Powder creamer has now become one of the most essential ingredients in the modern food and beverage industry. From coffee shops, hotels, food factories, bakeries, to trending beverage brands, everyone relies on powder creamer to achieve a creamy, stable, cost-efficient, and consistent result. This trend is not only happening in Indonesia, but also growing globally.

According to a 1997 study by the National Coffee Association, 49% of Americans start their day with coffee, and 63% of them add sweeteners or creamer. This habit created a strong demand for more diverse creamers: creamy, practical, low-calorie, non-dairy, and specialty-flavored options.

This article discusses the origins of creamer, the technology behind its production, the role of powder creamer, its benefits for F&B businesses, and tips on choosing the best creamer. The goal: to help you understand why powder creamer has become the industry standard and how businesses can maximize its use.

From Practical Needs to a Modern Industrial Product

Creamer was originally developed as an alternative to dairy products like fresh milk, which spoil easily, require cold-chain storage, and cost more in mass distribution. Over time, two main forms were introduced:

a. Powder Creamer

Produced from an oil-in-water emulsion that is dried using spray-drying technology. This process gives creamer a long shelf life, no need for refrigeration, and excellent stability.

b. Liquid Creamer

Became longer-lasting thanks to UHT (Ultra High Temperature) technology and aseptic packaging.

Although both offer creaminess, each has different characteristics and applications. However, for commercial use, powder creamer is the top choice thanks to its efficiency and cost savings.

The Role of Caseinate in Non-Dairy Creamer

One of the most important ingredients in creamer is caseinate, a derivative of milk protein, but it is lactose-free, so it can be categorized as non-dairy. However, individuals with lactose intolerance are advised to monitor their consumption due to the risk of residual lactose.

Functions:

• Highly effective emulsifier 
• Gives a solid white color 
• Stable under heat and acidic conditions 
• Provides creamy mouthfeel 
• Adds mild dairy notes
  

The most effective variant is sodium caseinate.

Labeling Notes

• Still allowed to be labeled “non-dairy” 
• Must include “(a milk derivative)” 
• Safe for lactose-intolerant individuals 
• Not safe for those with milk-protein allergies 
• Not suitable for kosher pareve needs (soy protein is used instead) 

Soy Protein for the Vegan & Allergen-Free Market

For vegan or milk-allergy consumers, manufacturers use soy protein isolate.

Advantages:

• Can stabilize emulsions 
• Tolerates manufacturing processes 

Challenges:

• Prone to feathering (curdling in coffee) 
• Sensitive to heat and pH 
• Has a distinct soy aftertaste 
• Requires flavor masking for a pleasant final flavor 

Supporting Ingredients in Powder Creamer

Beyond protein and emulsifiers, creamers also use supporting ingredients such as:

• Mono- & diglycerides, main emulsifiers in powder creamer 
• Polysorbate 60 & SSL, freeze/thaw stability for liquid creamer 
• Carrageenan & corn syrup solids, viscosity and stability enhancers 

Modern Creamer Technology

Modern creamer is far more stable, creamy, and safe than earlier formulations. A combination of:

• Spray-drying technology 
• Advanced emulsifiers 
• Caseinate or soy protein 
• Specialized sweeteners 
• UHT technology for liquid versions 

…makes creamer:

• Long-lasting 
• Stable in multiple storage conditions 
• Consistent in taste 
• Microbiologically safe 
• Aligned with modern dietary needs (low-calorie, vegan, non-dairy) 

Why the F&B Industry Is Switching to Powder Creamer

Powder creamer is not just about taste, businesses choose it for economic, efficiency, and consistency reasons.

A. Profit & Operational Efficiency

1. Lower Cost Per Serving

Powder creamer is significantly cheaper than liquid creamer or UHT milk. For large-scale businesses, this greatly reduces COGS.

2. Extremely Long Shelf Life

• Unopened: up to 2 years 
• After opening: still lasts months 

Liquid creamer, however, only lasts 1–2 weeks once opened, even refrigerated.

