Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? This question was posed by Modern Farmer in 2015 when almond milk became the trendy tree nut beverage. At that time, peanuts had lost their status as the nation’s most popular nut (though they are technically legumes). The magazine noted that while there are examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, there was surprisingly no such option available in the U.S. 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 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 nutritious—providing vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving—it’s not exactly a low-calorie choice. An 8-ounce serving of the peanut variety contains approximately 150 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the chocolate peanut version has 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. In comparison, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk contains just 60 calories. Additionally, peanut milk is not inexpensive, with an online price of $5.99 per quart.
This new product is also not suitable for individuals with peanut allergies. A recent study identified peanuts as the most common food responsible for life-threatening allergic reactions. Furthermore, 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 been hesitant to invest in research and development for such a potentially risky ingredient.
Nevertheless, consumer demand for plant-based foods and beverages shows no signs of slowing down. Sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with estimates of reaching $2.11 billion in 2017. From an environmental perspective, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than the leading almond milk industry, requiring fewer than five gallons of water to produce 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed for almonds, although experts note that almond farming has improved in water efficiency recently.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may be a potential 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 calcium citrate malate with cholecalciferol tablets into their diets can enhance the nutritional benefits of plant-based milk consumption. Until plant-based milks and beverages reach a saturation point, expect more companies to experiment with new ingredients to discover the next big flavor, including innovations that may combine peanut milk with calcium citrate malate with cholecalciferol tablets for added health benefits.