Which Store-Bought Pumpkin Spice Creamer is Best? Plus a Healthier Homemade Alternative!
Alright, alright - it’s no secret that I start my hunt for pumpkin spice creamers in August. I have no shame in my pumpkin game ☕️🎃😂
Anyway, a few people over on Instagram requested that I do a comparison and when The Hustle Sanely Squad asks, I do my best to oblige…especially if pumpkin is involved.
So I give you: The Store-Bought Pumpkin Spice Creamer Showdown!
Now, I’ve only been able to find 3 different options where I live (I mean it is only September 5 and technically still summer, but ya know) so I’m going to tell you the nutrition facts for each one, a little taste test and description, where I bought them, and my overall fave.
⋒ Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamer
Nutrition facts:
Serving Size: 1 TBSP
Calories: 15
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbs: 3g
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Taste test + Notes:
I’m starting with the BEST! This is my tried and true pumpkin spice creamer! It’s my favorite because it’s creamy, sweet but not TOO sweet, and it has actual pumpkin puree in it - which means that it tastes like ACTUAL pumpkin and not a cup of chemicals, ya know? I love that when you pour it in your cup, you can actually see the spices - it’s not just white. Plus the ingredients list is fairly short which I appreciate. For some reason, I have trouble finding this one in stores, so if you see it, grab it!
Bought At: Publix + Target
Place: 1/5 - this is my overall fave!
⋒ Silk Pumpkin Spice Almond Creamer
Nutrition facts:
Serving Size: 1 TBSP
Calories: 25
Total Fat: 1g
Total Carbs: 4g
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 0g
Taste test + Notes:
Silk has got it down when it comes to texture - this is also a really good creamy option! It’s slightly sweeter than the one above however it doesn’t taste quite as pumpkin-y in my opinion because of that. It doesn’t have actual pumpkin puree in it either. And for some reason, when I use this one, it does that weird thing where it kind of chunks up in your coffee - you know what I’m talking about with almond milk-based products? I think it happens because this one doesn’t have any coconut milk in it - I’ve found that ones that use a blend of almond and coconut don’t do that weird chunky thing. BUT despite these flaws, it’s still my second fave option because it does have a nice fall flavor and the texture is pretty perfect!
Bought At: Target + Publix
Place: 2/5
⋒ Califia Farms Pumpkin Spice Better Half
Nutrition facts:
Serving Size: 2 TBSP
Calories: 15
Total Fat: 1g
Total Carbs: 0g
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 0g
Taste test + Notes:
This is the first pumpkin spice creamer that I was able to find in stores this year! It’s not overly sweet so if you’re looking for a super sweet creamer this might not be a good fit for you. And I will say, compared to the 2 above, it’s a little bit thin, consistency-wise. One of my friends says that she feels like it “waters down” her coffee. The ingredients list doesn’t scare me away, which is a plus, and did you notice that the serving size of this one is double that of the others and it’s still less calories?
Bought At: Target
Place: 3/5
⋒ Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Nutrition facts:
Serving Size: 1 TBSP
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 1.5g
Total Carbs: 6g
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 0g
Taste test + Notes:
Okay so I gotta say - I had low expectations for this one because I’m not a fan of Starbucks’ PSL (don’t come for me). It tastes like sugary syrup to me and I just can’t deal. So I went into this one thinking it would be the same but I don’t think it is. It’s definitely sweeter than the Califia Farms one above. My favorite thing about this one is that it’s texture is perfectly creamy! The taste is in between International Delight (super chemically) and the Califia Farms (not chemically at all).
Bought At: Walgreens
Place: 4/5
⋒ International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice
Nutrition facts:
Serving Size: 1 TBSP
Calories: 35
Total Fat: 1.5g
Total Carbs: 5g
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 0g
Taste test + Notes:
You know that fake pumpkin taste? That’s what this one tastes like to me - like a chemical pumpkin. The texture of it is pretty thin and I like my creamers…well…creamy, lol. The ingredients list is pretty long and I can’t say half of them tbh which I typically try to steer clear of. Honestly, I’m not a fan.
Bought At: Walgreens
Place: 5/5
And because the ex-personal trainer in me can’t help but share a healthy homemade alternative, here is a recipe I’ve been using for the last few years that is tried and true!
I like this option because: 1. You know exactly what’s in it and 2. You can make it before the pumpkin creamers are put out in stores
What You Need:
1 can of pumpkin puree
3 cups of almond or coconut milk (coconut makes it creamier)
Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and all spice to taste (I like a lot of them all, lol)
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 TBSP maple syrup
Whisk
Pot
Glass jar
How to Make It:
1. Add the milk to a pot over medium heat. As the milk warms up, add the other ingredients and whisk together.
2. Continue whisking every few minutes for ~10 minutes. Don’t let the mixture boil!
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Pour into a glass jar. I usually use a mason jar.
From my experience, this creamer lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge.
I add a few tablespoons to my morning coffee and it’s DELISH!
Cheers to my fellow PSL-loving babes!