Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? Modern Farmer raised this question back in 2015 when almond milk and almond-based products were becoming the trend. At that point, peanuts had lost their title as the nation’s favorite nut (though they are technically a legume). The magazine pointed out that while other countries have seen peanut-based drinks, the U.S. market surprisingly lacked such options until recently.
It’s not shocking that Elmhurst, a company transitioning from traditional dairy to producing plant-based milk, was the first to launch peanut milk. They already offer drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based beverages from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may be flavorful and provide nutritional benefits like vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving. However, it isn’t exactly a low-calorie option. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut variant has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, in contrast to just 60 calories in an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk. Moreover, the price for this product is relatively high, retailing online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is clearly unsuitable for anyone with peanut allergies. Recent studies indicate that peanuts are the most commonly identified food linked to severe allergic reactions. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of slowing down. Non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, projected to reach $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 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to 80 gallons for the same amount of almonds, although experts note that almond farming efficiency has improved over the years.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to rise, there may be a growing market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based options 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, expect more companies to explore innovative ingredients to discover the next big flavor. Additionally, for those considering supplements like Amazon Citracal Slow Release 1200, peanut milk could serve as a nutritious option to complement their dietary needs.