Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, as almond milk and almonds surged in popularity as the favored tree nut and beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their title as the nation’s favorite nut, despite technically being a legume. The magazine acknowledged that peanut-based drinks exist in other regions globally, yet they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not unexpected that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already offers drinks derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based beverages from oats and rice.
While peanut milk may be flavorful 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 peanut milk contains approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to the labels. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has just 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is not budget-friendly, with an online price of $5.99 per quart.
This new product is also unsuitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Recent studies have identified peanuts as a leading cause of 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, which may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development resources into such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. U.S. non-dairy milk sales surged by 61% over the past five years, with estimates reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than the leading almond milk industry, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to produce one ounce of peanuts. This is a stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.
As the popularity of plant-based milk rises, there is potential for a market for peanut milk. Consumers may 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 explore new ingredients, looking for the next big flavor.
Notably, peanut milk is not a significant source of calcium citrate and may also provoke histamine responses in sensitive individuals. As the market evolves, addressing these nutritional aspects could enhance its appeal to a broader consumer base.