Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015 when almond milk was becoming the preferred tree nut beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though they are technically a legume). The magazine highlighted that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, the U.S. surprisingly lacked this option until recently. Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to producing plant-based milks, has finally launched peanut milk. It’s not unexpected, given that they already offer drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based options from oats and rice.
Although peanut milk is tasty and provides nutritional benefits—such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—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 comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is priced at $5.99 per quart, making it a premium product. It’s also crucial to note that this beverage is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. A recent study identified peanuts as the leading cause of life-threatening allergic reactions, and the CDC reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This may partly explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
Currently, however, consumer 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, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally speaking, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than the almond milk industry, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts compared to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds. Despite improvements in water efficiency for almond cultivation, peanut milk presents a more eco-friendly alternative.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may be a niche 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. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients in the quest for the next big flavor. Meanwhile, the question remains: is calcium citrate bad for you, particularly for those considering alternative milk options? As consumers explore plant-based beverages, understanding the nutritional implications of ingredients like calcium citrate will be essential.