Beyond almond and oat: How pecan milk is shaking up the plant-based market

[marmar]

Beyond almond and oat: How pecan milk is shaking up the plant-based market
With PKN, America's only indigenous commercial tree nut could shake up the non-dairy industry

By Ashlie D. Stevens
Food Editor
Published December 15, 2024 12:00PM (EST)


(Salon) For decades, soy milk was the only widely available alternative for those seeking a non-dairy option. But in recent years, the plant-based milk market has transformed into a thriving sector filled with innovation, from almond and oat to pistachio and even sesame. According to McKinsey's 2022 Dairy Report, this evolution reflects shifting consumer habits: nearly a quarter of Americans now consume both dairy and plant-based alternatives, driven by factors like health, taste and sustainability. Yet, the market is not without its challenges — rising prices, environmental concerns and the need for differentiation have put pressure on producers to innovate.

Enter Laura Shenkar, founder and CEO of PKN, the world’s first pecan milk brand. Shenkar has positioned pecans, America’s only indigenous commercial tree nut, as a sustainable and nutrient-packed alternative in the crowded non-dairy aisle.

....(snip)....

The market for plant-based milk alternatives is growing crowded, with almond, oat and soy dominating the shelves. What inspired you to champion pecans as the centerpiece of PKN, and how do you see pecan milk carving out its space?

We’ve captured the attention of consumers because we are addressing a rare white space in consumer products — with a hero ingredient people always love to fill one of the mainstays of the American diet, milk.

As we look toward the evolving water crisis in California, it’s clear that we need to start looking for a new, water-resilient source of nuts.

....(snip)....

Your messaging emphasizes health benefits, from antioxidants to omega-3 fats. How do you balance communicating the science behind these benefits with making your brand approachable to the average consumer?

Consumers have a lot of options these days, so we’re committed to in-store sampling events that introduce PKN with its wonderful taste and also highlight the nutritional benefits. Flavonoids have been an unsung hero for brain-health, and people are interested to learn that integrating pecans into everyday eating can support longevity and health. ..........................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2024/12/15/beyond-almond-and-oat-how-pecan-milk-is-shaking-up-the-plant-based-market/

[biophile]

1. I usually use rice milk and coconut milk

So there are two more. Love almond and oat milk too but almonds are very water intensive. Just never cared for soy especially now that it’s all Roundup-ready soybeans.

[dem4decades]

2. My wife's relatives had a pecan grove in California, what a waste of water.

The way they grow those things, no wonder there's a water shortage.

[bamagal62]

3. I love pecans.

I had no idea pecans even grew in CA! LOL! My Grandfather had pecan trees in south Alabama. I prefer them over most any other nut. Funny, instead of leaving cookies and milk for Santa, we left pecans and a coke! I guess it was a way for my Dad to get us to shell them for him!

[Runningdawg]

4. With a nut alergy, years ago, I could safely order and eat in most vegetarian resturants.

But more and more, nuts of all sorts are turning up in foods that normally would not contain them.
At Thanksgiving dinner, I just missed getting a dose from my BILs vegan pie, when they cut the plain cheesecake with the knife from his pie containing cashew butter in the crust and almond milk in the filling.
I'm glad vegan food is becoming more accessible, but for me, it's a double-edged sword.