Unfortunately, great vegan coffee creamers can be hard to come by, and most carry an invasive nutty flavor and smell that can be a real put off for some sensitive palates.

Luckily, the Califia Farms Almond Milk Coffee Creamer gives you that authentic full bodied, thick consistency to your coffee, without any overpowering nutty flavor.

Unfortunately You can’t just grab Califia Creamers at your local grocer, but they are readily available through online retailers like [amazon link=”B01CZUUGYM” title=”Amazon” /] and Thrive Market

Article NavigationQUICK SUMMARYWho is Califia Farms?Ingredients and ManufacturingFlavorsPackaging & Shelf LifeVersatility and TexturePricing & AccessibilityIn A Nutshell

QUICK SUMMARY

Texture ✭✭✭✩✩It does have a rich consistency, although you have to add more milk than usual to make really good foamy coffee.

Taste ✭✭✭✭✩It has a faint but pleasant flavor that tastes delicious in your morning coffee blend.

Organic Ingredients ✭✭✭✭✩Califia Farms have gone out of their way to use only organic ingredients to make this creamer, with no harmful preservatives added.

Packaging ✭✭✭✭✭The eye-catching packaging is made from recyclable Tetra-pak and Combibloc. It’s also shelf-stable which means that you don’t have to refrigerate it before opening.

Price ✭✭✭✭✭When it comes to pricing, this creamer comes at a reasonable price. Very friendly on the pocket considering the quality.

WHAT WE LIKE

• It’s fat free and low in calories
• The almond and vanilla flavours, which are the base for this milk, are very slight and delightful, not overpowering at all
• You can use it in coffee and baked goods for a delectable taste and full-bodied consistency
• Not only is it made from organic ingredients, but it’s also certified Kosher and GMO-free

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

• Steaming the milk requires you to add a lot more milk than you usually would, especially if you enjoy having a voluminous coffee with a foamy top
• The milk does tend to curdle and even takes on a grainy texture after a few days in the refrigerator
• Can also curdle after being added to piping hot coffee
• You can only buy it in bulk online. It comes in single bottles at grocery stores that carry the brand, which are very few and far between

THE BOTTOM LINE

This milk is perfect for anyone who’s had to eliminate dairy from their diet for whatever reason. It’s made from all natural ingredients, tastes good and makes a decent coffee. It also has a lot of positive reviews, with some customers saying it’s even better than Half and Half. Plus, you can easily use it to replace dairy when making your favorite desserts, baked goods, and savory dishes.

Keep in mind though, that you’ll have to buy it in large volumes, as you have to use quite a lot per usual serving than you’re used to to get the creamy consistency that hits the spot. Other than that, it’s a consciously created and packaged creamer that’s so good that it’ll make you forget its dairy counterparts.

OUR RATING

4.2

[amazon fields=”B01CZUUGYM” value=”button”]

Who is Califia Farms?

Califia Farms was founded on the premise of contributing to the creation of a “healthier, plant-based food system”, and all their products are manufactured to live up to those standards, including their Almond Milk Creamer.

They use locally sourced, organic, GMO-free ingredients with creatively blended flavors to create genuinely awesome plant-based alternatives. They’ve also made a concerted effort to ensure that their business practices and production facilities support the health of the planet, by putting their products in environmentally friendly, BPA-free and recyclable packaging.

Ingredients and Manufacturing

Their barista quality Almond Milk Creamer is a carefully developed blend of pure almonds, water, a dash of sea salt and finally sweetened with a hint of vanilla for a pleasant flavor.

If you’re not into vanilla, other mouthwatering flavors are available too; namely, Hazelnut, pecan nut, caramel, Mexican cacao, Irish cream and dulce de leche as well as an unsweetened version. The water used to blend the almonds into milk is sourced from a well and treated with reverse osmosis to ensure maximum purity.

You’ll also be happy to know that [amazon link=”B01CZUUGYM” title=”Califia Farms Creamer” /] is USDA certified organic and Kosher, free from harmful additives, stabilizers, and gums.

