Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? In 2015, Modern Farmer posed this question while almonds and almond milk were becoming the favored nut and drink of the moment. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the most popular nut in the U.S. (despite being a legume). The magazine pointed out that while peanut-based drinks exist in various parts of the world, they were surprisingly absent in the American market until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to plant-based milk production, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already produces drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based beverages from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may offer a tasty alternative and nutritional perks, including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving. However, it’s not exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, in contrast to just 60 calories for the same serving of Almond Breeze or Silk. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is relatively expensive, retailing online at $5.99 per quart.
This new product is also not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. According to a recent study, peanuts are the most common food responsible for severe allergic reactions. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to rise. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating a market value of $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than almond milk, requiring less than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts compared to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.
As the appetite for plant-based milk grows, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different usages—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages hits saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients, aiming to discover the next big flavor.
In discussions of nutritional content, it’s important to consider factors like vitamin D3 vs calcium citrate in enhancing the overall health benefits of various beverages, including peanut milk. As interest in health and nutrition evolves, consumers will continue to look for products that not only taste good but also provide essential nutrients.