3. No Refrigeration Needed

Without cold chain storage, businesses save on:

• Electricity 
• Storage space 
• Logistics costs 

4. Versatile for Many Menu Types

Powder creamer can be used in:

• Coffee/tea 
• Trending iced beverages 
• Smoothies 
• Frappes 
• Pudding 
• Oatmeal 
• Cakes & cookies 
• Soups & creamy sauces 

This makes inventory management simpler and more efficient.

Powder Creamer vs Liquid Creamer

Factor	Powder Creamer	Liquid Creamer
Shelf life	Very long	Very short
Refrigeration	Not needed	Required
Cost	Cheaper	More expensive
Usage	More flexible	Limited
Stock consistency	Stable	High spoilage risk
Transport	Easy	Requires cold truck

The result is clear: powder creamer is superior for businesses aiming for cost control and operational stability.

Challenges to Consider

Although practical and economical, powder creamer has some challenges:

1. Different Mouthfeel vs Liquid Creamer

Some consumers feel liquid creamer tastes richer, though modern powder creamers have narrowed this gap.

2. Accurate Measurement Required

Consistency in flavor depends on proper dosing.

3. Film Layer on Coffee

Some creamers form a thin film if the drink sits too long.
Solution: use high-quality powder creamer with the right emulsifiers—such as Santos Premium Krimer.

Tips for Choosing the Right Powder Creamer for Your Business

1. Choose the Right Form

a. Powder Creamer – Practical & Cost-Efficient

Best for:

• Coffee shops 
• Trending beverage businesses 
• Food & drink manufacturers 
• Bakeries and hotel kitchens 

Advantages:

• No refrigeration 
• Long shelf life 
• Hard to spoil 
• Easy to measure 
• Lower transport cost 

b. Liquid Creamer – Richer for Cold Drinks

Best for:

• Iced drink franchises 
• Premium cafes 
• Ready-to-drink products 

Advantages:

• Rich mouthfeel 
• Great for cold drinks 
• Blends easily without clumping 

But requires strict stock management and refrigeration.

2. Evaluate the Ingredients

a. Non-Dairy Creamer

Uses vegetable oil, emulsifiers, and sodium caseinate.
Advantages:

• Lower calories 
• Suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers 
• Stable under heat and coffee acidity 
• Neutral flavor 

b. Dairy Creamer

Contains dairy components like milk protein or whey.
Advantages:

• Richer, milkier taste 
• Ideal for premium products 

c. Avoid Excess Sugar

Sweetened creamers reduce menu flexibility.

3. Check Packaging & Expiry Date

Important checklist:

• Secure seal 
• No damaged packaging 
• Long shelf life remaining 
• Choose size that fits your business type (sachet/bag/drum) 

4. Choose a Trusted Brand

A credible brand ensures:

• BPOM or regulatory approval 
• Positive testimonials 
• Reliable distribution 
• Consistent product quality 

Trusted brands usually offer:

• Product samples 
• Technical support 
• Multiple formula options 

5. Consider Calorie Options

Types of creamers based on calories:

• Low-fat creamer 
• Sugar-free creamer 
• Plant-based creamer 

Offering low-cal menus helps reach broader markets.

7. Test Multiple Variants

Each creamer has different creaminess, solubility, and stability.
Testing helps you:

• Find the best flavor for your brand 
• Understand hot vs cold performance 
• Estimate cost per serving 
• Create unique signature menus 

Powder Creamer Is the Future of the F&B Industry

With long shelf life, low cost, easy storage, and broad applications, powder creamer is increasingly the top choice in the food and beverage world. Along with modern emulsification technology, powder creamer can now deliver stable, creamy, and consistent results comparable to dairy products.

Want the Best Powder Creamer for Your Business? Choose Santos Premium Krimer

Santos Premium Krimer is the top choice for Indonesia’s F&B industry.

Advantages:

• Consistently creamy taste 
• Easy to dissolve 
• Stable under heat & coffee acidity 
• Non-dairy and low-calorie 
• Safe, certified, and industrial-grade quality 
• Suitable for coffee, tea, iced drinks, bakery, soups, and sauces 

If you want premium taste while reducing operational costs, Santos Premium Krimer is the most reliable solution.

Contact Santos Premium Krimer now and get high-quality powder creamer to elevate your product!