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 gaining popularity as the go-to tree nut beverage. At that point, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut, even though they are technically a legume. The magazine acknowledged that there are examples of peanut-based drinks in various parts of the world, yet it remained surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company specializing in plant-based milk that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. They already produce drinks derived from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based beverages made from oats and rice. While peanut milk offers appealing taste and nutritional benefits—including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—it’s not exactly low in calories. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains about 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while a chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. This contrasts sharply with the 60 calories found in an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk. Additionally, peanut milk isn’t inexpensive; it retails online for $5.99 per quart.
Moreover, this new product is clearly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Peanuts have been identified as the most common food linked to life-threatening allergic reactions, as highlighted by a recent study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that food allergies among children rose by 18% from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a risky ingredient.
However, 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 past five years, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than that of almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to produce 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for almonds, although experts note that almond farming has become more water-efficient in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek 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 reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients to discover the next big flavor. Furthermore, incorporating calcium citrate into these beverages could enhance their nutritional profile, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers—especially those who are looking for products that are good for you.