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 gaining popularity as the go-to nut-based drink. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (despite being a legume). The magazine pointed out that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, such options were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently. It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to producing plant-based milks, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already offers drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based options from oats and rice.
Although peanut milk may be delicious and provide nutritional advantages such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it’s not precisely a low-calorie choice. One 8-ounce serving of peanut milk has about 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant contains 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to the labels. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, the price of Milked Peanuts is relatively high at $5.99 per quart.
It is also important to note that this new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. A recent study indicated that peanuts are the most commonly identified food triggering 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, possibly explaining why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest R&D resources in such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. In the past five years, non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61%, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally speaking, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than almond milk. It requires fewer than five gallons of water to produce 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds, although experts acknowledge that water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, 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 yet another for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages becomes saturated, we can expect more companies to explore new ingredients in search of the next big flavor. In this context, discussions about nutritional additives such as tricalcium phosphate vs calcium citrate could become increasingly relevant, particularly as manufacturers aim to enhance the health benefits of their products while appealing to consumer preferences.