Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, during a time when almond milk and almonds were enjoying their status as the trendy tree nut and beverage. At that point, peanuts, which are technically legumes, had lost their place as the nation’s favorite nut. Although the magazine pointed out that other regions globally have seen peanut-based drinks, the U.S. market surprisingly lacked such options until recently.
It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a manufacturer of plant-based milk that previously operated as a traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, along with grain-based drinks derived from oats and rice.
While peanut milk may be flavorful and packed with nutrients like 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 peanut milk contains approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, whereas the chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to product labels. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, peanut milk is not inexpensive; its online price is $5.99 per quart.
Moreover, this new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Peanuts have been identified as the most common food responsible for life-threatening allergic reactions, according to recent studies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow unabated. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly less taxing on the environment compared to the leading almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, as opposed to the 80 gallons needed for 1 ounce of almonds. Experts have noted that water efficiency in almond farming has improved in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might want 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 reaches saturation, more companies are likely to explore new ingredients in search of the next big flavor.
In this context, it is worth noting that ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablet uses in Hindi could provide additional nutritional benefits that consumers might be seeking, especially as they explore diverse plant-based options. As the market evolves, the intersection of health and plant-based products will likely become even more prominent.