Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015 when almond milk was all the rage and almonds had taken the crown as the most popular nut in the U.S. (though technically a legume). While the magazine acknowledged that peanut-based drinks exist in other countries, they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently. It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company known for plant-based milks that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. Elmhurst already produces beverages derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Despite its appealing taste and nutritional benefits—such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—peanut milk isn’t exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variety has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Moreover, peanut milk isn’t inexpensive, retailing online at $5.99 per quart. Additionally, this new product is not suitable for those with peanut allergies; recent studies indicate that peanuts are the leading cause of life-threatening allergic reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development resources in such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of diminishing. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with an estimated value of $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than almond milk, requiring less than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds. Experts note improvements in water efficiency for almond cultivation, yet peanut milk retains its advantageous position.
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 uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients in the quest for the next big flavor. Additionally, incorporating products like CVS calcium citrate D3 could enhance the nutritional profile of these beverages, attracting health-conscious consumers. As companies innovate, the search for plant-based alternatives will likely continue, possibly leading to a broader acceptance of peanut milk in the marketplace.