This Is What Happens When You Drink Coffee Creamer Every Day

Many people rely on a hot cup of coffee to wake them up in the morning. Over 60% of Americans drink coffee every single day (via National Coffee Association). While some people enjoy it black, many rely on some sort of sweetener or creamer to add to their cup. Coffee creamer is a popular way to add sweetness and flavor to coffee, but it tends to get a bad rap. Here's what actually happens when you drink it every day.

It may be surprising to learn that most coffee creamers don't contain any cream. The main ingredients tend to be water, sugar, and oils, including hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenated oils are trans fats, which should be significantly limited in your diet (via the American Heart Association).

Coffee creamers with trans fats aren't a very good option for your health. "We consume trans fats when we eat animal products; however, if we take too much of trans fats, we're putting ourselves at risk of raising LDL (or 'bad' cholesterol)," Nikola Djordjevic, MD, a board-certified family physician, told Byrdie. However, if your overall diet is low in trans fats and you stick to a small serving of coffee creamer each day, you can enjoy this treat without worrying too much.

If you're a fan of coffee creamer, don't fret. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this drink addition. To begin with, there are many coffee creamer brands that make a healthier version of this product you can enjoy without worrying. Califia Farms Better Half Coffee Creamer can be found at most grocery stores, is vegan-friendly, and contains only 15 calories per serving (via Taste of Home). Laird Superfood Coffee Creamer is another alternative that is packed with nutrients like turmeric and powdered coconut milk.

Experts agree that the best coffee creamer is real milk or cream. This will add creaminess and flavor to your coffee without any preservatives or additives. Milk also adds calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12 to your morning (via Eat This, Not That!). If sweetness is what you crave, you can also add monk fruit sweetener instead. ​​"It's naturally sweet because it's high in antioxidants, which means you're not only avoiding inflammatory ingredients by not using processed creamers or sugar, but you are giving your body anti-inflammatory nutrients," Registered Dietician Lisa Richards told Byrdie.