Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, as almond milk surged in popularity. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the most favored nut in the U.S. (though technically, they are legumes). The magazine observed that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, the U.S. market surprisingly lacked such options—until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to plant-based milk production, was the first to launch peanut milk. Elmhurst already offers a variety of beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, in addition to grain-based options like oat and rice milks.
While peanut milk boasts a delicious flavor and nutritional advantages—such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—it is not classified as a diet drink. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, whereas 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. Furthermore, peanut milk is relatively pricey, retailing online at $5.99 per quart.
This new product is certainly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Recent studies indicate that peanuts are a leading cause of life-threatening 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.
Nonetheless, the consumer appetite for plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow. In the U.S., non-dairy milk sales rose 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 the leading almond milk industry. It requires less than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, a stark contrast to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds, although experts note that water efficiency in almond cultivation has improved recently.
As the demand for plant-based milk expands, there may be a viable market for peanut milk. Consumers could seek out various plant-based milks for different uses—one for their morning coffee, another for cereal, and yet another for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages becomes saturated, it’s likely we’ll see more companies experimenting with new ingredients in search of the next big flavor.
Incorporating elements like pure encapsulations of calcium and calcium citrate into peanut milk could offer additional health benefits, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As awareness around nutritional content grows, it’s plausible that peanut milk could carve out its niche in the burgeoning plant-based beverage market.