Can You Drink Coffee Mate on Keto?
Coffee mate is a powdered, non-dairy creamer that is often added to hot drinks to create a creamy, flavored drink. It consists of sugar, vegetable oils, and powdered whey. Coffee mate is popular, but is it allowed on a keto diet?
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that aims to put the body into a metabolic state known as ketosis. In this state, the body breaks down stored fat to use as energy instead of carbohydrates. This makes it important to be careful about what it consumed so that carbohydrate levels remain low. So, can Coffee mate be part of a keto diet?
Nutritional Guidelines to Follow
The answer to the question of whether you can drink Coffee mate on a keto diet largely depends on which kind you are drinking. It is recommended that you check the product labels for nutritional information before you buy it, as some brands have more sugar and carbs than others. If a product contains more than two to five grams of carbs per serving, then that product should be avoided.
The most important nutritional guideline to follow when trying to figure out whether a product can be included in a keto diet is to look at the ingredients list. If the ingredients list contains any kind of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other carbohydrate-containing ingredients then it is likely that the product is not suitable for a keto diet.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are looking for a high-fat alternative to Coffee mate, then you might consider using heavy cream or coconut cream instead. Heavy cream is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, while coconut cream is also low in carbohydrates and offers an additional boost of healthy fats.
If you are looking for a sugar-free alternative, then you might consider using coconut oil or butter. Coconut oil contains healthy fats while butter is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Both can be used to make a creamy and flavorful drink without the added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Tips for a Keto-Friendly Coffee Mate
If you want to include Coffee mate in your keto diet, then there are a few things you can do to make sure it is as keto-friendly as possible. First, look for brands that are sugar-free and made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil and butter. Second, opt for a coffee mate that has a low carbohydrate content, preferably one that contains no more than two to five grams of carbs per serving.
Third, make sure to check the nutritional information for any added ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, which can add carbs and can potentially kick you out of ketosis. Finally, use only a small amount of coffee mate in your drink as even the low-carbohydrate versions contain some carbohydrates.
Additives to Avoid
When choosing a coffee mate, it is important to avoid those that contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin can not only kick you out of ketosis but have also been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health issues.
It is also important to avoid brands that contain hydrogenated oils, which are typically found in low-fat creamers. These oils are linked to an increased risk of heart disease and obesity, and should be avoided when possible.
Keto-Friendly Coffee Drinks
Keto-friendly coffee drinks can easily be made by adding fat-rich toppings such as heavy cream, coconut cream, butter, and coconut oil to your coffee. Additionally, you can make a sugar-free latte or cappuccino by combining espresso, heavy cream, and sugar-free syrups. You can also top your coffee with unsweetened cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which offer flavor and added health benefits while not adding any carbohydrates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coffee mate can be a part of a keto-friendly diet, provided that you look for brands with low carbohydrate levels and no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Additionally, keto-friendly coffee drinks can easily be made by adding fat-rich toppings such as heavy cream, coconut cream, butter, and coconut oil to your coffee. Finally, avoid brands that contain hydrogenated oils.
