- Cockroach is a protein-rich substance that female Pacific beetle cockroaches feed their young.
- Many foodies and scientists are becoming interested in cockroach milk because it contains both protein crystals and amino acids.
- Cockroach milk is technically a complete food according to nutritionists, as it contains all the essential amino acids, fat, and carbohydrates you need.
- However, there isn’t enough science to prove that it’s an adequate dairy milk alternative for human consumption.
Wellness trends have definitely have taken an eye-opening turn in 2018, as tiger nut milk, broccoli coffee, and moon milk have emerged as some buzz-worthy yet equally strange health fads we all may never begin to understand. And now expect cockroach milk (yes, really) to become the next mind-boggling health craze, as major outlets can’t seem to stop talking about this non-traditional, yet impressive source of protein.
But where exactly does cockroach milk come from?
According to Frida Harju-Westman, an in-house nutritionist at health app Lifesum, cockroach milk is a protein-rich substance female cockroaches use to feed their young. And while the milk is said to have many potential benefits due to its rich nutritional content, Harju-Westman said it’s important to note that cockroach milk is only extractable from one type of cockroach — the Pacific beetle cockroach.
If you haven’t lost your appetite yet, and are still a little curious how anything from a cockroach could be actually nutritious, we spoke to some expert nutritionists and dietitians on the subject to see if the cockroach milk trend is actually the future of protein, or just another baseless wellness trend we hope eventually disappears. Below are some of the pros, cons, and weird tidbits of info about cockroach milk you never knew you actually needed.
Cockroach milk surprisingly contains protein crystals and amino acids.
"Cockroach contains protein crystals which contain a considerable amount of energy, much higher than that found in dairy milk from cows," said Harju-Westman. The proteins are also packed with a large number of essential amino acids, she said, which is good for muscle repair.
The slow steady release of protein treats the body to nutrients.
"As the protein in the milk is digested, the crystals in the milk continue to slowly release protein," added Harju-Westman. This slow absorption rate is known as a ‘time release’ protein, she said, and it ensures a steady stream of nutrients into the body.
Cockroach milk is technically a complete food.
"Not only is cockroach milk very high in protein, it also contains all the essential amino acids — as well as fat and carbohydrates — you need," said registered nutritionist Tara Allen. "It is technically a complete food," she added.
Some say cockroach milk has more protein than regular dairy milk.
"The reason people are so interested in cockroach milk is that it is a non-dairy milk alternative that is higher in protein than cow's milk and rich in other nutrients," said registered nutritionist Jillian Kubala.
However, it’s important to note that cockroach milk is also pretty high in fat.
"It should be noted that cockroach milk is very high in fat," Harju-Westman said. And while fats are necessary within the diet, she noted that this milk is much more calorific than normal dairy milk.
Tons of cockroaches would have to be harvested to make a small glass of cockroach milk.
"While cockroach milk may sound like a great alternative to traditional dairy milk, it is not yet a viable alternative, as a great number of cockroaches would have to be harvested to obtain a very small glass of the milk," Harju-Westman told INSIDER.
Cockroach milk won’t help you lose weight.
"For those interested in weight loss, cockroach milk will likely not be the best choice as it is very calorically dense," Allen added. Buffalo milk, she said, contains approximately 235 calories per eight-ounce cup, while cockroach milk comes in around 700 calories for the same amount.
You would have to purchase it in South Africa.
"Cockroach milk can be purchased in the form of ice cream at the Tokai Earth Fair Market in South Africa," said nutrition coach Malorie Thompson. Aside from that, she noted that it’s not largely available yet for purchase.
Some think that cockroach is the future of protein
"It’s important to note that insects may be a very valuable source of nutrients in the future, as they provide a sustainable source of protein compared to animal agriculture," said registered dietitian Sharon Palmer. You will probably be seeing more insect-derived ingredients making their way into products, she added.
But the science honestly isn’t there yet.
"We need to understand a lot more about the science of this food source before we jump to conclusions that this is the next superfood," suggested Palmer. We need to see studies understanding if it has any nutritional benefits in humans, she concluded.
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