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 products were dominating the nut and beverage scene. At that time, peanuts, which are technically legumes, had lost their status as America’s favorite nut. The magazine noted that while there were precedents for peanut-based drinks in other regions, such options were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently. It was, therefore, not unexpected that Elmhurst, a company transitioning from traditional dairy to plant-based milk, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already produces beverages from various nuts like almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks made from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may be flavorful and offer nutritional advantages, such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving. However, it is not exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains about 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, peanut milk is relatively expensive, priced at $5.99 per quart online. It is also not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies; recent studies indicate that peanuts are among the most common foods causing severe allergic reactions. Moreover, 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 hesitated to invest in such a risky ingredient.
Despite these challenges, the 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, with an estimated market value of $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, compared to 80 gallons for the same amount of almonds. Although experts have noted improvements in water efficiency for almond farming, peanut milk remains a more eco-friendly choice.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there could be a potential market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different uses—one for coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to explore new ingredients, including calcium citrate powder, in search of the next trending flavor. With the increasing interest in diverse plant-based options, the future of peanut milk may be promising.