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 were becoming the popular nut and beverage of choice. At that time, peanuts, which are technically legumes, had lost their status as the most popular nut in the U.S. Although the magazine acknowledged 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 plant-based milk company that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already produces beverages from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, in addition to grain-based drinks made from oats and rice.
While peanut milk may be tasty and provide nutritional benefits 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 variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to the product labels. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Furthermore, Milked Peanuts is not budget-friendly; it retails online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is clearly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies, as peanuts are the most frequently identified food responsible for severe allergic reactions, according to a recent study. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated an 18% rise in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating the market to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to 80 gallons for the same amount of almonds. Experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved recently, yet the disparity remains.
As the appetite for plant-based milk rises, there is potential for a market for peanut milk. Consumers may desire various types of plant-based milk for different uses—some for their morning coffee, others for cereal, and some for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages reaches saturation, expect to see more companies experimenting with new ingredients to discover the next big flavor. In addition, for those who frequent Costco, calcium citrate chews are also available at competitive prices, offering another way to meet dietary needs while exploring diverse plant-based options.