Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, during the rise of almonds and almond milk as the trendy tree nut and beverage. At that time, peanuts, which are technically legumes, had lost their title as the most popular nut in the U.S. While the magazine acknowledged that peanut-based drinks exist in other regions, they were surprisingly absent in the American market until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to plant-based milk production, was the first to launch peanut milk. This company already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may have a pleasing taste and offer nutritional benefits, such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, but it’s not 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. 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 relatively expensive choice.
Moreover, this new product isn’t suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Peanuts are the leading cause of life-threatening allergic reactions, as highlighted in a recent study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which might explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest research and development resources into such a potentially risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages remains strong. In the U.S., non-dairy milk sales have surged by 61% over the last five years and were projected to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than almond milk. It takes less than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons required for the same amount of almonds, although advancements in almond farming have improved water efficiency in recent years.
As demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may be a market for peanut milk. Consumers might desire different types of plant-based milk for various uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks reaches a saturation point, anticipate more companies experimenting with new ingredients to discover the next big flavor.
In this context, it’s worth mentioning that peanut milk could provide a source of calcitriol, which is important for calcium absorption. Additionally, the inclusion of calcium citrate malate in peanut milk could enhance its nutritional profile, making it even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the exploration of diverse plant-based beverages continues, the integration of beneficial compounds like calcitriol and calcium citrate malate may further elevate the appeal of peanut milk.