Date-Based Coffee Creamer Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings:

• 2 pitted Medjool dates
• 2 cups milk (of your choosing)
• 1/2 teaspoon extract (of your choosing)

Directions

Step 1: In a high-powered blender, combine dates, 1 cup of milk, and your chosen extract. Blend for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is very smooth.

Step 2: Add the remaining 1 cup of milk to the blender and blend again until fully combined.

Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a canning jar or an airtight .

Step 4: Chill the mixture, covered, for up to 1 week. Be sure to shake well before using.

Variations

• Soy milk + Peppermint extract
• Almond milk + Caramel extract
• Coconut milk + Cinnamon extract

What the Dietitian Says

Current dietary guidelines recommend consuming less than 12 teaspoons of added sugars per day for adults. The American Heart Association sets the daily limit at 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men. On average, a cup of coffee has about 1 teaspoons of added sugar. Many specialty coffee drinks exceed the entire daily allowance in just one 16-ounce cup.

Dates provide natural sweetness without added sugars. The sugar found in dates is naturally occurring and not added sugar. Additionally, they contribute heart-healthy potassium.

- Caitlyn Diimig, RD

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	22
Total Fat	1g (1%)
Saturated Fat	0g (2%)
Cholesterol	2mg (1%)
Sodium	14mg (1%)
Total Carbohydrate	3g (1%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1%)
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	1g (2%)
Vitamin C	0mg (0%)
Calcium	38mg (3%)
Iron	0mg (0%)
Potassium	59mg (1%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Date-Based Coffee Creamer

Date-based coffee creamer is a modern twist on traditional sweeteners that traces its roots to the ancient cultivation of dates in North Africa and the Middle East. Medjool dates, often called the "king of dates," were originally grown in Morocco and quickly became a staple for adding natural sweetness to beverages and desserts. While sugar has historically dominated Western coffee culture, dates have provided a nutrient-rich alternative, offering natural sugars, potassium, and fiber. The use of dates in coffee creamer represents a fusion of traditional fruit-based sweetening with contemporary plant-based dietary trends.

Regional Variations and Preferences

The popularity of date-based coffee creamer varies widely by region. In North America and Europe, it is often marketed as a healthier alternative to commercial creamers, especially in vegan and dairy-free communities. In the Middle East, where dates are abundant, it is common to blend dates with milk or nuts for a naturally sweet, creamy drink. Regional preferences also influence flavor additions: North American variations may include vanilla, caramel, or peppermint extracts, while Middle Eastern versions might incorporate cardamom or rose water for a more traditional taste.

How It Differs From Similar Creamers

Unlike typical coffee creamers, which often rely on refined sugar, artificial flavorings, or dairy, date-based creamers provide sweetness from the fruit itself. The natural sugars in dates produce a caramel-like flavor without the need for added sugar, making it a heart-healthy choice. Compared to other plant-based creamers like almond, soy, or oat milk alone, this creamer is thicker and richer, thanks to the natural texture of blended Medjool dates, creating a smooth and slightly sticky consistency that enhances the coffee experience.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Date-based coffee creamer is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Specialty coffee shops increasingly offer it as a dairy-free, naturally sweet alternative for lattes and cappuccinos. At home, it is a simple addition to morning coffee or tea, blending seamlessly with both hot and iced drinks. Its subtle sweetness also makes it suitable for adding to smoothies, oatmeal, or even baked goods for a natural flavor boost.

Interesting Facts About Date-Based Creamers

• Medjool dates contain high levels of potassium, which helps support heart health and regulate blood pressure.
• This creamer allows coffee lovers to reduce or eliminate refined sugar, often cutting daily added sugar intake by up to 50%.
• Blending dates with plant-based milk produces a creamy texture similar to traditional creamers but with fewer calories and no cholesterol.
• Date-based creamers can be customized with various extracts, from classic vanilla to seasonal spices, offering endless flavor possibilities.
• The natural caramel notes of dates pair exceptionally well with espresso, enhancing both sweetness and depth without overpowering the coffee.

By combining ancient ingredients with modern convenience, date-based coffee creamer offers a unique, nutritious, and flavorful way to enjoy coffee while honoring both tradition and innovation.

FAQ about Date-Based Coffee Creamer Recipe