Switching to Silk: A Review of the Soy Creamer

You are probably already well aware of the wide selection of soy milks on the market, and the benefits they offer. Soy milks are a nutritious alternative to their traditional animal based counterparts, and allow vegans, vegetarians, and the generally health conscious drink lovers to imbibe without the negative aspects associated with traditional milk. Plus, they just taste yummy.

And now, there is a healthy and delicious alternative to processed non-dairy creamers and Half and Half. Whitewave's Silk, makers of what I believe to be one of the finest and richest soy milks, offers a non-dairy, soy based creamer that is delightful. There are three flavors: Plain, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla. All are available in pint size, recyclable paper cartons, and the Plain is available in a larger, quart size.

I have tried all the flavors, and they are all quite good. The Hazelnut and French Vanilla varieties are similar to Coffee Mate brand creamers in concept, but they are nicely less sweet, not gelatinously thick, and have a much more natural taste. They still go a long way in flavoring and sweetening a cup of coffee, and no extra sugar is required. The Plain creamer does contain organic evaporated can juice for flavor, but is not intended to be sweet--it is only very slightly sweeter than whole dairy milk.

All three varieties of Silk Creamer are great added to coffee drinks of all kinds: brewed or pressed regular cup-coffee, lattes, mochas, espresso shots, and iced and frozen java drinks. The Plain type is also a great alternative to half and half and milk in teas, chai, and fruit smoothies. We have even added it to homemade Italian sodas, and it blended wonderfully. A little bit of Plain Silk Creamer along with several drops of vanilla extract can be added to a glass of Coca~Cola, to make the notorious and rare, trans-mundane diner treat "Hollywood Coke."

In addition for use in beverages, the flavored Silk Creamers can be used in place of Coffee Mate in any recipe calling for such, and the plain type can likewise be substituted for dairy milk or Half and Half in nearly any recipe that calls for whole milk or half and half. The easily navigable Silk website has an entire section devoted to its creamers, and offers nutritional information, and recipie ideas.

Silk Creamers are not only tasty, they are nutritious. According to their website "All Silk products are dairy free, lactose-free and casein-free. None of our ingredients come from animal products, by-products or derivatives." This is good news for those with dairy allergies or are lactose intolerant, and vegans and vegetarians. It is also good for those concerned with fat intake-the creamer contains only 1 gram of fat per tablespoon. Regular Half and Half contains 3 grams. There is also no saturated or trans fat, no refined white sugar, no artifical coloring, flavorings, or preservatives.

What does it taste like? It's not exactly like Half and Half. It does have a similar richness, but not a strong dairy flavor. It's more subtle. Like soy milks, Silk Creamer should be enjoyed on its own terms, and for its own virtues. Those requiring an exact duplicate of Half and Half or dairy cream may be disappointed, much in the same way that those looking to carob for an exact duplicate of chocolate are.

Silk Creamer is usually found in the Natural Foods department of your grocer store, in the refrigerated section. It must be stored and kept refrigerated, just like its dairy counterpart. It also has a similar expiration and freshness timeframe: 7-10 days after it has been opened. If your store doesn't carry the creamer, but you see the Silk brand soymilk, they may be able to order it and stock it upon request. The price tag? Certainly not outrageous--I have found it to be on par cost-wise with the organic brands and locally produced Half and Half--about 1.29 for the pint size, and 2.50 for the quart size.

Drink Deeply!