Nestle Carnation advertises Coffee-Mate as a lactose-free, non-dairy creamer. It was first introduced in powdered form in 1961. Its liquid form, which must be refrigerated, was introduced in 1989. Both the liquid and powder form of the product remain in wide use.
Both powder and liquid Coffee-Mate contain corn syrup solids. Corn syrup solids are the crystallized form of corn syrup. Corn syrup is created by adding water and a small amount of hydrochloric acid to corn starch. The mixture then undergoes a heating process under pressure where the starch molecules break down and convert to sugar. The solid form is an evaporated form of this. This is not a form of high fructose corn syrup, which requires additional processing to increase sweetness.
The ingredients list for both the liquid form and powder include partially hydrogenated oils. According to the list of ingredients, these may include soybean, cottonseed, palm kernel or coconut oils. This is the second ingredient after the corn syrup solids. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, partially hydrogenated oils increase levels of low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, which are damaging to the arteries. These oils are also called "trans-fat," and are cheap to produce and do not spoil as quickly as unprocessed oils.
Sodium caseinate is a milk-derived protein present in many non-dairy products, including Coffee-Mate. The additive originally comes from milk, but the chemical conversion process leaves its molecular makeup different from in its original form. The main purpose of including sodium caseinate in creamer is to provide a dairy flavor and also to give the creamer a thick and creamy appearance. There is some controversy in the Jewish community as to whether Coffee-Mate and other non-dairy food products that contain sodium caseinate are Kosher. Some Orthodox practitioners argue that because it is originally derived from milk, it is still a dairy product, even though both dairy scientists and government regulators say it is not.
Dipotassium phosphate in foods serves as an anti-coagulant agent. There is a lack of studies regarding its safety, however the Food and Drug Administration regards it as a safe product. According to the International Food Additives Council, phosphates are an essential nutrient in the formation of bones and growth.
Mono- and diglycerides are fats derived from oils. One of their purposes is to give a consistent texture in food products. These are present in both the dry and liquid products. Mono- and diglycerides contain no gluten and serve to keep breads soft, caramels from being too sticky and oils from separating. They are safe to consume, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest states that they are most often used in products containing highly refined sugar, flour, sugar or fat.
Sodium aluminosilicate is a compound which may include sodium, aluminium, silicon and oxygen. The compound also contains synthetic zeolites, which are anti-caking agents. Both the powdered and liquid product contains sodium aluminosilicate. Some rocks, such as feldspars, are aluminosilicates. The compound does not have any significant health risks associated with it.
Coffee-Mate contains artificial flavoring and carageenan, a type of red seaweed derivative commonly found off the coast of Ireland. No other information is available regarding the flavorings included in the creamer, however carageenan has a long history as a gelatin and thickener in Ireland. Some concern about carageenan exists, especially in its processed form. According to Eden Organics, however, a seven year study where monkeys consumed carageenan indicated no adverse effects.