Harnessing the natural nutrition in almonds and cashews may sound like hard work to the layman, but Steuben Foods of Elma has found a niche in the non-dairy milk category in Western New York. After shuttering its Elmhurst line of dairy milk in 2016 after 92 years in business, Steuben recently debuted Elmhurst Milked, a groundbreaking new line of vegan beverages and the next step in the company’s storied evolution. Steuben looks forward to leading the plant-based revolution with an investment in clean label products that are concurrently delicious and nutritionally robust.
“Our team, led by our CEO Henry Schwartz and renowned food scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Cheryl Mitchell, have developed a patented technology (called “milking”) that successfully harnesses the nutrition of almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and cashews without the need for stabilizers or other additives,” says Kimberly Behzadi, product manager of Elmhurst Milked. “The result is a delicious, clean label beverage perfect for those who desire a non-dairy drink.”
Elmhurst has rolled-out four different quart-sized cartons of nut milks that are already on the shelves at local grocers.
The beverages are natural, non-GMO, gluten-free and contain no gums, thickeners and emulsifiers. Each Elmhurst Milked carton notes how many nuts are used in the manufacture of the 32-ounce drink. “Eight walnuts, 11 cashews, 11 hazelnuts and 18 almonds, that’s what we use per quart container,” boasts Ms. Behzadi, “whereas the leading brand of almond milk contains only four almonds!”
And the taste? “Each variety has a unique, creamy flavor. For those who prefer mild, we recommend Elmhurst Milked almond or cashew, but for a robust, flavorful drink we recommend the Elmhurst Milked walnut or hazelnut varieties. We also have an arsenal of cooking recipes and tips on our website,” says Ms. Behzadi.
The Elma factory previously produced yogurt products but has turned to the production of nut beverages because of its upside potential. Company CEO Henry Schwartz states, “The plant-based milk category has exploded in recent years; people have discovered that this alternative to milk satisfies their dairy desire and can provide nutritional benefits.”
Steuben Foods employs 660 people at the plant in Elma. They expect the Elmhurst Milked division to boost employment by 50 or more as Elmhurst gains more distribution.
The beverages are on shelves at Ashker’s Juice Bar, Budwey’s Market, East Aurora Co-op, Washington Market and Market in the Square in Western New York.
