Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, at a time when almond milk was becoming the trendy choice among tree nut beverages. By then, peanuts had lost their title as the nation’s favorite nut (though they are technically a legume). While the magazine acknowledged that peanut-based drinks exist in other regions, they were surprisingly absent from the U.S. market until recently.
It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a company known for producing plant-based milk and formerly a traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. Elmhurst already offers a variety of beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, along with grain-based options like oat and rice drinks.
While peanut milk is tasty and boasts 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, whereas the chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to the packaging. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, the cost of peanut milk is relatively high, priced at $5.99 per quart online.
This new product is also not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Recent studies indicate that peanuts are the leading cause of life-threatening allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This could explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the last five years, with projections estimating revenues to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, the production of peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than that of almond milk; it requires less than five gallons of water to grow 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for 1 ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved recently.
As the demand for plant-based milks rises, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers may seek different types of plant-based milk for various uses—one to add to 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 to discover the next big flavor. Meanwhile, products like calcium citrate target are becoming increasingly popular as consumers look for diverse options to enhance their diets.