Happy National Coffee Day! They don’t call me an “honorary barista” for nothin!

How do you take your coffee?

I started my relationship with coffee in my early teens but didn’t start to use creamer until my mid-twenties. Truthfully I am a coffee snob, in that I know what I like and am displeased with poorly roasted coffee beans. I like bold aromatic and flavorful coffee, brewed strong. I like it dark and long preferred it black until one day my stomach did not. I prefer to drink my coffee first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, like I imagine most people do. Adding creamer allows me to still do this, without the acidity of the caffeine and coffee causing an upset stomach.

As mentioned, my creamer addition didn’t become a part of my morning routine until more recent years. That means I started my creamer journey with strictly vegan-friendly, non-dairy creamers. Let me tell you, they have improved dramatically in just the past few years. There are seasonal and big brand creamers, stocked next to old faithful, Silk. I love having so many choices and having the option to find one I really like. However, I now remember what it is like to feel overwhelmed with choices. Now I typically venture out and try new brands and flavors, rather than sticking to one kind to use every day.

I recently picked up three new kinds of dairy-free creamer at the store to try. Two are seasonal varieties from Silk; “The Oatmeal Cookie One” and of course, “Pumpkin Spice” (did you again doubt my level of basic?). I also picked the “Hazelnut Latte” flavored Starbucks non-dairy creamer. The non-dairy creamers are the newest plant-based in-store product to launch from Starbucks, and come in one other flavor that I did not purchase; Caramel Macchiato.

Both Silk creamers taste exactly as they are named. The flavors of cinnamon and toasted oats are present in “The Oatmeal Cookie One”. I hope it becomes a new long-time flavor, as Oatmeal cookies may be my favorite kind of cookie! It is a fun and tasty twist on the holiday flavors we usually see this time of year.

The “Pumpkin Spice” flavored creamer smelled liked pumpkin pie, as soon as I removed the freshness seal. I cannot wait to make Pumpkin Spice everything with this creamer, as it makes PSL season a lot easier! All the flavors of Pumpkin Spice are present, with a stong presence of nutmeg. Mmmm nutmeg.

The Starbucks Hazelnut Latte inspired creamer was so sweet, and truly tasted like the barista made beverage. I could taste the caramel and hazelnut notes. It also frothed very well due to it being a belnd of almondmilk and oatmilk. (I have found that oatmilk creamers froth the best)

While it may be National Coffee Day, there are many ways you can use dairy-free creamers in the kitchen, that does not include coffee. Yes of course there is tea, but there is also the option to sub seasonal creamers for the plant-based milk in recipes, adding a sweeter taste to your baked goods. You can even make overnight oats with dairy-free creamers. I think pumpkin spice oats sound sooo good right now, and maybe what I prepare myself for breakfast tomorrow.

Do you have a favorite creamer brand, or flavor? What about a type of plant-based milk you prefer your creamer to be made from? Much to discuss!

Too much coffee, you say? I think not!

I found these vegan-friendly Creamers at Target !

Location: 2425 Claribel Rd, Riverbank, CA 95367

& All Target stores