The almonds are sourced directly from local organic farmers that use progressive and sustainable farming methods. They’re also pasteurized using steam and water powered blancher instead of PPO.

Flavors

As mentioned, there’s a variety of alternative flavors to the Almond Milk Creamer so you can switch it up and enjoy different tastes from time to time. Some of these flavors are so good that it’s enough to enjoy them on their own without adding them to coffee or anything else. So other than the Almond flavor, you can enjoy…

• UnsweetenedOkay, this is not exactly a flavor but the fact that it’s unsweetened allows you to enjoy the authentic flavor of almond milk without any added flavors. It’s ideal for those with sensitive palates, or anyone who just wants to keep it simple.
• VanillaThis is a delicious blend which contains a palpable vanilla flavour. Goes beautifully with coffee and baked treats.
• HazelnutIf you like the velvety taste of hazelnut, then this flavour’s definitely for you. The hazelnut is subtle and not too overpowering, and goes pleasantly with hot beverages. You can also use it to bump up the flavour and texture of your favourite smoothie.
• PecanThis flavour contains delicate hints of pecan and caramel flavours to imbue your coffee with rich texture.
• Pecan CaramelA heady mix of equally hearty flavours makes this a decadent and delicious treat by any standards.
• Irish CreamIf you’re feeling a bit more extravagant, you can add the Irish Cream flavour to your tea for a delightfully spirited flavour.
• Mexican CocoaThis adventurous mix contains a few dashes of cocoa, cinnamon, and cayenne. It’s a yummy and exuberant addition to any hot beverage.
• Dulce-de-LecheThis luxe sounding confectionary flavor will remind you of your favorite sweet indulgences.

[amazon box=”B01CZUUGYM” numbering=”true” template=”list” teaser=”Our Rating ✭✭✭✭✩” title=”Califia Farms Almond Milk Creamer”]

Packaging & Shelf Life

The creamer is packaged in BPA free and recyclable Asceptic Tetra-Pak Combibloc cartons which you can dispose of through your local recycling program. The packaging is shelf stable, so the milk can stay in your pantry until you open it, or until the expiry date. Once opened, the creamer can stay fresh for 7 to 10 days when kept in a refrigerator.

Versatility and Texture

With Califia Farms Almond Milk Coffee Creamer, you can create barista quality coffee with exquisite latte art from the comfort of your home. The creamer stretches well, with the thick consistency of full cream milk and the aromatic flavor of vanilla.

This creamer is so versatile that you can add a dash of it to your favorite savory dishes to give them that hearty and satisfying texture, using the same amount in recipes as you would with cow’s milk. It’s been known to add a fluffy and luscious consistency to baked goods too, and it can easily enhance your OJ for a richer taste.

Pricing & Accessibility

Califia Almond Milk comes at a very reasonable price point without compromising on quality, and it’s accessible.

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in the California region where some of the grocery stores carry this creamer, you’ll have to order it in bulk through their online store or Amazon. This means that you cannot buy the creamer as one bottle unless you’re purchasing it from a physical outlet.

But if you’re already sold on this creamer as many are, then you’ll be happy to know that Califia Farms also runs a monthly subscription service, where you’ll be able to get the creamer delivered to your doorstep every month. The subscription is flexible so you can easily change the number of cases you order from month to month, or you can even skip a month if you so prefer.

In A Nutshell

Whether you’ve had to sacrifice dairy due to a medical condition, or willingly through adopting a vegan lifestyle, there’s no doubt that with Califia Farms Almond Milk Coffee Creamer you won’t miss that dairy based creamer one bit.

​From the variety of flavors to the organic ingredients and flexible shopping options, Califia Farm Milks will make a great addition to your plant-based grocery list. Plus, you can rest assured that your purchase from Califia Farms is contributing to the sustainability of our planet, as their product packaging is 100% BPA-free and recyclable. What more can one ask for?

[amazon box=”B01CZUUGYM” numbering=”true” template=”list” teaser=”Our Rating ✭✭✭✭✩” title=”Califia Farms Almond Milk Creamer”]

The post Califia Farms Almond Milk Creamer Review appeared first on Urban Vegan.

