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 was gaining popularity. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s favorite nut (though technically a legume). The magazine highlighted that while peanut-based drinks have been available in other parts of the world, they were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently. Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that transitioned from a traditional dairy business, was the first to launch peanut milk. This was not unexpected, given that the company already produces beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Peanut milk, while flavorful and packed with nutritional benefits such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, is not particularly low in calories. An 8-ounce serving of peanut milk contains around 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version 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 on the pricey side, retailing online for $5.99 per quart.
However, this new product is not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. Recent studies indicate that peanuts are among the most common allergens that can trigger severe reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an 18% increase in food allergies among children from 1997 to 2006. This may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest research and development resources into such a risky ingredient.
Despite these challenges, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages continues to rise. In the U.S., non-dairy milk sales surged by 61% over the past five years, reaching an estimated $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is considerably more sustainable than leading almond milk. Producing one ounce of peanuts requires less than five gallons of water, 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 grows, there is potential for peanut milk to find its niche. Consumers may 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 explore new ingredients in search of the next big flavor.
In this landscape, the introduction of products like Citracal Calcium Citrate D3 Petites Tablets 200 ct could also resonate with health-conscious consumers looking for a balance of nutrition from both beverages and supplements, further highlighting the diverse options available in the ever-evolving market of plant-based foods and drinks.