Why has no one launched a peanut-based beverage until now? In 2015, Modern Farmer posed this question as almonds and almond milk surged in popularity. At that time, peanuts, although technically legumes, had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut. The magazine pointed out that while other regions had seen peanut drinks, the U.S. market was surprisingly devoid of them until recently. It’s fitting that Elmhurst, a company transitioning from traditional dairy to plant-based milk production, was the first to introduce peanut milk. Known for their beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, they also offer grain-based drinks crafted from oats and rice.
Peanut milk boasts a delicious flavor and nutritional advantages, including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, calcium citrate, zinc, 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 around 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 comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has just 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is relatively pricey, retailing online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is also unsuitable for those with peanut allergies. A recent study identified peanuts as the leading cause of severe allergic reactions to food. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. rose 61% over the past five years, with estimates reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is significantly less resource-intensive than that of almond milk, requiring less than five gallons of water to produce 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, peanut milk’s resource-friendly profile may appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
As the demand for plant-based milk escalates, a market for peanut milk could very well emerge. 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 market for plant-based milks reaches saturation, we can expect to see more companies experimenting with new ingredients in search of the next big flavor, potentially incorporating nutrients like calcium citrate, magnesium, and zinc along the way.