Coffee cream and whiteners come in the form of either liquid or granular substances as a substitute for milk or cream used in hot beverages. They do not contain lactose and therefore are commonly described as not being dairy products (although many contain a milk-derived protein).

To replicate the mouthfeel of milk fats, nondairy creamers often contain vegetable-based fats, although non fat non dairy creamers/whiteners also exist.