Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015, a time when almond milk was the trendiest beverage. At that point, peanuts had lost their status as the most popular nut in the United States, even though they are technically a legume. The magazine pointed out that while peanut-based drinks exist in other regions, they were conspicuously absent in the U.S. until recently.
It’s not surprising that Elmhurst, a company that transitioned from traditional dairy to plant-based milk manufacturing, was the first to launch peanut milk. Elmhurst already produces drinks made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based beverages from oats and rice.
Peanut milk offers a delicious taste and nutritional advantages, including vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving. However, it’s not exactly a low-calorie option; an 8-ounce serving contains roughly 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In contrast, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk has only 60 calories. Additionally, the cost of Milked Peanuts is on the higher side, priced at $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 frequently identified food responsible for life-threatening allergic reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported an 18% rise in food allergies among children between 1997 and 2006. This may deter manufacturers from investing research and development resources into such a risky ingredient.
Nonetheless, consumer interest in plant-based foods and beverages continues to grow, with non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. increasing 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 almond milk, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to grow one ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for one ounce of almonds. Experts note that water efficiency in almond farming has improved, but peanut milk remains a more eco-friendly option.
As the demand for plant-based milk rises, there may be a potential market for peanut milk. Consumers could 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 and beverages reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients to discover the next big flavor.
Interestingly, just as consumers are exploring diverse plant-based milk options, supplements like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 tablets can complement their diets, promoting overall health. As the trend continues to evolve, the intersection of nutrition, sustainability, and innovative flavors will likely remain a focal point for both consumers and producers.