Coffee Mate creamer has been a staple in many homes for decades. Every morning, millions of people reach for their flavored creamer to add to their coffee for an extra kick of flavor. (Hint: I used to be addicted to it) until I looked at the ingredients. And then one of my friends mentioned that Coffee Mate it’s not available in some countries around the world.
In this article, I’m sharing with you what I researched and why Coffee Mate is banned in some countries!
Is CoffeeMate Not Sold in Other Countries?
Yes, Coffee Mate creamer is banned in a few countries due to the use of trans fats and/or artificial sweeteners. Here is a list of countries where you won’t find Coffee Mate:
- Europe (except for Switzerland)
- Japan
- India
- China
- Thailand
- Singapore
But What Is the Exact Reason For This?
Upon doing some research, I found out that Coffee Mate isn’t banned everywhere but it is restricted in some places due to the use of trans fats.
For example, Europe has banned the use of trans fats entirely which is amazing as it shows they care about the health of their citizens. This also why Coffee Mate is unavailable in many countries on the continent.
Trans fats have been linked to a host of health issues, including heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. As a result, it’s no surprise that many countries around the world are taking steps to eliminate them from their food supply. I’m truly surprised that US hasn’t banned it yet.
In addition to the ban on trans fats in Europe, another reason why Coffee Mate creamer may be restricted in some countries is because of its use of artificial sweeteners. Some countries, like Japan, have strict regulations around the use of artificial sweeteners in food products.
While Coffee Mate may not have high levels of sweeteners, it’s enough to make it ineligible for sale in some countries. Personally, I realized I was addicted to Coffee-mate because of its super sweet taste, thanks to those artificial sweeteners. Now as much as we think that less sugar is better, artificial sweeteners certainly have their own concerns and can be more addictive than sugar.
Another reason why Coffee Mate creamer is limited in some countries is because of cultural differences. In some parts of the world, black coffee is the norm (eek!), and adding flavored creamer or sugar to coffee is seen as an unnecessary indulgence. As a result, retailers in those countries may not carry Coffee Mate creamer since there isn’t a demand for it.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that Coffee Mate creamer is not necessarily healthier than other creamers or dairy products. While it may be lower in calories and fat content, it’s still a highly processed food product with added sugars and artificial flavors.
Because of these four reasons, a lot of countries don’t allow Coffee Mate to be sold.
5 Alternatives to Coffee Mate Creamer
If you can’t find Coffee Mate creamer in your local store, there are still plenty of options for adding flavor and creaminess to your morning cup of Joe. Here are five alternatives to consider:
#1. Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great option for those looking for lactose-free, vegan creamers. It’s also naturally low in calories and sugar, making it a great alternative to Coffee Mate creamer.
#2. Half-and-Half
This is another lactose-free option that adds richness and sweetness to your coffee without adding too many extra calories.
#3. Oat Milk
Like almond milk, oat milk is a great vegan option for those looking for a lactose-free creamer. It also has the added benefit of being high in fiber and vitamins.
#4. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a great source of healthy fats and adds sweetness to your coffee without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
#5. Heavy Cream
If you’re looking for a super-rich and creamy option, heavy cream is the way to go. Just keep in mind that it’s very high in calories and fat.
What is a Good Alternative to Coffee Mate?
If want a healthier alternative to Coffee Mate creamer, then any of the above options are great options.
For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be a great choice. For those who aren’t lactose intolerant, Half-and-Half is a great alternative.
You can also learn to make a homemade coffee creamer using simple and clean ingredients. This not only gives you control over the ingredients used but also allows you to experiment with different flavors. For instance, combining coconut milk, vanilla extract, and a sweetener like honey or agave creates a delightful, healthy creamer.
My favourite indulgence is to add Half-and-Half or almond milk with honey for a natural treat.
For an extra flavor kick, consider adding natural spices like cinnamon or nutmeg directly to your coffee. These are best in the winter months.
Why Are the Trans Fats in Coffee Mate Bad for Health?
Trans fats, sometimes referred to as “trans fatty acids,” are a type of unsaturated fat that occur in small amounts in nature but (sadly) became widely produced industrially for use in margarine, snack food, packaged baked goods, and frying fast food starting in the 1950s.
Trans fats have been shown to consistently be associated, in an intake-dependent way, with increased risk of coronary heart disease, a leading cause of death. They cause levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol,” to rise, while also lowering levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good cholesterol.”
This double impact accelerates the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls—atherosclerosis—which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, the consumption of trans fats can lead to inflammation which is linked to various chronic diseases, insulin resistance, and other adverse health effects.
This is why health organizations around the world advocate for a diet low in trans fats.
In fact, if you’re not careful, you’ll see that trans fats are shoved into all types of foods and not just creamers, so be weary and start buying healthier options if you can.
The Last Word
The reason Coffee Mate isn’t available in every country is a matter of different regulations and cultural norms in different parts of the world. Whether you choose to use Coffee Mate, another creamer, or even plain old milk in your coffee, just remember to do so in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
