“Exploring the Emergence of Peanut Milk: A New Player in the Plant-Based Beverage Market”

Why has no one launched a peanut-based beverage until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, a time when almond milk was gaining immense popularity as the go-to nut-based drink. At that point, peanuts had lost their status as the most favored nut in the U.S. (though they are technically legumes). The magazine highlighted that while peanut-based drinks exist in various regions globally, they were surprisingly absent from the American market until recently.

It’s not unexpected that Elmhurst, a company known for its plant-based milk products and formerly a traditional dairy, was the first to introduce peanut milk. The company already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice. Although peanut milk is flavorful and offers nutritional advantages—including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—it is not precisely a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of the peanut variety has approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version contains 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. For comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is not budget-friendly, with an online price tag of $5.99 per quart.

This new product is definitely not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Peanuts are the leading food linked to severe allergic reactions, as indicated by a recent study. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. Such risks may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to allocate R&D resources towards this ingredient.

However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of waning. Sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating the market to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than the industry-dominant almond milk. It requires fewer than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds, although experts acknowledge that the water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.

As the demand for plant-based milk continues to rise, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different needs—one for their morning coffee, another to accompany cereal, and yet another for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients in search of the next trending flavor.

Additionally, as consumers look for nutritious options, products like Kirkland calcium supplements could complement their diets. The evolving landscape of plant-based beverages may create spaces for innovative offerings, including peanut milk, which could provide an alternative for health-conscious individuals seeking diverse nutritional sources.