These are richer and more satisfying being specifically designed for your morning brew.

Below is a roundup of the top creamer brands.

Quick NavigationList of Vegan Coffee Creamersnutpods Unsweetened Dairy-Free CreamerSo Delicious Coconut Milk, Original CreamerCalifia Farms Almond Milk Coffee CreamerLaird Superfood Creamer OriginalIs Non-Dairy Creamer Vegan?Ingredients to Avoid to Buying Vegan Coffee Creamer

List of Vegan Coffee Creamers

For those of you who are impatient like me, I put together a quick list of vegan coffee creamer brands that I recommend.  I also go into much greater detail on each product if you scroll down the page, or use the quick navigation above, for your convenience.

[amazon fields= “B01F2PYV20” value = “thumb” image_size=”large” image_]

[amazon link=”B01F2PYV20″ title=”nutpods Unsweetened Dairy-Free Creamer” /]

Nutpods is a relative newcomer to the market and the result of a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. Founded on the desire for a wholesome dairy-free creamer that was as rich and creamy as half & half.

Nutpods is that creamer!

But it is not just a delicious creamer. They have developed a creamer that is free of all the usual additives found in other creamers. Nutpods creamers are made without carrageenan, titanium dioxide, mono and diglycerides, hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils.

Nutpods creamers are purposefully unsweetened so you can choose how sweet you like your beverage and what kind of sweetener you prefer to use. This also opens it up for use in savory dishes from mashed potatoes to quiche.

Available Flavors: Original; French Vanilla; and Hazelnut.

Endorsements & Company Promises

• Certified Vegan (The Vegan Society)
• Kosher (Orthodox Union certified)
• Gluten-Free (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
• Non-GMO Project Certified
• Whole30 Approved
• Plant Based Foods Association Member

What We Liked

• Thick and creamy
• Authentic mouthfeel
• Mild coconut flavor does not overpower

What We Didn’t Like

• Needs to be shaken before use to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent curdling
• Requires about two tablespoons per cup

[amazon link=”B01F2PYV20″ title=”Check Price on Amazon” /]

[amazon fields=”B00HXIXNTC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_]

[amazon link=”B00HXIXNTC” title=”So Delicious Coconut Milk, Original Creamer” /]

So Delicious Dairy Free has been in the business for nearly 30 years. They produce a wide array of tasty dairy-free products.

They use organic ingredients whenever they can. All their products are Non-GMO Project Verified or enrolled. They are also all certified vegan.

So Delicious do not use artificial colorants, flavors, hydrogenated oils or trans-fats. Furthermore, because their products are plant based, they are completely cholesterol free.

They also have a comprehensive allergen testing program to make sure their products are safe for everyone.  

Their business philosophy is premised on a strong commitment to treating everyone and everything – animals, the environment, and each other with respect. That translates into taking sustainability seriously. From using 100 percent recycled paperboard cartons to decreasing their water use, actively working on minimizing their CO2 footprint.

Available Flavors: Original; French Vanilla; Hazelnut; Barista Style Original; Barista Style French Vanilla.

Endorsements & Company Promises

• Certified Vegan (Vegan Action)
• Gluten Free (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
• Kosher (Kehilla Kosher certified)
• Organic (Organic Certifiers)
• Non-GMO Project Certified

What We Liked

• Original is unsweetened and has a wide range of uses
• Company has a wide range of ethical polices

What We Didn’t Like

• Some users have found that the creamer can settle as your coffee sits. We recommend drinking your coffee hot.
• Must shake well before use to ensure smooth consistency and to prevent curdling.

[amazon link=”B00HXIXNTC” title=”Check Price on Amazon” /]

[amazon fields= “B012IATDKW” value = “thumb” image_size=”large” image_]

[amazon link=”B012IATDKW” title=”Califia Farms Almond Milk Coffee Creamer” /]

Califia Farms (pronounced like California) innovate delicious plant-powered foods made with sustainably-sourced natural ingredients.

They are based in the San Joaquin Valley of California.Their name stems from the Spanish legend of warrior queen Califia, who reigned over the mythical island of California. Spanish conquistadors believed they had arrived at Califia’s bountiful island when they first explored California.

