Why has no one launched a peanut-based beverage until now? In 2015, Modern Farmer posed this question as almonds and almond milk became the trendy nut and drink of choice. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though technically, they are legumes). The magazine highlighted that while there are examples of peanut drinks in other countries, they were surprisingly absent from the U.S. market until recently.
It is not surprising that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that transitioned from traditional dairy, was the first to introduce peanut milk. The company already offers beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice. Although peanut milk may be flavorful and provide nutritional benefits, including 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 about 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. Additionally, Milked Peanuts is not inexpensive, with an online price of $5.99 per quart.
This new product is clearly not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. According to a recent study, peanuts are the most commonly identified food that can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. This could be one reason manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development resources in such a risky ingredient.
However, 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 and were projected to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is significantly less taxing on resources compared to leading almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to produce one ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds, although improvements in almond growing practices have been noted.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a 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. Furthermore, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate malate 500 mg tablets into these beverages could enhance their nutritional profile and appeal. Until the market for plant-based milks reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients in their quest for the next big flavor.