Why has a peanut-based beverage never been introduced to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, during the rise of almonds and almond milk as the trendsetting tree nut and drink. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though technically they are legumes). While the magazine acknowledged that peanut-based drinks have been available in other countries, it was surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already offers beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, in addition to grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Although peanut milk may be flavorful and provide nutritional benefits such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it is not particularly low in calories. An 8-ounce serving of the peanut variety contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk contains only 60 calories. Furthermore, Milked Peanuts isn’t the most affordable option, retailing online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is also not suitable for those with peanut allergies. Peanuts have been identified as the most frequently reported food responsible for severe allergic reactions, according to a recent study. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development resources in such a potentially risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of slowing down. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, with estimates reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than the leading almond milk, requiring less than five gallons of water to produce 1 ounce of peanuts, in stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds. Experts have noted improvements in water efficiency in almond cultivation in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers could desire various types of plant-based milk for different uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. This trend opens the door for companies to experiment with new ingredients in search of the next big flavor. Additionally, incorporating supplements like calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and magnesium tablets can enhance the nutritional profile of these beverages, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As plant-based milks and beverages evolve, we can expect to see continued innovation in this space.