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 gaining popularity as the go-to tree nut beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the most favored nut in the country (though technically, they are legumes). The magazine acknowledged that peanut-based drinks exist in other regions worldwide, yet they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that originally started as a traditional dairy and now specializes in plant-based milks, was the first to launch peanut milk. Elmhurst already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
While peanut milk may have a pleasant taste and provide nutritional advantages—such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—it isn’t 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 offers 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, as indicated on the labels. In contrast, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, the price of peanut milk isn’t cheap; it retails online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is also clearly unsuitable for individuals with peanut allergies. According to recent research, peanuts are the most frequently identified food responsible for severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no sign of slowing down. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating a market value of $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally speaking, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than the industry-leading almond milk. It requires fewer than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to rise, there may be a growing market for peanut milk. Consumers might desire 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, expect more companies to explore new ingredients to discover the next big flavor.
Moreover, considering the calcium citrate nursing implications, it is essential to understand how different plant-based milks can provide alternative sources of nutrients for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. As peanut milk enters the market, it may offer a unique profile that complements the nutritional needs of various consumers, including those seeking options with specific health benefits like calcium citrate. Therefore, the emergence of peanut milk could lead to exciting developments in the realm of plant-based nutrition.