Don't care for the straight stuff?

Try a little coffee creamer

The great thing about coffee these days is the amazing selection. Have you ever seen so many coffee concoctions? What is your favorite cup of coffee? I have to say that I prefer a flavored latte when I’m out and about. Something sweet and creamy, but that still allows plenty of room for that fresh ground coffee taste. What do you prefer in gourmet flavored coffees?

Many of us do not have the option of going out for a fancy coffee or making a latte at work. A great alternative is to liven up that office style black coffee with a flavored coffee creamer. While we may not have espresso machines at work, most of us have access to a refrigerator in which we can store some hazelnut coffee creamer, for instance.

Initially coffee creamer, in powder and liquid forms, was used to lighten up the boldness of black coffee, making it smoother to drink than the addition of milk could.  At first, just plain creamer was available. As the coffee, and our taste, has evolved the coffee creamers have too. Now there are many different flavors that make coffee more interesting to drink. Those who have come to prefer their coffee with a flavored coffee creamer often find it difficult to go back to using the plain stuff.

One of the first flavored coffee creamers on the market was a hazelnut flavor. Hazelnut adds a nutty warm texture to coffee. Another early flavor was Vanilla, offering a creamy texture with a kick of sweetness. These two first flavors were later combined into another favorite flavor, French Vanilla. French Vanilla and flavors like Butter Pecan tend to make coffee drinks very sweet while maintaining the nutty flavored balance, like a good dessert. Irish Crème is another popular flavor that adds the taste of liqueur without the actual liqueur.

Liquid coffee creamers are sold in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. Like milk it has an expiration date that identifies a more limited time frame for use than powdered coffee creamer. The benefit of using the liquid varieties is a smoother blend with the coffee and a smoother texture for your beverage. For those who are more conscious about what they eat or drink, liquid coffee creamers offer a more natural choice than the powdered versions.  They can be found in fat free varieties, as well.

The powdered version of the creamer has more unnatural ingredients, but lasts longer (forever) and is more affordable. It is made in larger sizes and can be purchased in bulk. This type of coffee creamer is easy to store and use. Another benefit is that you can use some of these varieties even if you're allergic to dairy products. (Check the label to be sure!) This is ideal for the many people who cannot handle milk products on a regular basis.

Available in a multitude of flavors and textures, coffee creamers have become a staple for the java drinking set. Flavored creamer offers numerous easy and tasty ways for you to wake up your morning coffee or enjoy a dessert coffee in the evening after dinner.