According to statistics at e-importz.com, 35% of the coffee drinkers in the US prefer their coffee black. That leaves 65% of us looking for something to put into our coffee. I have acquired a taste for unsweetened coffee so my whiteners have become pretty important to me.

Although they are listed in the order of my own personal preferences, I have been known to deviate from time to time either due to necessity or mood. In the style of David Letterman, we will begin with number 10.

10. Powdered Non-Dairy Coffee Whiteners

Basic powdered coffee whitener is great when no refrigeration is available. It is a way to always ensure that you never have to drink your coffee black. This powdered wonder has also undergone an upgrade. In a world where specialty coffee is the norm, they are now available in flavors.

9. Skim or 1% Milk.

Watching your weight or cholesterol intake? A few drops of skim or 1% milk will keep you from having to drink black coffee.

8. 2% Milk

Not as many calories or cholesterol as whole milk but a bit more creaminess than skim or 1%.

7. Soy Milk-Regular or Light

If you are lactose intolerant or are just dairy-free by choice, soy milk has become mainstream and is available most everywhere.

6. Whole Milk

Not bad in the creaminess department and still shy of the cholesterol and calories of cream.

5. Half-and-Half

Nice mixture of cream and whole milk. It is generally available everywhere coffee is sold.

4. Cream

Don’t see this around much as a coffee whitener anymore but I do remember the days. A lovely china cup with freshly brewed coffee and a dollop of cream--priceless.

3. Flavored Creamers

This is a nice alternative for those who like their coffee in flavors. My issue with the liquid creamers is that they generally contain sweeteners like sugar or corn syrup.

2. Latte Style

A latte is a generous amount of steamed milk combined with a shot or two of espresso. If I am going to take skim in my coffee, this is one of my favorite ways to do so. In Starbucks it is known as a skinny latte.

1. Evaporated Milk (Regular or Skim)

Okay, I am truly biased, but this is my number one way to lighten my coffee. It is also available in skim and is a lot creamier than regular skim milk. Unfortunately, I usually have to travel with this, but it is well worth it for me.

Diversity makes the world go round so remember, whichever whitener you prefer, to each his or her own. Enjoy!