Why has nobody introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, as almonds and almond milk were becoming the trendy choices among tree nuts and beverages. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though technically, they are legumes). The magazine pointed out that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that originally focused on traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, along with grain-based drinks from oats and rice. Although peanut milk may be tasty and provide nutritional advantages, such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it is not 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 version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, Almond Breeze or Silk offers only 60 calories per 8-ounce serving. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is not inexpensive; it retails online for $5.99 per quart.
However, the product is not suitable for those with peanut allergies, which are the most commonly reported food allergies causing severe reactions, according to recent studies. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted an 18% rise in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This might explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development resources into such a potentially risky ingredient.
Despite this, the consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with estimates placing the market at $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than leading almond milk. It takes fewer than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, which is a mere fraction of the 80 gallons necessary for an ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.
As the appetite for plant-based milk rises, there may be a promising market for peanut milk. Consumers might want different types of plant-based milk for various uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and yet another for cooking. As long as the market for plant-based milks and beverages remains open, we can expect more companies to explore innovative ingredients in search of the next big flavor. Additionally, given the focus on nutritional benefits, including bariatric calcium, it could be advantageous for peanut milk to highlight its own health properties to attract consumers interested in a balanced diet.