This company is completely plant based. All of their products are vegan. More than that the company promotes sustainable practices such as recycling, heat-recovery systems, and ethically sourced ingredients.

All of their creamers use almond milk as their base while the Better Half range mix almond milk with coconut cream.  Their sugar is not refined with bone charcoal.  This is one of the few companies that is openly committed to such a practice and state so clearly on their website.

Available Flavors: Unsweetened; Pecan Caramel; Hazelnut; Vanilla; Original Better Half; Unsweetened Better Half.

Endorsements & Company Promises

• Plant Based Foods Member
• Non-GMO Project Certified
• Kosher (Orthodox Union certified)
• Sustainable Palm Oil (GreenPalm certified)
• Dairy-free, Soy-free, Oil-free, Saturated fats-free & Gluten-free
• 100% carrageenan-free

What We Liked

• Packaging has a neat portion control spout that prevents you from flooding your beverage.
• Extra thick and creamy
• subtle flavor compliments your coffee

What We Didn’t Like

• On the flip side, some people found the flavors too mild.

[amazon link=”B012IATDKW” title=”Check Price on Amazon” /]

or read our Califia Farms Creamer Review

[amazon fields= “B01CM4JEKI” value = “thumb” image_size=”large” image_]

[amazon link=”B01CM4JEKI” title=”Laird Superfood Creamer Original” /]

Laird Superfood is the passion project of the world’s most prolific big wave surfer, Laird Hamilton. It has been in development for over two decades.

Big wave surfing places incredible demands on an athlete’s body and mind. Being physically up to the challenge is one thing but without focus and concentration, the ocean can quickly become dangerous.

Laird soon understood that premium coffee was a natural and healthy solution which helped him perform at his best. He began to include coffee into his daily routine. This became the catalyst to a lifelong journey to becoming an avid coffee aficionado.

Laird sought to understand the processes of growing, picking, roasting and packaging high-quality coffee.  He soon sought to naturally enhance his finest coffees by formulating his Superfood Creamers made from whole food ingredients.

Designed not just to be a coffee creamer but a nutritional supplement as well. These products both contain aquamin derived from 100% red marine algae. Aquamin is a fantastic source of readily bioavailable calcium.​

Available Flavors: Original and Mocha. 

Be wary: the “Top Fuel” Superfood Creamer liquid is not vegan as it contains butter.​

Endorsements & Company Promises

• 100% Vegan
• Gluten Free
• Soy Free
• Non-GMO

What We Liked

• Subtle coconut flavor.
• Great in smoothies, deserts, and baking.
• Designed by a company that focuses on coffee with a passion for healthy nutrition.

What We Didn’t Like

• As a powdered creamer this can prove lumpy if not stirred properly.
• For best results blend with a stick blender

[amazon link=”B01CM4JEKI” title=”Check Price on Amazon” /]

Is Non-Dairy Creamer Vegan?

Some non-dairy creamers are vegan while others are not.

Typically, those that are branded as soy and almond creamers are vegan but this is not always the case. Creamers that are simply branded as “non-dairy” creamer should be viewed with caution.

The first step is to look for vegan certification on the packaging.

In the absence of such branding there are a number of ingredients to look out for.

Ingredients to Avoid to Buying Vegan Coffee Creamer

While some products may appear vegan while initially glancing at the ingredients, there are some things we need to look out for.

Of course, milk is the obvious candidate.

However, there are insidious forms of milk that are not so obviously labeled. The most common form is casein or caseinate as these are proteins derived from cow’s milk.

Products certified vegan will never contain this.

Some products may be labeled “dairy free,” “dairy alternative,” or a similar euphemism. These products should be scrutinized. An example is Trader Joe’s Coffee Creamer which is “lactose-free” yet contains casein.

If it doesn’t say “Vegan” or have vegan certification it may be worth contacting the company and requesting they get certified.

Sugar in some products may be processed using bone charcoal. This information is much harder to come by, and some products certified vegan have been known to use sugar which is processed with bone charcoal.

