This Trader Joe’s Creamer Is the Only Thing I Add to My Coffee

There’s never been a better time to be a vegan or someone who avoids dairy. These days, most supermarkets carry a wide variety of plant-based milks—soy, coconut, cashew, rice, hemp, and so on—but oat milk is currently having a moment. In fact, it’s been in the spotlight for the past few years because coffee drinkers have realized no other dairy-free milk is as creamy and frothy as oat milk. Some oat milk products are made specifically to liven up coffee, including the popular Non-Dairy Oat Creamer Brown Sugar Flavor at Trader Joe’s. I discovered this product years ago, and it’s been a staple in my coffee routine ever since. Here’s why it has a permanent place on my grocery list.

It’s Allergen-Friendly But You Wouldn’t Expect It

Trader Joe’s has something for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. This coffee creamer is a non-dairy option, so it’s suitable for vegans and people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. And though it’s made from oats, which are commonly contaminated with gluten, it’s also gluten-free. 

However, “no dairy” doesn’t mean “no flavor.” I don’t enjoy the taste of plain black coffee—my perfect cup of java has to have a splash of something to offset that bitterness, and this creamer is the one for the job. It’s thicker than regular oat milk but thinner than half-and-half. Still, it’s plenty creamy in coffee and froths up nicely. The best part though is the brown sugar flavor, which gives it a richness and notes of toffee and caramel. 

It’s not Trader Joe’s only non-dairy creamer, but it is their best. Trader Joe’s also carries a Coconut & Almond Creamer Vanilla, and it’s pretty much what you’d expect in a dairy-free creamer. Made in part with coconut milk, the coconut flavor dominates so you don’t get much of the vanilla. In a blind taste test, you’d probably know it was a plant-based alternative. I’ve also tried the French Vanilla Coffee Creamer, which is made with milk, but I still prefer the little carton of brown sugar oat creamer. The former has an artificial taste to it, so it’s less pleasant and surprisingly less creamy.

Enjoy It Hot or Iced

If you have an espresso machine, there’s nothing stopping you from making brown sugar lattes at home. You could even use instant espresso for barista-worthy drinks on a budget. Whether you take your coffee hot or iced, this coffee creamer will jazz it up. The brown sugar flavor is somewhat cozy, so I prefer it in hot coffee. I’ll also pick up a bottle of Ready To Drink Cold Brew Coffee at Trader Joe’s and pair it with this creamer for summer-worthy iced coffee.

A Little Bit Goes a Long Way

As far as coffee creamers go, the $1.99 price tag makes this a pretty affordable option. But some shoppers say the carton is too small, making the price-per-serving less than ideal. While I too wouldn’t complain if Trader Joe’s released a larger version of this creamer, you don’t need a lot per serving to get what I consider to be the perfect shade of coffee. A couple tablespoons per cup of coffee usually does the trick, so if you have two cups of coffee per day, a carton should last you about a week. “The best part is it lasts in my house of three coffee drinkers because you don’t need to use a lot,” commented one Redditor.

Watch Out for the Sugar Content

It’s sweet—some would even say it’s too sweet. And one look at the nutrition facts explains why. Each tablespoon contains 4 grams of added sugar. In moderation, that’s not really a big deal. But if you’re someone who uses a lot of creamer or drinks a lot of coffee, that sugar content will add up quickly. Some Redditors wish Trader Joe’s would use less sugar or release a sugar-free version.

Try the Seasonal Flavors

Before trying this coffee creamer, I mainly stuck to vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut flavors. But this product helped me realize that brown sugar creamer or brown sugar lattes are actually my favorite. So I may be biased, but I think the OG brown sugar flavor can’t be beat. Still, it’s fun to try new flavors of this creamer as Trader Joe’s releases them. So far, the two seasonal flavors we’ve seen have included the Non-Dairy Cinnamon Bun Oat Creamer, and the Non-Dairy Oat Creamer Gingerbread. They’re worth picking up in the fall and winter, but there’s a reason why the brown sugar flavor is a mainstay.

You’ll find this coffee creamer in the refrigerated section at Trader Joe’s next to the other dairy and non-dairy products.