Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? Modern Farmer raised this question in 2015, as almond milk surged in popularity, becoming the go-to tree nut beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as America’s favorite nut (technically, they are legumes). While the magazine pointed out that peanut-based drinks exist in other countries, they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently. It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to plant-based milk, was the first to launch peanut milk. Elmhurst already produces beverages derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks made from oats and rice.
Although peanut milk boasts appealing taste and nutritional benefits, such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it is not exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of the peanut variety contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk only has 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is not inexpensive; it retails online for $5.99 per quart.
Moreover, this new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies, which are the most frequently identified food allergies causing life-threatening reactions, according to a recent study. 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 R&D resources in such a risky ingredient.
However, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with estimates reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally speaking, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than 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. Experts have noted improvements in water efficiency for almond cultivation in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a 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 explore new ingredients, including calcium citrate calcium, to discover the next big flavor sensation.