Hazelnut creamer, also known as hazelnut coffee creamer, is a popular non-dairy creamer used to flavor coffee and other beverages. It provides a rich, nutty taste and creamy texture similar to half-and-half or cream without the added calories or fat. But what exactly goes into making hazelnut coffee creamer? Let’s take a closer look at the typical ingredients and nutritional profile of this coffee add-in.
Main Ingredients
Hazelnut creamers are made from a blend of ingredients that create the characteristic hazelnut flavor and smooth, creamy texture:
Oil
The primary ingredient in hazelnut creamer is oil, usually canola, soybean, palm, or coconut oil. Oil gives the creamer a creamy, smooth consistency and texture when mixed into hot coffee or tea. The type of oil used can impact flavor and nutrition profile.
Sugar
Sugar is added to sweeten the creamer and balance out the nutty, roasted hazelnut taste. Common types of sugar used include corn syrup, cane sugar, and sucrose. The amount and type of sugar influence the sweetness level.
Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers like mono- and diglycerides allow the oil and water-based ingredients to blend together and create a stable emulsion. This prevents the ingredients from separating.
Thickeners
Thickeners like carrageenan give the creamer a viscosity similar to dairy cream. This provides a creamy mouthfeel.
Hazelnut Flavoring
Natural and artificial hazelnut flavors are used to give the creamer the distinctive roasted nut taste. Common flavors include hazelnut oil, hazelnut extract, or chemical flavor compounds.
Non-dairy milk
Some hazelnut creamers include non-dairy milk alternatives like soy, coconut, almond, or oat milk as a base. This adds a dairy-like creamy richness and texture.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and other flavors.
Preservatives
Preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate extend the shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Colors
Caramel coloring or other approved color additives give the creamer a rich, golden brown hue.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition profile of hazelnut creamers can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they typically provide:
| Nutrient | Per 1 tbsp (15ml) serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25-40 |
| Total Fat | 2-3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0-1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 25-60mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2-5g |
| Sugars | 1-4g |
| Protein | 0-1g |
As you can see, hazelnut creamers are free of cholesterol and low in fat compared to dairy-based creamers. However, they still provide calories, carbohydrates, and sodium so they are not calorie or fat free. The exact amounts can vary depending on which oil is used, how much sugar is added, and whether or not milk is included as an ingredient.
How It’s Made
Hazelnut creamers go through an industrial manufacturing process to blend the ingredients and transform them into an emulsion with the desired flavor, texture, and consistency. Here is an overview of how they are made:
1. Mixing
First, the main ingredient – oil – is measured and added to a large mixer or homogenizer. Then, emulsifiers, sweeteners, milk or milk alternatives if used, and water are added and thoroughly mixed.
2. Heating
The mixture is heated to 150-185°F (65-85°C) degrees to pasteurize the ingredients. Pasteurization kills off any bacteria and enhances the blending of flavors.
3. Homogenization
Next, the mixture goes through high pressure homogenization. This breaks the oil into tiny droplets suspended throughout the water-based liquid, creating a stable, uniform emulsion that resists separation.
4. Flavoring
Hazelnut extract, oils, or natural and artificial flavor compounds are measured out and added in specific amounts to achieve the desired nutty, roasted hazelnut taste.
5. Coloring
Caramel color is added to produce the light brown hue expected of hazelnut creamers.
6. Standardization
The batch is evaluated and ingredients adjusted as needed to achieve the correct flavor, aroma, texture, appearance, and mouthfeel.
7. Packaging
Finally, the creamer is packaged into plastic jugs, tetra packs, or other containers, ready to ship to grocery stores or coffee shops. Preservatives added during processing help extend shelf life.
Variations
While the basic manufacturing process stays the same, there are some variations between products:
Types of oils
The type of base oil influences texture and nutrition. Non-hydrogenated oil is considered healthier than palm or coconut.
Dairy vs. non-dairy
Some contain cow’s milk or plant-based milk alternatives like soy, coconut, or almond milk for added richness.
Sugar content
Low-sugar or sugar-free versions may use artificial sweeteners instead.
Added ingredients
Some may contain extras like protein, MCT oil, or vitamin/mineral fortification.
Flavors
In addition to hazelnut, flavors like French vanilla, caramel, and Irish cream are also popular varieties.
Fat content
Lower fat options will use less oil than richer, more creamy versions.
Packaging
Available in shelf-stable cartons, refrigerated liquid containers, or single-serve liquid pods.
Uses
Hazelnut creamer can be used in a variety of beverages:
Coffee
It’s most commonly stirred into hot coffee to add nutty, creamy flavor. Works well in any type of coffee drink from brewed coffee to lattes.
Tea
Adds rich taste to hot black, green, or herbal tea.
Hot chocolate
Provides extra indulgence mixed into hot cocoa.
Milkshakes
Can be blended into milkshakes in place of ice cream for thickness and flavor.
Smoothies
Contributes creaminess and nutrients when blended into fruit smoothies.
Oatmeal
Stirred into oatmeal or overnight oats to make a sweet, creamy breakfast.
Desserts
Used in recipes for cakes, cookies, custards, puddings, ice cream, and more.
Benefits
Hazelnut creamer offers several advantages:
Non-dairy
Suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Lower in fat/calories
Much lower in fat and calories compared to heavy cream or half-and-half.
No refrigeration needed
Shelf-stable varieties are convenient and can be stored at room temperature until opened.
Customizable taste
Can control sweetness and hazelnut flavor strength based on amount added.
Nutritional boost
Some contain added protein or vitamins not found in plain cream.
Flavored creamer
Provides more exciting flavor compared to plain cream or milk.
Downsides
There are a few potential disadvantages to consider:
Contains preservatives
Includes stabilizers, emulsifiers, and preservatives not present in pure dairy cream.
Artificial ingredients
Often includes artificial colors, flavors, and chemical additives.
Added sugar
The high sugar content adds empty calories and carbs.
Highly processed
Lacks the simplicity and minimal processing of just cream from milk.
Soy/nut allergies
Those with soy or nut allergies need to avoid options containing soy milk or hazelnut.
Higher cost
More expensive than basic cream or milk.
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to avoid highly processed creamers, some healthier, more natural alternatives include:
Full-fat dairy milk or cream
Higher in saturated fat but contains no additives.
Low-fat or skim milk
Lower in calories/fat than cream but still all-natural.
Half-and-half
Compromise between cream and milk with less fat than heavy cream.
Nut milks
Homemade nut milks like almond or coconut milk add natural flavor.
Low-sugar creamers
Contain less added sugar than original versions.
Plain soymilk or oatmilk
Provide plant-based creaminess without lots of additives.
Conclusion
Hazelnut creamers deliver the taste and texture of cream without the high fat and calories. But they achieve this through highly processed industrial ingredients like oils, artificial flavors, emulsifiers, and added sugars. For those concerned about eating wholesome, natural foods, homemade or minimally processed alternatives like nut milks, half-and-half, or just a splash of milk or cream can provide similar benefits without the additives found in pre-made creamers. But for times when convenience and indulgence take priority over nutrition, hazelnut creamers can be an occasional delicious addition to coffee and tea. Moderation and reading labels to choose healthier options when possible is key.