Food Facts Friday: Coffee Creamers

Posted December 11, 2020 in Diet Management, Tips, Tags: almond milk, coffee, creamer, milk, soy milk by Sarah Alsing, MS, RD, CSR.

Cup of coffee with cream and individual creamers in background

Is there anything better than a nice cup of coffee in the morning to start your day? There are so many ways to flavor your wake-up cup of coffee. If you are following a kidney diet, you may be wondering if you can keep drinking coffee. Yes, you can still drink it, but be aware of what you add to it and how much you drink. Not all coffee creamers are equal.

An 8-ounce cup of black coffee contains 116 mg potassium.¹ This is considered low in potassium, but if you drink several cups of coffee a day it can add up.

Coffee Creamers

Creamers vary in nutrients and additives they contain, so it is important to look at the Nutrition Facts label and Ingredients list. Below is an example. Coffee creamers can add phosphorus and potassium.

The Nutrition Facts label does not always show how much phosphorus or potassium is in a creamer, but the Ingredients list will display potassium and phosphorus additives. It is recommended that people trying to limit phosphorus limit their intake of foods and beverages containing phosphorus additives.² 90% or more of the phosphorus from phosphorus additives is absorbed during digestion. Foods and beverages that contain naturally occurring phosphorus have an absorption rate of 40 to 60%.

The first table below shows some common coffee creamers that do contain phosphorus and potassium additives, while the second table shows some that do not.

Examples of Coffee Creamers with Potassium/Phosphorus Additives
Name	Additives
Coffee Mate®, liquid (all flavors)	Dipotassium phosphate
Coffee Mate®, powder	Dipotassium phosphate
International Delight® creamer (all flavors, sugar-free, fat-free)	Dipotassium phosphate
Starbucks® Non-dairy Caramel Flavored Creamer	Made with almond milk; contains Potassium citrate
Starbucks® Non-dairy Hazelnut Flavored Creamer	Made with almond milk; contains Potassium citrate
Silk® Almondmilk Creamer, Vanilla	Potassium citrate
Silk® Dairy-free Soy Creamer	Dipotassium phosphate

Examples of Coffee Creamers without Potassium/Phosphorus Additives
Name	Ingredients
Coffee Mate natural bliss® vanilla creamer	nonfat milk, heavy cream, cane sugar, natural flavor
Coffee Mate natural bliss® Vanilla Almond Milk creamer	almond milk, coconut cream, cane sugar, natural vanilla
Coffee Mate natural bliss® Original Cashew Milk	cashew milk (water, cashews), cane sugar, coconut oil, lemon juice from concentrate, baking soda, pea protein, natural flavor, almonds, gellan gum, guar gum
Coffee Mate natural bliss® Sweet Crème Coconut Milk	almond milk (water, almonds), cane sugar, coconut oil, pea protein, baking soda, natural flavor, sea salt, gellan gum, guar gum
Starbucks® Pumpkin Spice Flavored Creamer	nonfat milk, sugar, heavy cream, buttermilk, vegetable oil (high oleic soybean oil), natural flavor, gellan gum
Starbucks® Cinnamon Dolce Flavored Creamer	nonfat milk, sugar, heavy cream, buttermilk, vegetable oil (high oleic soybean oil), natural flavor, gellan gum
Silk® Dairy Free Half & Half Alternative	coconut milk (filtered water, coconut cream), oatmilk (filtered water, whole oat flour), organic coconut oil, faba bean protein, baking soda, natural flavor, gellan gum

Choosing a creamer that does not contain potassium or phosphorus additives can help reduce your daily potassium and phosphorus intake. If you do like the creamers that contain these additives, try to limit the amount used. One powdered creamer packet, or suggested liquid single serving is not high in potassium or phosphorus, but adding multiple servings in a cup of coffee can add up.

When possible, choose the additive-free creamer. For example, if you love pumpkin spice flavoring in your homemade coffee, choose the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Creamer over the Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice Creamer.

Types of Milk

If you like lattes or use milk instead of creamer, the type of milk you choose can add to the potassium and phosphorus in coffee. Dairy milk contains the greatest amount of potassium and phosphorus. Low-phosphorus milk alternatives include rice, soy, coconut and almond milk. Potassium content varies. It is important to read the labels as some products may contain additives. Milk alternatives labeled as “enriched” usually contain phosphorus additives and should be avoided.

Milk and Alternatives
Name	Phosphorus (mg/cup)	Potassium (mg/cup)	Additives
Dairy milk	240	350	–
Silk® Almondmilk, unsweetened	24	170	–
Silk® soymilk	220	380	tricalcium phosphate
Silk® Organic soymilk	80	350	–
Rice Dream® Rice milk Original Classic	50	34	–
Rice Dream® Rice milk Original Enriched	150	N/A	tricalcium phosphate

*Ingredients including additives in products can be subject to change. Always check the Nutrition Facts label for a complete and current list of ingredients.

