Why has a peanut-based beverage never been introduced to the market until now? In 2015, Modern Farmer posed this question as almond milk was gaining popularity as the go-to plant-based drink. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the most popular nut in the country (though they are technically a legume). While the magazine pointed out that peanut-based drinks have existed in other regions around the world, they surprisingly weren’t available in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not shocking that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to plant-based milk production, was the first to launch peanut milk. This brand already offers beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice. While peanut milk can taste delightful and provide nutritional advantages such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it isn’t exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of the peanut variety contains roughly 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to product labels. For comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, the cost of Milked Peanuts is not low, priced at $5.99 per quart online.
This new product is, of course, not suitable for those with peanut allergies. Peanuts are one of the most frequently identified foods causing severe allergic reactions, as highlighted by a recent study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development efforts into such a potentially hazardous ingredient.
Currently, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. In the U.S., non-dairy milk sales have surged by 61% over the past five years and were projected to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than leading almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for 1 ounce of almonds. Although experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved recently, the stark difference remains.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a burgeoning 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 a third for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages reaches saturation, expect to see more companies experimenting with new ingredients in search of the next big flavor. Additionally, as consumers pay more attention to nutritional content, products that also offer fortified options like beda calcium citrate dan calcium carbonate may attract interest, highlighting the trend toward health-conscious choices in the plant-based sector.