Vegetable Oil in Coffee Creamer
Adding creamer to your morning cup of joe is an easy way to turn your black coffee into a creamy beverage. One of the main ingredients, however, may not be what you were expecting—vegetable oil.
Why Is There Vegetable Oil In Coffee Creamer?
Vegetable oil is a common additive in coffee creamers because of its emulsifying properties. Emulsifying is when two liquids are insoluble, such as oil and water, and they combine to make a permanent suspension. This is a key element in producing a smooth, creamy texture of the creamer.
In addition, vegetable oils are much cheaper to use than other emulsifying agents, allowing for extra savings in the production process. This in turn allows manufacturers to keep the costs more affordable for consumers.
Types of Vegetable Oil
There are a variety of vegetable oils used in coffee creamer, with coconut oil and palm oil often being the most common. Coconut oil is a great source of healthy saturated fats, while palm oil is slightly less healthy as it is high in saturated fats.
Both coconut and palm oil are derived from natural sources, so they can provide a lot of flavor to the creamer. In addition the oils both are usually non-hydrogenated, or free from trans fats, helping to make the creamer healthier.
Alternative Emulsifying Agents
While vegetable oils are the most common emulsifying agents, there are a number of other ingredients that can be used to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Mono and Diglycerides: Mono and diglycerides are emulsifying agents that are found naturally in foods such as breads and butter. They are often used in foods to create an appealing texture, and they are also used in coffee creamers.
- Starch Esters: Starch esters are plant derived chemicals that can help to bind together different ingredients, creating a smoother texture.
- Gum Acacia: Gum Acacia is a plant-based gum that is derived from the sap of Acacia Trees. Its viscous consistency makes it great for helping to thicken and emulsify products, such as coffee creamers.
- Cellulose Gel: Cellulose Gel is a plant derived material that is used as an emulsifying agent in many food products. It is derived from the cell walls of plants and is very effective in creating a creamy texture in coffee creamers.
Conclusion
Vegetable oil is used in coffee creamer for two major reasons- its emulsifying properties and its affordability. There are a number of alternatives to vegetable oil, including other emulsifying agents such as mono and diglycerides, gum acacia, starch esters, and cellulose gel. Deciding which emulsifier to use in your coffee creamer is ultimately up to you.
