Why has the market not seen a peanut-based beverage until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, as almond milk and almonds became the trendy tree nut and beverage of choice. At that time, peanuts, which are technically legumes, had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut. While the magazine highlighted that peanut-based drinks have been popular in other regions of the world, they surprisingly remained absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s no surprise that Elmhurst, a company known for its plant-based milk products and formerly a traditional dairy, was the first to introduce peanut milk. They already produce beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Though peanut milk can be delicious and boasts 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. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is priced at $5.99 per quart, making it a more expensive choice.
Unfortunately, this new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. According to recent studies, peanuts are the most frequently identified food responsible for severe 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 hesitated to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is considerably more sustainable than that of the leading almond milk. It requires less than five gallons of water to produce 1 ounce of peanuts, contrasting sharply with the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds, although improvements in water efficiency for almond farming have been noted.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for specific uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and yet another for cooking. Moreover, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 into these beverages could enhance their nutritional profile. Until the market for plant-based milks reaches saturation, expect more companies to explore innovative ingredients to discover the next big flavor, including options fortified with calcium citrate with vitamin D3 for added health benefits.