Summary

You can still enjoy your coffee while following a kidney diet. Read the ingredients list to identify creamers that do not contain phosphorus and potassium additives. Use 1/2 cup or less of dairy milk or try a milk alternative, including almond, soy and rice milk that are not enriched.

References:

Coffee and Kidney Disease: Is it Safe? Jessianna Saville. National Kidney Foundation. Accessed September 4, 2020. https://www.kidney.org/newsletter/coffee-and-kidney-disease.
Organic Phosphorus Versus Inorganic Phosphorus: Empowering Adult Kidney Patients With Nutrition Education. Michelle Bump. Journal of Renal Nutrition. Vol 26, No 5 (September), 2016: ppe31-e33. https://www.jrnjournal.org/article/S1051 -2276(16)30044-9/pdf.
Coffee Mate Creamer. https://www.coffeemate.com/products/liquid/original/.
International Delight Creamer. https://www.internationaldelight.com/products/coffee-creamers/flavor-faves/french-vanilla/.
Starbucks at Home. https://athome.starbucks.com/product/salted-caramel-mocha-flavored-creamer/.
Silk. https://silk.com/plant-based-products/almondmilk/unsweet-almondmilk/. https://silk.com/plant-based-products/soymilk/organic-unsweet-soymilk. https://silk.com/plant-based-products/soymilk/original-soymilk/.
Rice Dream. http://www.dreamplantbased.com/product/rice-dream-classic-original-organic-rice-drink/. http://www.dreamplantbased.com/product/rice-dream-enriched-original-organic-rice-drink/.

Additional Kidney Diet Resources

Visit DaVita.com and explore these diet and nutrition resources:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Sarah Alsing, MS, RD, CSR

Sarah has been a dietitian since 2016 working in acute care, including transplant, and currently works in dialysis with in-center and peritoneal dialysis patients. She loves staying up-to-date on the latest nutrition research and discussing it with her patients. Sarah also has a passion for fitness and cooking healthy meals, as well as baking sweet treats for family and friends.

Comments

December 11, 2020 at 10:30 am

A. Juanita Schiele

Thank you.
I had 2 CKD since 2009. I have now barely gone to
stage 3.
I cannot find my book a Davila Dietician gave.
I have not been able to get in touch with
anyone to get a book.
I am 78. I want to hit this head on.
It is not easy to get plan meals on my I phone.

Reply
- December 16, 2020 at 8:55 am
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  I am unsure about the book you are referring to. Was it from a Kidney Smart class?
  
  Reply
  - January 4, 2021 at 3:46 pm
    
    A. Juanita Schiele
    
    It may have been . A Dietitian came to
    my former Nephrologist office
    and met with me. Gave me a book.
    
    Reply
    - January 4, 2021 at 4:01 pm
      
      Sara Colman, RD, CDE
      
      I suggest you inquire with the Kidney Smart program as they have online classes and other resources that may be helpful.
      Kidney Smart Program information
      
      Reply
      - July 10, 2024 at 7:54 am
        
        Patricia a Sawyer
        
        People need to know that it is phosphate additive that are bad not phosphorus which are.nwcessary in limited amounts. Avoid anything listed with phosphate listed in the chemical ingredients not the nutritional ingredients. Most all processed food has some king of phosphate e chemical.
      - July 26, 2024 at 11:56 am
        
        Jackie Termont, RD
        
        Thank you for wanting to clarify. Yes there is a difference between naturally occurring phosphorus and phosphorus additives. Foods that naturally have phosphorus like beans, meat, dairy, whole grains and legumes–our body may only absorb 40-60% of the phosphorus. However, additives are not attached to any other compound in the food so they are absorbed 100%. Looking for “phos” in the ingredient list is the best way to look for phosphorus additives in foods and try to avoid them.
December 18, 2020 at 6:55 am

Aloisio C Correia

Hi, I am just impressed how the food makers still selling ‘junk’ to human beings. It should be prohibited by FDA any food product that has no 100% natural ingredients. No wonder we have seen so many people with cancer, depression, bones issues, teeth issues, obesity, etc. America has to change they way we eat. The whole world takes us as the model, the guide, for their nutrition. When I see the product above having as ingredients: ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, BETA CAROTENE FOR COLOR, PHOSPHATE, MONO-AND DIGYCERIDES, I get very disappointed and ashamed that our country is an example for the rest of the world of good NUTRITION. As a nutritionist you an all nutritionists should prescribe to your patients only 100% healthy ingredients in all food products that human beings put in their mouth. They are more expensive because there are the ‘cheap’ and banc one in the market but if the bad ones would not be allowed to be in the market, the healthy ones would sell more and thus they could afford to low their prices. Please, change that, for the sake of yourself, your KIDS, and all! Pass this comment to the whole world! Thank you!

