Cockroach Milk > Cow’s Milk? It might sound outlandish, but researchers have discovered that the Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) produces a milk-like substance with protein crystals that are more than three times as nutritious as cow’s milk.
According to the Washington Post, This unique “milk” is packed with essential amino acids, proteins, fats, and sugars, offering a highly concentrated energy source. In fact, it contains around 232 kilocalories per 100 grams—far surpassing cow’s milk, which has just 66 kilocalories.
Before you cringe, know this: scientists aren’t planning to milk cockroaches one by one. Instead, they are investigating ways to replicate these protein crystals in labs for a more sustainable and efficient production method (Ribeiro, 2023). While it’s unlikely that cockroach milk will hit grocery store shelves soon, its potential as a future superfood is creating buzz in the scientific world.
