to spice up the autumn season.
4. Cookies 'N Cocoa Flavored Liquid Coffee Creamer
Pumpkin spice is a pretty good seasonal standby during the bright autumn months, but Cookies 'N Cocoa takes the top spot come the cozy winter holidays. It's perfectly sweet and chocolatey and includes a lovely kiss of marshmallow indulgence that makes you want to snuggle up next to the fireplace. This unique flavor will allow you to relive those familiar hot cocoa memories right inside your first daily cup of caffeine. Paired with notes of chocolate chip cookies, it will send you back to grandma's kitchen where she always had a homemade batch waiting for you.
In the United States, hot chocolate is the most popular drink during the holiday season, and that makes this creamer a fan favorite. It holds a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Influenster.com. Reviewer Sarah A. appreciates that it's not an overpowering flavor that would hinder your coffee. Another reviewer, Mona S., claims that it's also useful in milkshakes. With this versatile creamer able to be added to hot and cold drinks alike, it lends to many warm holiday memories every year that it remains available.
3. Coconut Créme Liquid Coffee Creamer
This has to be Coffee Mate's most invigorating and refreshing creamer to date. It's a true and sweet coconut flavor that instantly sends you to an imaginary tropical paradise any time of year. Yes, it's available in stores all year round, so there's no need to wait for the sweltering summer months to dive into this refreshing pool of creamer. While it is fairly sweet, there is a zero-sugar version that is equally tasty.
Coconut cream is a widely used ingredient that can thicken up both sweet and savory dishes, whether it's a coconut cake or a curry. It can even be used as a dairy substitute in many recipes that require yogurts or heavy creams. In this creamer, Coffee Mate remains consistent with its use of dairy-free ingredients, but it's always best to check the label according to your own dietary needs. This is another flavor that is extremely adaptable — add a splash to a protein shake or a bowl of oatmeal for a special and sweet coconut zing.
2. Unlocked Italian Espresso Roast Liquid Coffee Creamer
Revamp your usual coffee with a bold, refined espresso taste. This creamer does an exceptional job at capturing an authentic espresso flavor that blends well with any type of roasted coffee. The Italian espresso roast favor does the best at recreating a fancy coffee shop experience in the comfort of your kitchen or during a hectic workday at the office. Relax and take your time sipping on this, because you will want to savor every drop.
Because it's not overly sweet, this flavor is the perfect addition to add a bit of smoky depth to plain coffee and also allows for sugar control. It can easily be used in both hot and iced coffee treats, and is enjoyable in the morning or later in the day. Whichever way you wish to have it, this creamer is one of the best.
Reviews describe a bold, aromatic flavor that makes coffee taste richer without being over the top. So why not give it a go and see if it makes your favorite cup taste even better?
1. Hazelnut Liquid Coffee Creamer
While other creamers are widely versatile for use in a variety of sweet coffee treats and desserts, the absolute best Coffee Mate flavor had to be even more than that, and that is why hazelnut takes the crown. Hazelnut is popular in any season due to the nutty aromatics that make it appealing in various sweet treats, from cakes and cookies to hot chocolate and even coffee-based cocktails. Hazelnut is also used in savory dishes, pairing well with butternut squash and mushrooms. And who could forget Nutella, a chocolate hazelnut spread that's become a worldwide favorite? The flavor is simply a classic.
This creamer is available year-round in a wide array of sizes: bottles of 16, 32, and 64 ounces, a 1.5-liter bottle with a pump, single-serve cups, and even a zero-sugar version.
A review by Lisarb states, "I always come back to the hazelnut" after having tried various other flavors in the past. Hazelnut is hard to beat and all too easy to return to; it has an all-encompassing flavor that is both pleasant and familiar, and that's why it deserves top billing as Coffee Mate's best creamer.