Coffee Mate vs. International Delight – What’s the difference?
When it comes to starting the day, many people turn to a delicious cup of coffee to boost their energy and satisfy their taste buds. A very popular way to whiten and sweeten your coffee is with a coffee creamer like International Delight or Coffee Mate.
These two creamers are pretty similar in that they are both lactose-free, come in many flavors, and can take your coffee from boring to fabulous with just a few splashes. But are there differences? How do you choose the one that’s right for you?
What’s the difference between Coffee Mate and International Delight?
The main difference between them is that International Delight uses palm oil instead of soybean oil like Coffee Mate. It also doesn’t come in a powdered form. International Delight sells iced coffee and single creamers, whereas Coffee Mate does not.
What is Coffee Mate?
Coffee Mate is what’s known as a coffee creamer, which means it acts like milk or cream in coffee, but with a few differences. It is made by Nestlé, although it was introduced by Carnation in 1961.
You can get Coffee Mate as a liquid, powder, or concentrated liquid, and they are all lactose-free, which makes them a great choice for people who are lactose intolerant but still want a delicious way to whiten their coffee.
What is Coffee Mate made from?
Since Coffee Mate is not technically a dairy product, yet it whitens in a similar way to cream or milk, you may be wondering what it’s made of. Most Coffee Mate products contain the following ingredients:
- Corn Syrup Solid/Sugar
- Vegetable oil (usually soybean)
- Sodium caseinate (a derivative of milk)
- Corn Maltodextrin
- Dipotassium Phosphate
- Flavors and Artificial Flavors
- Mono- and diglycerides
- DATE
- SALT
- Carrageenan (an emulsifier)
- Sodium Aluminosilicate
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame Potassium
The types of flavorings used in Coffee Mate creamer depend on the flavor you’ve purchased, but in general, each will contain these ingredients in some combination.
What flavors does Coffee Mate come in?
One of the great things about coffee creamers like Coffee Mate is how many flavors they come in. It’s a quick and easy way to create a fun and delicious twist on your regular morning cup of joe. Below, we’ll break down the different flavors of Coffee Mate based on whether they’re liquid or powder.
Liquid Coffee Mate Flavors:
- Coffee Mate Original Flavor
- Coffee Mate After Eight (mint-chocolate) flavor
- Coffee Mate Turtles flavor
- Coffee Mate Coffee Crisp flavor
- Coffee Mate Double Double flavor
- Coffee Mate French Vanilla flavor
- Coffee Mate Caramel Vanilla flavor
- Coffee Mate Caramel Macchiato flavor
- Coffee Mate Hazelnut flavor
- Coffee Mate Low Fat French Vanilla
- Coffee Mate Low Sugar French Vanilla
Powdered Coffee Mate Flavors:
- Coffee Mate Original Powder
- Coffee Mate Reduced Fat Original Powder
- Coffee Mate French Vanilla Powder
- Coffee Mate Hazelnut powder
What does Coffee Mate taste like?
When it comes to the taste of Coffee Mate, it really depends on which one you choose, as that is the taste that will shine through once it is added to your coffee. If you purchase the regular Coffee Mate, it will have a mild taste that is similar to milk or half and half.
In general, the liquid Coffee Mate will be easier to stir into your coffee than the powdered version, although both dissolve fairly easily in liquids. The liquid version may also taste a little smoother and creamier. Coffee Mate adds a smooth and creamy richness to your coffee without the lactose found in milk or cream.
What is International Delight?
Like Coffee Mate, International Delight is a lactose-free coffee creamer in liquid form. It is sold by Danone, a French company, but was created in the United States in 1987 by WhiteWave foods.
This creamer is quite similar to Coffee Mate, although there is one key difference in the ingredients. Instead of using soy oil, International Delight uses palm oil in their product. They also have salt on their ingredient list, which you won’t see in Coffee Mate.
Some people believe that these differences give International Delight a slightly more bitter and spicy taste than Coffee Mate. Coffee Mate is generally sweet, creamy, and delicious in taste due to the sugars, flavors, and sweeteners it contains.
What is International Delight made from?
Like Coffee Mate, International Delight isn’t technically a dairy product, but it works in a similar way to cream or milk. Many of the ingredients in the two products are similar, with one major difference: International Delight uses palm oil instead of soybean oil like Coffee Mate.
Other ingredients in International Delight include sugar, water, dipotassium phosphate, carrageenan, and artificial flavors. It also contains sodium caseinate, which is a milk derivative.
The bottom line
Both Coffee Mate and International Delight are popular coffee creamers that can enhance the taste of your morning cup of coffee. While they share similarities such as being lactose-free and offering a wide range of flavors, there are important differences to consider.
Coffee Mate uses soy oil, comes in liquid and powdered forms, and does not offer iced coffee or individual creamers. On the other hand, International Delight uses palm oil, comes in liquid form only, and offers iced coffees and single creamers.
The choice between Coffee Mate and International Delight ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may prefer the creamy and sweet taste of Coffee Mate, while others may enjoy the slightly bitter and spicy notes of International Delight.
Regardless of your choice, both coffee creamers can add a delightful touch to your morning routine and make your coffee experience more enjoyable.
(Note: The information provided in this article is based on the content available on foodsguy.com and may not reflect the full range of products or ingredients offered by Coffee Mate and International Delight. It is always advisable to check the official product labels and websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information).
FAQS
What is the main difference between Coffee Mate and International Delight?
The main difference is that International Delight uses palm oil instead of soybean oil like Coffee Mate. In addition, International Delight offers iced coffee and individual creamers, which Coffee Mate does not.
Are Coffee Mate and International Delight lactose-free?
Yes, both Coffee Mate and International Delight are lactose-free, making them suitable options for people with lactose intolerance.
Can I use Coffee Mate or International Delight as a milk or cream substitute?
Yes, both Coffee Mate and International Delight can be used as a coffee creamer, similar to milk or cream, adding a creamy and rich texture to your coffee.
What flavors are available for Coffee Mate and International Delight?
Coffee Mate offers a wide variety of flavors including Original, French Vanilla, Hazelnut and more. International Delight also offers a variety of flavors including Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Caramel Macchiato, and more.
Are there any taste differences between Coffee Mate and International Delight?
While taste preferences can vary, Coffee Mate is generally sweet and creamy, while some people find International Delight to be slightly more bitter and spicy due to the use of palm oil.
Are there any dairy ingredients in Coffee Mate and International Delight?
Neither Coffee Mate nor International Delight are technically dairy products. However, they may contain milk derivatives such as sodium caseinate.