This remains an issue for vegans as very few companies are willing to supply information on the sources of their sugar. The easiest way to avoid this is to simply choose unsweetened variants of coffee creamers.

Finally, a few of the creamers mentioned above contain carrageenan which is a vegan alternative to gelatin. It is extracted from red edible seaweeds.

While this product is completely plant based, there are some concerns regarding its safety. Test results have been inconclusive. It is, however, associated with inflammation which leads some researchers to suspect it has links to ulcers and possibly cancer.

Sadly, much of the research is conducted via vivisection. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given carrageenan a GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status.

The post Top 4 Vegan Coffee Creamer Alternatives appeared first on Urban Vegan.

No worries!

Neither was I, so I did as much research as I could to make sure that any time I had a cup of coffee, it was in line with my ethical beliefs.

But beyond just the beans, what about everything else that goes into a cup a coffee?

For instance, milk, cream, sugar and not to mention buying a cup at a coffeehouse.

It’s honestly overwhelming, can cause migraines thinking about it, and worse of all it takes a lot of time and commitment for just one TINY part of your life.

You mine as well just give it up altogether – HA!

Who am I kidding?

That’s why I put this article together, to make your life easier.

So let’s get into it.

Vegan Coffee – Article NavigationVegan Coffee BeansOther Vegan Coffee IngredientsOrdering Coffee That’s Vegan-FriendlyCoffee Machines and Coffee MakersSip and Enjoy

Vegan Coffee Beans

​One of the most common asked questions is:

Can vegans drink coffee?​

The short answer is – Yes.

But while the ingredients that make up coffee are vegan, the way in which some coffee beans are grown and processed doesn’t line up with a vegan philosophy.

And since being vegan is a lifestyle, It’s important to take into consideration the manner in which our goods are grown, how they are treated and processed, and how the products and foods we love affect the earth.

That being said, not all coffee is made with the same care and love toward the environment.

So, a better question to ask might be:

How can we as vegans choose coffee that supports the same environment that unconditionally supports us?

There are three important things to look for when selecting a cruelty-free, sustainable, and vegan cup of joe.

1. Shade-Grown Coffee Vs. Sun-Grown Coffee

Coffee naturally flourishes underneath shady canopies of trees at high elevations in tropical and subtropical areas.

Hence, the reason we can (or used to) refer to coffee as a “shade-grown plant”.

However, many coffee plantations now harvest their beans in sunnier conditions, to speed up production and increase revenue.

Although this method might be more lucrative, sun-grown coffee leads to deforestation and a loss of biodiversity.

Why Sun-Grown Coffee Is Not Vegan-Friendly

While shade-grown coffee trees can last for 30 years or more, sun-grown must be replaced every 15 years or less.

Also, sun-grown coffee requires much more chemical input (such as chemical fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and fungicides) and depletes the nutritional content of the soil.

Because the soil becomes nutrient deficient, this land is unusable for future sun-grown coffee plantations, forcing farmers to clear out entirely new landscapes altogether!

You can only imagine the chaos and destruction this process produces for the many species that rely on the trees and plants as shelter.

In contrast, shade-grown coffee prevents soil erosion, provides a safe-haven for countless animals and doesn’t produce toxic water runoff (from chemical fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that injures or kills wildlife.

2. USDA Organic Coffee Vs. Conventional Coffee

When you see a package of coffee that boasts this label, it means the farmers harvesting this coffee did not use most synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers for at least three years.

Coffee that is not processed by organic standards exposes farmers, animals, and the surrounding wildlife to these poisonous substances.

This process isn’t very vegan-friendly because it is harmful to animals, plants, and humans.

Organic coffee treatment, on the other hand, involves much less harmful contamination in the environment and fewer toxic chemical spills.

Not only do some believe that organic coffee tastes fuller and richer, but you can also rest easy (or wake more easily) knowing that your coffee didn’t put farmers or the environment under toxic chemical stress.

3. Rainforest Alliance/Bird-Friendly Coffee Beans

Of all the labels in the world of coffee, these two are my absolute favorites.

