Are you a coffee lover who’s also following a keto diet?
If so, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy your daily cup of joe with a splash of milk.
The good news is that there are plenty of milk alternatives that are low in carbs and fit into a healthy keto diet.
One of the most popular options is unsweetened almond milk, which is not only low in carbs but also high in Vitamin E and potassium.
In this article, we’ll explore the best milk alternatives for keto coffee creamers and answer the question: Can I drink coffee with almond milk on keto?
So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive in!
Can I Drink Coffee With Almond Milk On Keto?
Yes, you can definitely drink coffee with almond milk on keto! In fact, unsweetened almond milk is an excellent choice as a keto coffee creamer.
One teaspoon of unsweetened almond milk contains only 0.3 carbs, making it one of the lowest carb options available. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Almond milk is also a good source of calcium, despite not being “real” milk. It has a similar mouthfeel to dairy milk and tastes great too.
But what about other milk alternatives? Are they keto-friendly?
Why Traditional Milk Doesn’t Fit Into A Keto Diet
Traditional milk, whether it’s full-fat, 1%, 2%, or skim, doesn’t fit into a keto diet due to its high carb content. Milk contains lactose, a type of sugar that can quickly add up and exceed your daily carb limit. For example, one cup of whole milk contains 12 grams of carbs, which is almost half of the recommended daily carb intake for someone following a standard keto diet.
Additionally, milk is not a significant source of fat, which is a crucial component of the keto diet. The keto diet is a high-fat diet, and consuming too much protein or carbs can interfere with the body’s ability to enter and maintain ketosis.
Fortunately, there are plenty of low-carb milk alternatives that are keto-friendly. Unsweetened nut milks like almond milk, macadamia milk, and coconut milk are excellent options as they contain minimal carbs and are high in healthy fats. Seed milks like hemp milk and flax milk are also low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
The Benefits Of Using Milk Alternatives On Keto
Using milk alternatives on keto can provide a variety of benefits. Firstly, many milk alternatives are low in carbs, making them a great option for those following a ketogenic diet. This is especially important as traditional milk can be high in lactose, a type of sugar that can quickly add up in carb count.
Milk alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, and flax milk also offer unique nutritional benefits. For example, almond milk is high in vitamin E and calcium, while coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily converted into ketones by the liver and used as energy by the body.
Additionally, many milk alternatives are vegan and dairy-free, making them a great choice for those with lactose intolerance or who choose to follow a plant-based diet.
Top Milk Alternatives For Keto Coffee Creamers
If you’re looking for a change from almond milk, there are plenty of other keto-friendly milk alternatives for your coffee creamer needs. Here are some of the top options:
1. Cashew Milk: Cashew milk is a healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional milk. It contains only eight calories and less than a gram of carbs and fat per tablespoon. The unsweetened, nutty flavor may not be for everyone, but it’s definitely a great keto option.
2. Chocolate Almond Milk: If you’re craving something sweet, Blue Diamond offers unsweetened chocolate almond milk that is low in carbs but still offers a rich chocolatey taste. One serving contains only 1 gram of net carbs and 3 grams of total fat, making it a great option for those on the keto diet. To sweeten it up, try using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
3. Macadamia Nut Milk: Another great option for keto coffee creamer is macadamia nut milk. It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to your morning coffee. It also has a creamy texture similar to dairy milk.
4. Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk is another great keto-friendly option for coffee creamer. It’s high in healthy fats and low in carbs, making it a perfect addition to your morning routine.
5. Heavy Whipping Cream: While not technically a milk alternative, heavy whipping cream is a great option for those on the keto diet. It’s high in fat and low in carbs, making it ideal for adding to your coffee or tea.
Why Unsweetened Almond Milk Is A Great Option For Keto
Unsweetened almond milk is a great option for keto because it is low in calories, carbs, and sugar. One cup of unsweetened almond milk contains only 1.4 grams of carbs, which is significantly lower than other milk alternatives like cow’s milk or soy milk. This makes it a perfect choice for those on a strict keto diet, where carb intake is limited to just 20-50 grams per day.
In addition to being low in carbs, unsweetened almond milk is also high in important nutrients like calcium and vitamin E. One cup of unsweetened almond milk provides 37% of the daily value for calcium and 46% of the daily value for vitamin E. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Furthermore, unsweetened almond milk is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions.
How To Incorporate Almond Milk Into Your Keto Coffee Routine
Incorporating almond milk into your keto coffee routine is easy and delicious. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose unsweetened almond milk: Make sure to choose unsweetened almond milk as sweetened versions can contain added sugars and carbs, which can throw off your keto diet.
2. Measure out the right amount: One teaspoon of almond milk contains only 0.3 carbs, so measure out the amount you need to stay within your daily carb limit.
3. Add it to your coffee: Once you’ve brewed your coffee, add the desired amount of almond milk to it and stir well. You can also use a milk frother to create a latte-like texture.
4. Experiment with flavors: Almond milk pairs well with many flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or keto-friendly sweeteners to create your perfect cup of keto coffee.
Almond milk is a great choice for those on a keto diet looking for a creamy and low-carb alternative to traditional dairy creamers. With a little experimentation, you can create a delicious and satisfying cup of keto coffee that fits perfectly into your daily routine.
Other Keto-friendly Coffee Creamer Options To Consider
If you’re looking for other keto-friendly coffee creamer options besides almond milk, there are plenty of choices available. Here are a few to consider:
1. Heavy Cream – Heavy cream is a popular choice for those on the keto diet because it’s high in fat and low in carbs. It’s also rich and creamy, making it an excellent addition to coffee.
2. MCT Oil – MCT oil is a type of oil that’s derived from coconut oil. It’s a popular choice for those on the keto diet because it’s quickly converted into ketones by the liver, providing a quick source of energy. It has virtually no taste, so it won’t overpower the flavor of your coffee.
3. Coconut Milk – Coconut milk is another good option for those on the keto diet. It’s high in fat and low in carbs, making it a great addition to coffee. It also has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with coffee.
4. Nutpods – Nutpods are a dairy-free creamer option made from almonds and coconuts. They come in a variety of flavors and are low in carbs, making them an excellent choice for those on the keto diet.
5. Califia Farms Creamers – Califia Farms makes a variety of plant-based creamers that are all keto-friendly. They have options made with almond milk or oat milk, as well as a line of almond milk and coconut cream “Better Half” creamers. They also offer mushroom oatmilk creamer, which adds extra health benefits found in mushroom coffee.
When choosing a keto-friendly coffee creamer, be sure to check the nutrition label for the amount of carbs per serving. Stick to options that have less than 3 grams of net carbs per serving to ensure you stay within your daily carb limit. And remember, while these options may be lower in carbs than traditional creamers, they still contain calories, so be mindful of how much you’re adding to your coffee.
