Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? Modern Farmer posed this question in 2015, during the rise of almonds and almond milk as the favored tree nut and beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the most popular nut in the nation (despite being a legume). The magazine pointed out that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer formerly known for traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already offers beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks derived from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may be flavorful and provide nutritional advantages, including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving. However, it isn’t exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of the peanut variety has about 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version contains 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, as indicated on the labels. In contrast, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is not budget-friendly, with an online price of $5.99 per quart.
This new product is certainly not suitable for those with peanut allergies. According to a recent study, peanuts are the most common food linked to life-threatening allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
However, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to rise. In the past five years, non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61%, with estimates reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally speaking, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than leading almond milk. Producing 1 ounce of peanuts requires fewer than five gallons of water, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for 1 ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk grows, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might desire various types of plant-based milk for different uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and yet another for cooking. Until the plant-based milk market reaches its saturation point, expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients to discover the next trending flavor. Furthermore, with the inclusion of essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and zinc, which can be found in products like Kirkland, peanut milk could cater to health-conscious consumers seeking a nutritious option.