Products bearing the Rainforest Alliance seal originate or contain ingredients from farms and forests that follow the environmental, social, and economic guidelines set by the Sustainable Agriculture Network.

This criterion is designed to “conserve wildlife, safeguard soils and waterways, protect workers, their families and local communities, and increase livelihoods.”

This label is the real deal, as it encompasses so many aspects of compassionate and conscious product development.

In more good news, even large corporations like McDonald’s® USA and McDonald’s Canada, Caribou Coffee, Second Cup, Green Mountain Coffee and Nespresso are taking steps to source sustainably produced coffee beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.

In fact, both McDonald’s® USA and Canada now source 100% of their espresso from Rainforest Alliance farms!

Just when you thought coffee couldn’t get more vegan-friendly…

The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s Bird-Friendly Coffee Seal is a bit harder to find but no less amazing than Rainforest Alliance.

While the Rainforest Alliance label promises the safety and quality of just about every aspect of coffee production, this Bird-Friendly label is the only 100% organic and shade-grown coffee certification available!

The beauty of this label is its ability to educate environmentally-conscious coffee drinkers of the endangerment of beautiful migratory birds.

As more and more land is converted into sun-grown coffee plantations, migrant songbirds that migrate from North America in the winter months to tropical ecosystems (in Central and South America) are on the decline.

Do your part and purchase coffee brands that sport this label!​

So Which Coffee Beans Contain All of Those Endorsements?

I’m glad you asked!

I found 3 on Amazon that are Certified Organic, Rainforest Alliance Certified or Bird-Friendly Certified, and are Shade-Grown!

You can, of course, dig deeper and find a brew that fits your pallet but you can’t go wrong with any of these 3 choices.

[amazon box=”B001ELL6UM” template=”list” title=”Audubon Premium Shade Grown Coffee”][amazon box=”B003D331JS” template=”list” title=”Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Dark Roast Ground Coffee”][amazon box=”B01COFJ15S” template=”list” title=”Java Planet – Guatemalan USDA Organic Coffee Beans”]

But Wait, I Only Drink Espresso!

Not a problem!

Just as coffee can be processed in ways that vegans wouldn’t approve of, so too can espresso.

To find a great cup of vegan espresso, look for the same labels and attributes as we discussed with regular coffee beans.

Here are some sustainably-grown and environmentally-friendly products to get you started!

[amazon box=”B00TADL1P6″ template=”list” title=”CoffeeCrazy Premium USDA Organic, Fair Trade Espresso”][amazon box=”B00MHTB6V4″ template=”list” title=”Kicking Horse Coffee, Cliff Hanger Espresso”][amazon box=”B00FQMOFYY” template=”list” title=”JO ESPRESSO: 12 oz, Medium Dark Roast”]

Other Vegan Coffee Ingredients

Assuming you are a coffee connoisseur or someone who just appreciates a fresh cup every day, then I don’t have to tell you that the beans are just scratching the surface of what constitutes a vegan cup of coffee.

Not even close.

When you think about, there are so many different products being added to the market to make coffee a little bit more enjoyable.

For instance, I can’t drink coffee without cream, and if being vegan means I have to drink my coffee black, then it’s not going to work for me.

But luckily there are plenty of alternatives, and I’d love to share them with you.​

1. Vegan Milk

Adding a splash of milk can add a little extra flavor to your coffee, but let’s take cow’s milk out of the picture and opt for a milk alternative that’s vegan and cruelty-free.

There are tons of vegan milk alternatives; choosing the right one just comes down to your specific taste buds.

Maybe you like something with a nuttier taste like almond milk, or maybe you gravitate toward nut-free products like rice or flax milk.

There are dozens of dairy and cruelty-free alternatives including soy, almond, cashew, quinoa, coconut, rice, hazelnut, almond-coconut, oat, and hemp milk (to name a few)!

I’ve listed some of my favorite vegan milk brands and flavors, but it’s up to you to find the one that best suits your taste palate and lifestyle.

