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."