Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? Modern Farmer posed this question in 2015, during the rise of almonds and almond milk as the favored tree nut and drink. At that time, peanuts, despite being classified as legumes, had lost their status as America’s most popular nut. The magazine highlighted that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other regions of the world, the U.S. surprisingly lacked such options until recently.
It is not unexpected that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk manufacturer formerly known for traditional dairy products, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already produces beverages derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks made from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may have a pleasing taste and provide nutritional benefits, such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving. However, it is not considered a low-calorie drink. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variation has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, in contrast to just 60 calories in an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk. Additionally, the price of Milked Peanuts is relatively high, at $5.99 per quart.
This new product is certainly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Peanuts are the leading food associated with severe allergic reactions, as indicated by a recent study. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted an 18% rise in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, the production of peanut milk is much more sustainable than that of the leading almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds. Although experts acknowledge that water efficiency in almond farming has improved recently, peanut milk production remains significantly more eco-friendly.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a viable 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, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients in search of the next big flavor.
Moreover, the nutritional profile of peanut milk could be enhanced with additives like calcium citrate, which is essential for bone health, making it an attractive option for those looking to boost their calcium intake. In this context, understanding “calcium citrate là gì” (what calcium citrate is) becomes relevant as consumers seek healthier alternatives in their diets. As more people become aware of the benefits of calcium citrate, including how it can complement products like peanut milk, the interest in diverse plant-based options will likely continue to grow.