Non-dairy creamers now top sugar as the biggest calorie source in American coffee
A study of 30,000 U.S. adults shows that while coffee consumption stayed steady, calories from coffee rose, driven mainly by increased use of non-dairy creamers.
Analysis of dietary surveys covering 30,000 American adults revealed that coffee drinking habits have not changed markedly over the past 15 years, with most adults consuming three cups daily. However, the caloric content of those drinks increased from 43 to 60 kilocalories per day. The researchers traced this shift to a surge in non-dairy additions, whose daily intake rose from 3.65 to 10.5 grams.
By 2018, non-dairy creamer supplied an estimated 18.5 calories per day, overtaking sugar (16 calories) and dairy milk (11 calories). Lead author Yongyi Pan noted that the popularity of plant-based creamers, despite being on the market since the 1950s, may explain the added saturated fat and calories. Nutritionist Rashmi Gajree warned that liquid calories are not satiating and can prompt extra snacking. The study suggests that the health impact of coffee now depends heavily on what consumers add to it.
Why it matters
Understanding the rise of calorie-dense coffee additives helps consumers manage hidden energy intake and related health risks.
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