Reply
- December 30, 2023 at 2:02 pm
  
  Melinda
  
  Totally agree! Thank you.
  
  Reply
  - June 7, 2024 at 5:05 pm
    
    Faye
    
    Most can not afford 100% natural. Europe has way better nutrition standards. We haven’t been an example nutritionally to the rest of the world since the 1970s.
    
    Reply
December 18, 2020 at 6:56 am

Christa D’Auria

I really don’t like any coffee as they taste terribly bitter as I have my different palate in nature. Only I prefer herbal teas, fresh filtered water, soy milk and almond milk. Remainder that I have lactose intolerance on my strong paternal side of my D’Auria family tree on my strong Italian ancestry in my long lineage.

Reply
December 18, 2020 at 8:25 am

Judith A Harland

I have Stage 3 kidney disease and I just found your website-it has been a big help in choosing foods .

Reply
December 18, 2020 at 10:14 am

Diane Foster

Trying to watch phosphorus has been a real challenge. Most labels do not include it. If I go to the product’s website they typically show a picture of the label on the product which is not required to list it. You didn’t include Silk Cashew Milk on you list. Do you have that info? Thank you.

Reply
- January 4, 2021 at 3:22 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  Unfortunately I do not have a phosphorus value for cashew milk. My guess is it would be similar to almond milk. Most of the phosphorus in nut milks is retained in the meal and is not extracted in the milk.
  
  Reply
December 18, 2020 at 11:24 am

Joan Barkdull

I go to a specialist 1-9. Can you give me some breakfast meals to fix?

Reply
- January 4, 2021 at 3:12 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  Yes–go to DaVita.com to download a copy of the Today’s Kidney Diet Best Breakfast Recipes cookbook. There are over 30 cookbooks available to help provide recipes designed for the kidney diet.
  
  Reply
December 18, 2020 at 12:37 pm

John B Thompson

Just read info on coffee creamers. I use half&half. I have stage 3 CKD. Should I switch to an alternative creamer? Thanks.

Reply
- January 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  No Half & half is an acceptable creamer and has fewer additives.
  
  Reply
  - January 15, 2021 at 4:06 pm
    
    Cheryl Parham
    
    So so glad to know I can have half and half creamer for coffee.
    I am not a big coffee drinker but when I do drink my half cup of coffee a day I sure do need a bit of creamer with it! Whew….. thanks for info!
    
    Reply
January 12, 2021 at 4:14 pm

Linbe

This is all so very ,very confusing. I have stage 4kd&everytime I think I’m drinking&eating the better choices,then I find out they are not. Why can you have half&half in your coffee,but you need to eliminate dairy products?

Reply
- January 18, 2021 at 1:59 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  Most kidney patients can include a small serving of dairy products in their daily diet. This is equal to 1/2 cup milk or 1 ounce of cheese. The amount of half & half you add to a cup of coffee is usually a lot less than 1/2 cup. For many foods it is not all or nothing. Ask your dietitian to work with you on including the foods you really want, providing guidance on how much and how often.
  
  Reply
January 15, 2021 at 4:09 pm

Cheryl Parham

I just found out I have Stage 3 kidney disease.
Not a happy camper. I have had SO many kidney stones in my short life span…. I am 70.
Could those stones and lithotripsy and laser removal of stones have damaged my kidneys in vet the years?

Reply
- January 18, 2021 at 1:56 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  Yes, kidney stones can cause damage to the kidneys and are considered to be a risk for kidney disease. The best thinng now is to learn about all you can do to preserve your kidney function through diet, blood pressure and sugar control and medications if prescribed by your doctor. Follow guidelines for fluid intake as well.
  
  Reply
January 29, 2021 at 4:42 pm

Charmaine Beutel

I have just been told my kidneys are at 28 percent so need help, any information about them would be great,
Have never smoked or drank liquor ever
but it runs in my dad,s side of family. I am 74

Reply
- February 24, 2021 at 1:55 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  You are on the right track! Visit the DaVita.com website for educational articles, recipes, dining out guides, cookbooks, videos and more to help you learn about and manage kidney disease.
  
  Reply
- May 17, 2024 at 6:26 am
  
  Vickie Crowe
  
  Similar age, not a user of alcohol quit smoking over 50 years ago, no drugs but prescribed medicine..which I thinkay have contributed to CKD more than my diet
  
  Reply
March 22, 2021 at 2:31 pm

Paula

I recently found out I have CKD stage 3 a. I was surprised as I have at stage 2 for the past 3 years or so. I was drinking cappuccino, English toffee flavor every morning with caramel macchiato creamer. I was never told to watch my potassium or phosphorous, even at stage 2; only my sodium. With that said, I have tried switching to coffee but I am having a terrible time adjusting to the taste. Would 1 cup every morning with 1 serving of the mentioned creamer be bad to continue? Or, any suggestions on flavoring my coffee so that it’s tolerable. I have tried the lightest roast available which is mild, several different creamers that didn’t show phosphorous on the label, etc. I am frustrated and I know it shouldn’t be a big deal, but right now it is.

