Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? Modern Farmer posed this question back in 2015 when almond products were dominating the beverage scene. At that time, peanuts had fallen from their status as the most popular nut in the U.S. (though technically a legume). While the magazine acknowledged that there are peanut-based drinks in other regions globally, such options were notably absent in the U.S. until recently.
It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer with a background in traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. This company already offers a variety of beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Although peanut milk may be flavorful and provide nutritional advantages such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it is not exactly a low-calorie beverage. 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, according to product labels. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has just 60 calories. Furthermore, Milked Peanuts isn’t budget-friendly, retailing online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Recent studies indicate that peanuts are the leading food responsible for severe allergic reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This could explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to allocate research and development funds towards such a potentially risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, the demand for plant-based foods and beverages remains strong. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating the market to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable compared to the almond milk industry leader. It requires less than five gallons of water to cultivate 1 ounce of peanuts, whereas 80 gallons of water are needed for the same amount of almonds, although experts acknowledge that water efficiency in almond farming has improved in recent years.
As the appetite for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. As the market for plant-based milks and beverages has not yet reached saturation, we can expect more companies to explore new ingredients in search of the next big flavor.
Additionally, with health trends on the rise, products like citrate 1000 mg tablets may become more popular, as consumers look for convenient ways to supplement their diets. As the market evolves, the intersection of health and innovative beverage options will likely pave the way for more diverse offerings, including peanut milk.