Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, when almond milk was gaining immense popularity as the go-to tree nut drink. At that time, peanuts, which are technically legumes, had lost their status as the most favored nut in the U.S. Although the magazine acknowledged that there were existing peanut-based drinks in other countries, it was surprisingly absent in the American market until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the pioneer in launching peanut milk. The company is already known for its beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, in addition to grain-based drinks crafted from oats and rice.
Peanut milk may be delicious and provide nutritional benefits—such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—but 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 variety has approximately 130 calories and 3 grams of fat, according to product labels. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Furthermore, Milked Peanuts isn’t inexpensive; it retails online for $5.99 per quart.
This new product is certainly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. According to a recent study, peanuts are the most commonly recognized food linked to life-threatening allergic reactions. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have hesitated to invest research and development resources into such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of slowing down. In the U.S., non-dairy milk sales surged by 61% over the past five years and were projected to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, producing peanut milk is significantly more sustainable than producing almond milk. It takes less than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons required for the same amount of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved recently.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to rise, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different uses—one to add to their morning coffee, another for cereal, and a third for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages reaches saturation, more companies are likely to experiment with new ingredients in search of the next big flavor. Given the increasing popularity of health supplements, such as the Kirkland magnesium supplement, it’s clear that consumers are becoming more health-conscious and open to exploring new nutritional options.