Reply
- March 30, 2021 at 3:58 pm
  
  Sara Colman, RD, CDE
  
  One cup of coffee with one portion of your favorite creamer is not going to give you too much phosphorus or potassium. Try to avoid over-doing it with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th cup! You can also try the flavored syrups and a tablespoon or cream or half & half. Some are even better than the flavored nondairy creamers.
  
  Reply
September 7, 2021 at 5:33 am

Bea Krinke

Thank you for this useful post! I found it while looking for information about why dipotassium phosphate might have been been added to my half and half. It tasted a bit tart but didn’t curdle when added to coffee. The date was well within the freshness timeframe. I won’t be buying that brand again!

Reply
November 12, 2021 at 12:58 pm

Sandra

I’m Stage 3b, and have been for the last 8 yes.
My doctors have not recommended any diet or any foods too avoid, although I’ve asked repeatedly. My kidney doctor is the director of our county Davita clinic. The suggested creamers above are for the most part full of sugar. I gave up sugar years ago and rarely have it. I drink one or two cups of coffee a day, loaded with plain powdered coffeemate. That’s all I like in my coffee. I know it has dipotassium phosphate. My potassium and phosphate levels have always been normal. My creatinine 1.40. I very rarely eat fast food and processed food. Is this creamer going to damage my kidneys more? My kidney doctor is the only one in over 200 miles. The last time I asked him about diet, he said to keep doing what I’m doing. He’s never questioned my diet and has no idea what I eat. Since I found out I had the disease I started researching and when I found out how serious it is, I started watching everything I eat, which is almost nothing now. I’ve lost 30 pounds, because I’m afraid to eat. My GP is even less interested and has never given me any advice. I get the feeling they think since I was 66 when I was diagnosed, they have decided I’m too old to deal with! I’ve always been extremely healthy. They think this was caused by taking too much Aleve in response to a back injury I got in my 60s. My husband will donate a kidney, but that has never been brought up. Both doctors spend no more than 15 minutes with me.

Reply
- November 17, 2021 at 9:05 am
  
  Sara Colman, RDN, CDCES
  
  Most nondairy creamers contain corn syrup or other sweeteners. For example, Coffeemate powder has corn syrup as the first ingredient. One teaspoon has only 1 gram of carbs but if you use a lot, it can add up. If your lab results show a normal phosphorus there is no need to change the powdered creamer you are using, especially since you are careful to limit fast food and processed foods which are the major sources of phosphate additives. I am concerned about your 30 pound weight loss. If you are being too strict with your diet unnecessarily, you can become malnourished. Losing weigh unintentionally is not good. Ask your doctors for a referral to a dietitian who can assess your nutritional status and help create a meal plan that is adequate in nutrients and calories to prevent weight loss.
  
  Reply
January 22, 2023 at 7:41 am

Phyllis Pippin

I have been diagnosed with stage 3 a. I’ve started drinking lots more water and eating my fruit and veggies. I love my coffee but can’t quite go the dairy free creamer. Can I add Stevia to kick it up a notch!?

Reply
- January 26, 2023 at 2:29 pm
  
  Jackie Termont, RD
  
  Thank you for your question. Yes stevia good choice for a sweetener.
  
  Reply
  - May 16, 2023 at 8:49 am
    
    Phyllis Pippin
    
    Skim milk, corn syrup, titanium dioxide, mono and diglycerides, carrageenan, vitamin a palmitate. Main ingredient in my Kroger half and half.fat free
    
    Reply
February 28, 2023 at 6:04 am

Sheila Reilly

I’m newly diagnosed with 3a cold. The last week was a nightmare. Like others, I was having trouble figuring out what was legal. Yesterday I downloaded a couple of Davita cookbooks…very helpful. I just found your blog and have now found that people have the same concerns I do. Interestingly, my new family physician diagnosed me, even though my eGFR was dropping over the last year. I have been referred to a nephrologist. Diets can be a bear. Oh, why are chicken tenders not allowed? I baked some with just a little garlic powder and pepper (no breading).

Reply
- March 1, 2023 at 7:31 pm
  
  Jackie Termont, RD
  
  If you are in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) they sometimes recommend decreasing the amount of animal protein (chicken) you have. This helps preserve kidney function. In other words trying to to work the kidneys too hard. The diet, however, is very individualized so seeing a nephrologist to really see what your blood results say will be helpful.
  
  Reply

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