Substitutes:

[amazon box=”B00474AL2M” template=”list” title=”Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla”][amazon box=”B00CHUGAO6″ template=”list” title=”GOOD KARMA Flax Milk, Original”][amazon box=”B0115O2E1W” template=”list” title=”Pacific Foods, Hazelnut Original”][amazon box=”B00N9UD6S6″ template=”list” title=”Living Harvest Tempt Hemp Milk”]

2. Vegan Coffee Creamers

Making your coffee extra creamy is easy with these vegan, dairy-free creamers.

Not only have I made choosing a vegan creamer easy, but you’ll be happy to know that they are also beneficial to your health in a number of ways.

In addition to being vegan-friendly, most of the products I’ve listed below are non-GMO verified, gluten and soy-free, kosher, and low in sugar compared to non-vegan creamers!

Substitutes:

[amazon box=”B01F2PYV20″ template=”list” title=”nutpods Dairy Free Coffee Creamer Unsweetened”][amazon box=”B012IATDUC” template=”list” title=”Califia Farms Almondmilk Coffee Creamer”][amazon box=”B01BNQQZJY” template=”list” title=”Coconut Cloud Non Dairy Coffee Creamer”][amazon box=”B00I9N8OE4″ template=”list” title=”So Delicious Coconut Milk, French Vanilla Creamer”]

3. Vegan Sugar

Can I Add Regular Sugar to My Coffee?

I used to bask in the glory of adding a teaspoon or two of sugar to my morning cup of coffee.

That is until I discovered a disgusting non-vegan ingredient used to make sugar: bone char.

Manufactured from the bones of cattle, bone char is commonly utilized by the sugar industry as a decolorizing mechanism that contributes to sugar’s pristine white color.

Because the FDA prohibits the use of bones in the United States’ meat market, bones must be imported from countries like India and Pakistan.

It’s extremely hard to tell if a sugar product at the supermarket contains bone char or not, as most supermarket brands source their sugar from more than one refinery.

Substitutes:

[amazon box=”B0010XV5T6″ template=”list” title=”Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Cane Sugar”][amazon box=”B019PJEXP4″ template=”list” title=”ONE ORGANIC Stevia Powder”][amazon box=”B000EA2DA6″ template=”list” title=”Billington’s Natural Dark Brown Molasses Sugar”][amazon box=”B00GXZTT6M” template=”list” title=”Blue Green Agave Organic Nectar”]

Ordering Coffee That’s Vegan-Friendly

Ordering a latte or cappuccino at a local coffeehouse sometimes makes me feel…

Well…

A little high maintenance to say the least.

I’ve learned a few tricks that help me order fun vegan coffee drinks that I can feel guilt-free about drinking, yet not feel like I’m wasting the barista’s life reading ingredient labels and asking for vegan substitutions.

To keep things simple, let’s use Starbucks as an example, but know that you can apply these facts about Starbucks to just about any local (less corporate) coffee house!

1. Basic Vegan Coffee

A basic iced or hot coffee is vegan, and if you want to spice that up a little bit, just ask for soy or coconut milk.

Substituting regular milk for a non-dairy vegan alternative usually costs a bit extra (50-75 cents), but really, it’s a small price to pay to enjoy a beverage that fits within the morals of your lifestyle.

2. Vegan Friendly Lattes, Cappuccinos, Frappuccinos (and Everything in Between)

When ordering a latte or fancy frappuccino, you’ll want to be sure to ask for the vegan milk alternative of your choice, and depending on the type of latte you order; you’ll also want to ask (nicely) that the following ingredients are not included:

• exclamation-triangleWhipped cream
• exclamation-triangleCaramel drizzle (on the Caramel Macchiato and Caramel Frappuccino)
• exclamation-triangleJava chips (inside the Java Chip Frappuccino and Double Chocolatey Chip Frappuccino)

Although these ingredients may be sad to say goodbye to, there is a silver lining.

Most clear syrups are vegan, and Starbuck’s mocha sauce is vegan too!

This means you can still look forward to your holiday Peppermint Mocha Latte (with the alterations discussed above) as it is vegan-friendly!

If you’re feeling stuck and aren’t sure what to order, here are a few more coffee drink ideas that are just as delicious as they are vegan.

