Does cockroach milk have nutritional benefits?

What is cockroach milk?

The Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata) gives birth to live young, unlike most cockroaches, and feeds them a milk-like fluid. In the gut of the young, this fluid forms protein crystals. A 2016 study in the journal IUCrJ, involving researchers at inStem in Bengaluru, India, mapped the structure of these crystals. They are made of protein bound to fats and sugars. It was a laboratory analysis of the substance, not a study of people eating it.

What are the nutritional benefits of cockroach milk?

For people, none has been established. Headlines called it a possible superfood because the crystals are energy-rich and contain protein, fats and sugars. A commentary on the research itself says that how far it shares the health qualities of mammalian milk is unknown and needs further research. That does not mean humans can eat it safely, that it is better than other foods, or that any health benefit exists. We found no statement from a major health body such as the NIH, FDA or WHO recognizing cockroach milk as a food or supplement.

Is cockroach milk healthy or safe to drink?

It is not sold as a food. Harvesting it from large numbers of insects is not practical, and safety for people has not been established. Eating cockroaches or products from them can also trigger allergic reactions, and cockroaches can carry germs. We do not recommend trying it.

Is it a practical alternative to cow’s milk?

No. Researchers have discussed producing the protein with biotechnology, such as in yeast, rather than collecting it from insects, as a possible future project. That would not be the same as cockroach milk, and no such product is on the market.

What to use instead

• Dairy milk, which provides protein and calcium.
• Fortified soy drink, a plant option with protein.
• Other plant milks, which vary widely, so read the label.

For dietary advice, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian.