An Unexpected Superfood Emerges
What if the most nutrient-dense superfood on the planet didn’t come from cows, plants, or even laboratory-engineered proteins—but from cockroaches? As strange as it sounds, researchers have discovered that cockroach milk, produced by the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata), contains protein crystals that are four times more nutritious than cow’s milk.
With growing concerns over food security, sustainability, and alternative protein sources, this discovery has sparked global interest. Could cockroach milk be the next game-changer in human nutrition?
What Is Cockroach Milk?
Unlike most cockroaches, the Pacific beetle cockroach doesn’t lay eggs. Instead, it gives birth to live young, feeding them with a nutrient-dense liquid secretion inside its body. This secretion contains milk protein crystals packed with essential nutrients, making it a highly concentrated form of nourishment.
According to a study published in the Journal of the International Union of Crystallography, these milk crystals contain a unique blend of:
- Proteins (providing all nine essential amino acids)
- Healthy fats (supporting brain function and energy)
- Carbohydrates (offering sustained energy release)
Unlike dairy milk, which mainly contains casein and whey, cockroach milk is a complete protein source, meaning it delivers all the essential amino acids needed for human health.
Four Times More Nutritious Than Cow’s Milk
Scientists found that cockroach milk has a caloric value nearly four times higher than cow’s milk, and it is more energy-dense than buffalo milk, which was previously considered the most calorie-rich milk. The protein crystals in cockroach milk are also “time-released,” meaning they continue providing nutrients over a longer period compared to traditional dairy or plant-based alternatives.
This means that consuming even small amounts of cockroach milk could provide an efficient source of energy and nutrition, making it a potential superfood for astronauts, athletes, and people in food-scarce regions.
Can Humans Drink Cockroach Milk?
Technically, yes. While it hasn’t hit supermarket shelves yet, researchers believe cockroach milk could be a sustainable, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional dairy. However, large-scale production is a major challenge.
Unlike cows or goats, milking cockroaches isn’t exactly practical. The Pacific beetle cockroach produces tiny amounts of milk, meaning millions of cockroaches would be needed to generate commercial quantities. Scientists are now exploring bioengineering techniques, including lab-grown protein synthesis, to replicate cockroach milk without using actual insects.
Potential Benefits and Ethical Considerations
If scientists can mass-produce cockroach milk without harming insects, the benefits could be revolutionary:
Sustainability: Unlike dairy farming, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, cockroach milk production requires minimal resources.
High-Protein Alternative: It could serve as a lactose-free, high-protein option for those with dairy allergies.
Food Security Solution: With rising global food shortages, cockroach milk could provide a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source in developing regions.
However, consumer acceptance remains a major barrier. Even though insect-based food sources are gaining popularity (such as cricket flour), the idea of consuming cockroach-derived milk may face cultural resistance.
Conclusion
Cockroach milk might sound unusual, but science proves it could be a nutritional powerhouse. Whether it becomes a mainstream food source depends on technological advancements, ethical considerations, and consumer willingness.
Would you try cockroach milk if it were available in stores?