• checkSoy Mocha-Hazelnut Latte
• checkIced Vanilla Soy (or Coconut) Latte
• checkCoconut (or Soy) Mocha Latte
• checkSoy Mocha Frappuccino
• checkCappuccino with Soy Milk
• checkSoy Hazelnut Latte

3. Coffee Drinks That Cannot Be Made Vegan

Unfortunately, there are some drinks that just cannot be made vegan because of the dairy products in the syrup ingredients.

Here are the drinks you’ll want to avoid:

• exclamation-triangleAnything flavored with pumpkin spice
• exclamation-triangleDrinks that contain caramel brûlée or white mocha
• exclamation-triangleLight Frappuccinos

Coffee Machines and Coffee Makers

1. Standard Coffee Machines

A standard coffee maker is not the worst appliance one might find in a vegan’s kitchen.

While there are better options for brewing a more environmentally and vegan-friendly cup of joe, again, it’s not the end of the world.

The issue with standard coffee makers is the paper filters that need to be replaced with each use.

Depending on how much coffee you drink, these little filters can add up quickly.

Although most filters are biodegradable, using them on a daily basis isn’t exactly contributing positively to the well-being of the planet.

The solution?

Reusable Coffee Filters, of Course!

Here are a couple of options for converting your coffee maker into a more vegan and eco-friendly device.

[amazon box=”B00ANGL55U” template=”list” title=”Good Living Eco-Friendly Reusable Coffee Filter”][amazon box=”B0000CFQJS” template=”list” title=”Mr. Coffee Basket-Style Permanent Filter”][amazon box=”B0001IRRLQ” template=”list” title=”Cuisinart Gold Tone Coffee Filter”]

2. Is My Keurig Coffee Vegan?

The problem with these convenient single serving cups arises when you consider what they’re made of and how they are affecting the environment.

The K-Cup has been referred to as an “environmental monster” because is 0% recyclable and is made of BPA-infused plastic.

In fact, the total number of K-Cups sold in 2013 could wrap around our earth’s equator 10.5 times!

Needless to say, these cute little cups don’t align with a vegan lifestyle, or indeed, any lifestyle that moderately cares about the well-being of the planet.

K-Cup Vegan-friendly Solutions

The startling reality of K-Cups is indeed unfortunate.

However, there are some great alternatives.

[amazon link=”B0126V7U3A” title=”OneCup” /] makes single serving cups that are made from plant-based renewable resources and are compatible with Keurig brewers.

[amazon link=”B012AGL2P8″ title=”EKOCUPS” /] takes a similar approach, by housing their organic and fair trade coffee in recyclable capsules that are also compatible with most Keurig brewing machines.  Furthermore, EKOCUPS claims that their cups hold up to 30% more coffee than other single serving brands (for the die-hard coffee fanatics out there)!

3. The French Press – Best Vegan Coffee Maker Alternative

It makes the most sense for vegans to use a french press coffee maker, as it doesn’t require large amounts of paper or plastic to make a simple cup of coffee.

Here are a few eco and vegan-friendly stainless steel french presses to choose from!

[amazon box=”B013H0SNLC” template=”list” title=”LINKYO Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker”][amazon box=”B00XDERI6Y” template=”list” title=”LeMeilleur Stainless Steel French Press Coffee Maker”][amazon box=”B0131DX3JW” template=”list” title=”8 Cup French Press Coffee Maker by Real People”][amazon box=”B01FD1I50W” template=”list” title=”Wild Foods Stainless Steel French Press”]

Sip and Enjoy

There’s quite a bit to consider when choosing the perfect cruelty-free cup of coffee.

Now that you have all the information, you can make informed decisions based on your vegan lifestyle, budget, and taste.

And remember, coffee means different things to different people.

For some, it’s a wake-up call to get into the office a few minutes earlier.

For others, the simple act of sipping a latte is a leisurely pastime enjoyed only with one’s favorite book in hand.

So, don’t get too hung up on the details and overwhelmed with crazy coffee chatter.

Sip, enjoy, and cherish your next cup of vegan coffee at ease!

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