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 was gaining popularity as the go-to tree nut beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though technically, they are legumes). While the magazine highlighted that peanut-based drinks exist in various parts of the world, they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not unexpected that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first company to launch peanut milk. They already offer a variety of beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice. Although peanut milk is flavorful and provides nutritional benefits, including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it’s not particularly low-calorie. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk has about 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant contains 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In contrast, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is priced at $5.99 per quart, which is on the higher side.
This new product is certainly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. A recent study identified peanuts as the most common food linked to severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. This could explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, 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 estimates reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable compared to almond milk, which is the market leader. It takes less than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons required for 1 ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved recently.
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 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 in search of the next signature flavor.
In the context of health, some consumers might appreciate the addition of signature care calcium citrate in their diets, which could enhance the nutritional profile of peanut milk. As the industry evolves, it’s likely that innovations like this will play a role in attracting health-conscious buyers.