Milk may be the fourth most-consumed beverage in the United States, but that doesn’t mean everyone can (or wants) to drink their dairy. Whether you’ve embraced a plant-based diet or have a sensitivity to lactose, it’s becoming more common for Americans to make the switch to soy, almond, or coconut milk substitutes instead of reaching for the 2% or skim carton on a daily basis. Now, it looks like there’s a new alternative on the scene — and it’s one that seems to encompass its own classic combination, no bread required.
That’s right: peanuts have joined cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts in their quest to become drinkable. These milk alternatives don’t seem to be a passing fad, either. Between 2010 and 2015, U.S. almond milk sales increased by 250% and in 2015, almond milk sales outranked soy milk sales by $600 million. The demand for non-dairy has become so strong that companies are on the hunt for more nutty additions — and so, peanut milk was born.
New York-based Steuben Foods, which was an original offshoot of the now-defunct Elmhurst Dairy that shuttered its doors in 2016, is behind the newest craze. Steuben borrowed the Elmhurst name to release their “milked peanut” beverage, after conducting extensive research and investing millions in their own product. Since they released the original peanut milk and a cocoa-flavored version to select retailers this past January, the company says the response has been quite positive.
For one thing, the humble peanut manages to pack in an impressive amount of nutrients. One recent study involving more than 15,000 American children and adults found that those who consumed peanuts and peanut products achieved higher recommended daily allowance rates of vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber than those who did not eat peanut products. In its milk form, the protein component really stands out. Plain peanut milk contains around six grams of protein, while the cocoa version provides eight grams of protein per serving. That’s more than other plant-based alternatives on the market.
It also has a flavor punch that’s unrivaled. For folks who can’t get enough of the delicious taste of peanuts, this is a choice that’s likely to please. That said, taste tests have indicated that the flavor can be overwhelming for some, especially if you aren’t expecting it. Around 65% of coffee drinkers prefer to add sugar and/or cream to their daily dose of caffeine, but peanut-flavored coffee may not be everyone’s cup of tea. (It probably won’t be a welcome addition to your English Breakfast or Earl Grey, FYI.) It likely shines in smoothies and baked goods, but it might not be your favorite thing to pour over your cereal in the morning. It may actually be best chilled on its own.
Aside from the flavor and the nutritional value, peanut milk could be a welcome alternative for those who really care about the planet. Despite almond milk’s hype, its popularity isn’t actually very good for the environment. More than 80% of the world’s supply of almonds are grown in California, where drought has become the accepted condition. Growing almonds requires an insane amount of water and the demand has also harmed the already vulnerable honeybee. Through the Elmhurst label, Steuben’s goal is rooted in sustainability; they hope their product will diversify the market to reduce over-farming.
It’s a goal that appeals to the National Peanut Board too, as the organization has wanted a peanut-based product on shelves for quite some time. The NPB’s marketing and communications manager, Lauren Highfill Williams, told LancasterFarming.com: “We believe peanut milk has the potential to boost sales of USA-grown peanuts… Consumers are looking for more plant-forward products, and as consumers see the nutritional advantages and great taste of peanut milk, it will grow in acceptance. We hope this market for peanuts will be substantial.”
Whether or not peanut milk will become the plant-based standard for dairy alternatives is not yet known. But if you’re longing for a beverage that will tingle your tastebuds and help preserve the planet, you may ask yourself: “what’s nut to like?”
