International Delight coffee creamers recalled over spoilage concerns
By isabelle // 2025-03-21
 
  • Danone North America has recalled over 75,000 bottles of Hazelnut and Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll coffee creamers due to spoilage and illness reports.
  • The FDA upgraded the recall to Class II, indicating potential temporary or reversible health risks from consumption.
  • Affected products, sold in 31 states, have expiration dates of July 2 and 3, 2025, and consumers are urged to return them for refunds or replacements.
  • The recall highlights broader concerns about coffee creamers' health impacts, including high sugar, artificial ingredients and additives.
  • Experts recommend moderation and healthier alternatives like unsweetened plant-based milks or natural sweeteners for daily coffee drinkers.
Danone North America, the parent company of International Delight, has voluntarily recalled more than 75,000 bottles of its popular Hazelnut and Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll coffee creamers. The recall, initially issued on February 21, was upgraded to a Class II recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 12 after multiple reports of spoilage and illness. The affected products, which were sold in 31 states, have raised questions about the safety and quality of coffee creamers, which are often packed with artificial ingredients and added sugars.

What’s wrong with the recalled creamers?

The recall stems from complaints of "premature spoilage manifesting as a texture issue," according to a statement from Danone. While the company insists that testing has confirmed this is not a food safety issue, the FDA’s Class II designation indicates that consuming the affected products could lead to temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects. The recall includes 32-ounce bottles of Hazelnut and Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll creamers with expiration dates of July 2, 2025, and July 3, 2025, respectively. The FDA reported that Danone received complaints of spoilage and illness linked to the products, though the company has not disclosed the number of affected consumers. The recalled creamers were distributed to states including Alabama, Florida, Texas, New York, and Ohio, among others.

What should consumers do?

Consumers who have purchased the recalled creamers are urged to stop using them immediately. Danone has advised customers to return the products to the store of purchase for a refund or replacement. Those with questions or concerns can contact the International Delight Consumer Care Line at 800-441-3321. While the recall highlights a specific quality issue, it also raises broader concerns about the health implications of coffee creamers. Many popular creamers are laden with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and emulsifiers, which can negatively impact heart health and digestion.

The broader issue with coffee creamers

Coffee creamers, including those not affected by the recall, are often far from healthy. Many contain high levels of sugar, saturated fats, and additives like carrageenan and mono- and diglycerides. According to the American Heart Association, men should consume no more than 36 grams of sugar per day, and women no more than 25 grams. Just two tablespoons of a popular creamer can contain 10 grams of sugar, which can quickly add up for daily coffee drinkers. Amy Bragagnini, a clinical oncology dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, notes that while coffee creamers can be enjoyed in moderation, consumers should be mindful of their ingredients. Many creamers include gums and emulsifiers, she points out, and they are not beneficial to our health, especially when it comes to the heart and digestive system. The International Delight recall serves as a reminder to scrutinize the products we consume daily. While the affected creamers pose a low risk of serious health consequences, the incident underscores the importance of quality control in food production. For coffee drinkers, it may also be an opportunity to reconsider their creamer choices, opting for healthier alternatives like unsweetened plant-based milks or natural sweeteners. As Danone works to address the quality issue, consumers are encouraged to check their refrigerators and take action if they own any of the recalled products. Sources for this article include: EverydayHealth.com ABCNews.go.com USAToday.com Health.com