Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, coinciding with the rise of almonds and almond milk as the preferred tree nut and beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though technically, they are legumes). The magazine acknowledged that other countries have seen peanut-based drinks, yet such offerings were conspicuously absent in the U.S. until recently. It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer with roots in traditional dairy, was the company to launch peanut milk. They already offer beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Peanut milk not only tastes good but also provides nutritional benefits, 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 has approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant contains 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts isn’t inexpensive, retailing online at $5.99 per quart.
This new product also poses a challenge for those with peanut allergies. Recent studies identified peanuts as the leading cause of life-threatening allergic reactions to food. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This might explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
Despite these challenges, the consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, with an estimated market value of $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly less taxing on resources compared to leading almond milk. It requires less than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds. Experts note, however, that water efficiency in almond farming has improved in recent years.
As interest in plant-based milk rises, there may indeed be a place for peanut milk in the market. Consumers might want to explore various plant-based milks for different uses: one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. And as the market for plant-based beverages continues to expand, expect to see more companies experimenting with innovative ingredients, including those that enhance wellness, such as calcium citrate and berry extracts. As long as the demand for diverse plant-based options persists, the exploration of new flavors and formulations is likely to flourish.