Why has no one introduced a peanut-based beverage to the market until now? Modern Farmer posed this question in 2015, at a time when almond milk was gaining immense popularity. The peanut, although technically a legume, had lost its status as the nation’s favorite nut. While the magazine pointed out that there were examples of peanut-based drinks in other countries, such options were surprisingly absent in the U.S. until recently. It’s not unexpected that Elmhurst, a plant-based milk producer that was once a traditional dairy, was the first to launch peanut milk. The company already offers a variety of beverages made from almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts, as well as grain-based drinks from oats and rice.
Although peanut milk may be tasty and provide nutritional benefits such as vitamins B6 and E, magnesium, unsaturated fats, and 6 grams of protein per serving, it cannot be classified as a low-calorie drink. 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 contrast, an 8-ounce serving of Almond Breeze or Silk contains just 60 calories. Additionally, peanut milk is relatively expensive, retailing online at $5.99 per quart.
The new product is clearly unsuitable for those with peanut allergies. According to a recent study, peanuts are the most commonly reported food responsible for severe allergic reactions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicates that food allergies among children increased by 18% from 1997 to 2006, which may explain why manufacturers have been hesitant to invest R&D resources in such a potentially risky ingredient.
However, current 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 an estimated market value of $2.11 billion in 2017. Environmentally, peanut milk production is significantly more sustainable than that of almond milk. Producing 1 ounce of peanuts requires fewer than five gallons of water, compared to the 80 gallons needed for the same amount of almonds, although experts have noted improvements in water efficiency in almond farming in recent years.
As the demand for plant-based milk continues to grow, there may be a market for peanut milk. Consumers might seek various types of plant-based milk for different uses—some for their morning coffee, others for cereal, and yet another type for cooking. Until the market for plant-based milks and beverages reaches saturation, we can expect more companies to explore new ingredients in search of the next big trend. Additionally, incorporating citrate malate calcium may enhance the nutritional profile of these beverages, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers.