Why has it taken so long for a peanut-based beverage to hit the market? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015 when almond milk became the trendy choice among tree nuts. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the most popular nut in the U.S.—though technically, they are legumes. The magazine pointed out that while there are precedents for peanut drinks globally, the U.S. market had surprisingly overlooked them until now.
It’s fitting that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk manufacturer with roots in traditional dairy, was the one to finally introduce peanut milk. The company already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, in addition to grain-based drinks crafted from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may be delicious and packed with nutritional benefits—including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—but it isn’t exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk contains just 60 calories. Moreover, the price of Milked Peanuts is not budget-friendly, retailing online for $5.99 per quart.
Additionally, this new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Recent studies indicate that peanuts are among the most common foods linked to severe allergic reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which might explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
Despite these challenges, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of slowing down. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, with estimates suggesting they would reach $2.11 billion by 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than almond milk. It requires less than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds, though experts acknowledge that water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may well be a place for peanut milk in the market. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and yet another for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to explore innovative ingredients in search of the next big flavor.
Additionally, as people become more health-conscious, many are complementing their diets with supplements like calcium citrate malate, vitamin D, and folic acid tablets, which may further drive interest in nutritious beverages like peanut milk. As we look forward, the intersection of consumer demands for plant-based options and nutritional supplements could pave the way for exciting developments in this space.